The Jožef Stefan Institute, as the lead partner, has secured the SMARTFACT programme, bringing together 17 research and industrial partners to develop more efficient, flexible and sustainable manufacturing. Research teams, system integrators and end users will jointly develop and validate solutions in real industrial environments. The programme comprises four thematic pillars: AI-supported process control, robotics of the future, laser processing for electronics, and plasma technologies. Activities will progress from industrial research at TRL 3–4 to prototype development and demonstrations at TRL 5–6. Expected results include self-learning manufacturing monitoring, energy-efficient production scheduling, automated quality inspection using computer vision, adaptable robotic systems, advanced laser processing and thermochromic sensors. SMARTFACT will contribute to higher productivity, improved quality, greater energy efficiency and the competitiveness of Slovenian industry.