WHO WE ARE

Innovation and Development Center for the Forest–Wood–Furniture Sector

The Development Workshops and Laboratories (VDL) of the Technical University in Zvolen represent an innovation and development center dedicated to the entire forest–wood–furniture value chain.

Their mission is to connect research, development, education, and practice into one functional system that strengthens both the innovation ecosystem of the university and the regional industrial environment.

VDL are not only a space for research and innovation in wood processing but comprehensively cover the entire technological process – from raw material through technologies, machinery, tools, and materials to final products and their design.

They act as a bridge between academia and industry, linking the scientific and research potential of the university with the innovation potential of the industrial sector.

Facilities and Technological Infrastructure

VDL are located in an independent building within the TUZVO campus, with a total area of more than 4,500 m², forming the physical innovation core of the university.

Approximately one quarter of this area is dedicated to production and implementation facilities, which include:

• a professional woodworking workshop,
• a mechanical workshop,
• a modern makerspace – an open creative environment for students, designers, and innovators,
• coworking spaces for student teams and project groups,
• a startup center supporting the development of business ideas and innovative solutions.

The remaining three quarters of the building house specialized faculty laboratories focused on wood processing technologies, materials engineering, mechanical engineering, production process digitalization, and environmental sustainability.

A Multifunctional University Hub

VDL integrate the four key dimensions of the university’s mission into one dynamic environment:

• Research Space – for applied and experimental research in wood processing, technology, and mechanical engineering,
• Educational Space – for practical training of students in technical, woodworking, and design-oriented study programs,
• Creative Space – for student projects, design prototypes, and experimental development,
• Production Space – for prototype and experimental production, material testing, tool evaluation, and process optimization.

VDL represent a unique environment where science, technology, creativity, and practice converge. Their goal is to develop new products, technologies, and processes that enhance the competitiveness of the wood-processing sector while supporting sustainable development through the efficient use of wood as a renewable resource.