Klimer Štirn & Co d.n.o., a proud member of the Slovenian Cleanroom Society (SCS), played a pivotal role in organizing and executing the first-ever symposium on cleanroom technology in Slovenia, held on September 15, 2025, in Ljubljana. The event brought together over 120 representatives from industry, science, healthcare, and government institutions, marking a milestone in the country’s efforts to advance this strategically important field.

At the symposium, mag. Nataša Štirn, President of SCS and Managing Director of Klimer Štirn & Co d.n.o., highlighted the most pressing challenges facing the cleanroom technology sector. She emphasized the emerging industrial challenges, including the shortage of skilled professionals, the urgent need for specialized education programs, and the importance of building stronger collaboration between businesses, academia, and government to ensure sustainable development.

Participants agreed that it is crucial to provide access to specialized cleanroom knowledge and integrate it into the formal education system. This is especially important as significant opportunities are emerging in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and healthcare, with leading international companies planning development projects in Slovenia with a total value exceeding two billion euros. These large-scale projects will require far more qualified experts than are currently available in the country.

 It was a special honor for the organizers and participants to host Mr. Hasim Solmaz, President of the ICCCS, whose presence gave the event additional international recognition and prestige. Additionally, the symposium was enriched by virtual contributions from Mr. William Whyte, Honorary Research Fellow at the University of Glasgow and author of the book Cleanroom Technology, which has been translated into Slovenian, and Mr. Conor Murray, President of the Irish Cleanroom Society (ICS).

A central goal set during the event was to establish a comprehensive knowledge ecosystem for cleanroom technology in Slovenia, fostering deep collaboration among stakeholders. To strengthen long-term cooperation, a formal commitment was signed between SCS and the Slovenian Energy Association (SZE).

The symposium, held under the working title "Establishing a Comprehensive Knowledge Ecosystem for Cleanrooms in Slovenia," was the first high-level event of its kind in the country. It underscored the strategic importance of cleanroom technology for Slovenia’s economic growth and the vital role that SCS will play in driving innovation, education, and workforce development in this rapidly evolving industry.

Photo highlights from the Symposium

Nataša Štirn, M.Sc., QA Manager and Co-Owner at Klimer, Slovenia, recently presented an innovative case study at the ASHRAE CEIC 2024 conference in Athens. Her presentation showcased the implementation of a Contamination Control Strategy (CCS) in alignment with Annex 1 requirements, which not only optimized energy consumption by reducing air volume flow rates but also emphasized the critical role of local airflow patterns around processes and workflows.

A key finding of the project was that Air Change Rates (ACR) alone do not guarantee effective cleanroom flushing quality. Instead, achieving proper mixing of “first air” with existing air at critical points within the cleanroom is essential. This approach led to significant reductions in both air volume flow rates and energy costs, without any compromise to product quality metrics. Additionally, microbiological control results showed marked improvement after implementing these changes.

A critical component of the success was the investigation and assessment of existing airflow patterns around processes and workflows. Smoke studies, conducted with MicroRite’s advanced equipment, played a pivotal role in identifying and analyzing these critical locations. MicroRite’s technology, which ensures neutral buoyancy, allowed for precise detection of areas needing improvement in airflow, supporting a more robust control strategy.

This case study highlights the potential for substantial energy savings in cleanroom environments while enhancing contamination control—a promising development for industries where energy efficiency and product quality are paramount.