Lab.cafe is a dynamic space – a community hub – for learning, experimenting and creating. (source: Lab.cafe)
From digital literacy to creative innovation and community health, Slovak companies are stepping up with socially responsible projects that drive meaningful change. Whether it's ČSOB supporting digital education, Lab.cafe empowering makers and startups, or Readmio reigniting children's love of reading, these initiatives highlight the power of innovation for the public good. In parallel, companies like Accenture, Kaufland, and Tesco are addressing urgent community needs — from homelessness and childhood nutrition to period poverty — proving that business can be a strong force for social progress.
ČSOB, Lab.cafe and Readmio companies compete for teh Via Bona award in the Socially Innovative Company and Accenture, Kaufland and Tesco for the award in the Positive Change in the Community.
The Pontis Foundation will hand down the awards to the winners during a gala evening in Design Factory in Jarovce, part of Bratislava, on June 17.
Socially Innovative Company
ČSOB: Digitalny Smart Grant
ČSOB has launched the Digital Smart Grant for schools, civic associations, non-profit organisations and municipalities, which focuses on supporting innovative digital projects. This grant programme offers funding to improve digital literacy and foster innovation in various areas such as cybersecurity, digital content creation and IT infrastructure. The aim is to support projects that deliver meaningful solutions. The initiative received more than 345 applications in 2024, with €200,000 of support redistributed among 16 projects.
Lab.cafe: The Place Where Ideas Take Shape
Lab.cafe is a dynamic space – a community hub – for learning, experimenting and creating. It was created as a response to the lack of available spaces for creative people in Slovakia. It combines makerspace, coworking and a café. Its aim is to enable the public, regardless of experience, for hands-on learning, develop new ideas and gain access to technologies that would otherwise be inaccessible to them. It provides access to modern manufacturing technologies such as 3D printing, CNC milling and laser Ove cutting. It builds a community of creatives and supports startups and innovators to test ideas, while also hosting workshops for the public, schools and businesses.
Readmio: An App Full of Fairy Tales for Children
Readmio is a digital publisher of children’s literature that combines traditional storytelling with modern technology. The app was created as a response to the problem of declining reading literacy and waning interest in reading among children. It offers interactive educational stories with sound effects responding to the reader’s voice, making reading aloud more fun for children. In addition to creating original stories, the company focuses on translations and expansion into different languages, as well as working with schools to develop reading literacy.
Positive Change in the Community
Accenture: Pro Bono Projects
Accenture leverages its technology and consulting expertise to support non-profit organisations through pro bono projects. In 2024, the firm provided more than €196,000 worth of pro bono services, representing 5,800 hours of volunteer work. Highlights include the implementation of a CRM system for VAGUS, which helps to better manage data on homeless people, and the Omama app for the Journey Out programme, which enables the company to better support families in need. The firm’s long-term assistance, implemented through strategic pro bono partnerships, is thus contributing to real change in the community.
Kaufland: Kaufland for a Healthy Diet
The project promotes healthy eating habits among children, focusing on increasing fruit and vegetable consumption in schools. Since 2018, Kaufland has provided nearly 1,000 tonnes of fresh produce to schools. In addition, the company organises workshops and cooking classes to help children build a positive relationship with food and healthier eating, as well as teach them how to prevent food waste. More than 42,000 children a month are involved in these activities. The project makes an important contribution to the prevention of childhood obesity and to long-term changes in eating habits in Slovakia, particularly important for low-income families who are otherwise unable to provide access to fruit and vegetables for their children.
Tesco: Period Poverty: Promoting Dignified Menstruation
The Tesco retail chain has decided to tackle the issue of period poverty in Slovakia through a major initiative. They have reduced the price of own-brand menstrual products by the value of VAT, making them available to a wider range of women, introduced discounts on menstrual products for female employees, and placed menstrual boxes in stores. In 2024, they launched an educational campaign to raise awareness on the subject. It also includes the providing of free menstrual supplies in schools and workplaces. The long-term project aims to raise awareness of the issue of period poverty and reduce the financial burden on women who face this problem.
