The second thematic category of this year’s Best of the Best 2026 program has come to a close! During Innovation Week, held from November 2 to 6, the project that received the most support among three outstanding innovative initiatives was Novartis with New medicine formulation – technical manufacturing improvement for a breast cancer medicine.
The winning project represents a significant advancement in breast cancer treatment. Through technological improvements to the pharmaceutical formulation of Kisqali, the Novartis team contributed to expanding its use from the treatment of metastatic breast cancer to early breast cancer, when the chances of preventing disease recurrence are greatest.
Through three key technological breakthroughs – advanced analytical methods for detecting extremely small amounts of impurities, precise temperature control, and an innovative drying process – the experts improved the medicine’s stability. This allows it to be stored at room temperature, eliminating the need for a continuous cold chain and making treatment more convenient for patients in their everyday lives.
The results highlight the significance of this achievement: the medicine’s shelf life in the EU has doubled to 24 months, while a development breakthrough that typically takes two to three years was achieved by the team in just one year. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Kisqali for the treatment of early breast cancer.
Congratulations to Novartis and the winning project team! By winning the INNOVATION category, the project has secured its place among the superfinalists who will compete for the ultimate title of Best of the Best 2026.
We also congratulate the other two finalists: KYBM, with its KYBORG project, an innovative AI-powered cybersecurity platform, and BioReCell d.o.o., with its innovative medical device Revive™, which automates the preparation of stem cells from a patient’s own adipose tissue. Both projects demonstrate how innovative technologies and bold ideas can create new opportunities and drive progress across different fields.
Next Stop: COLLABORATION
With the selection of the second superfinalist, this year’s Best of the Best journey continues. From November 16 to 20, 2026, the spotlight will turn to Collaboration Week, during which we will present three new finalist projects demonstrating how bringing together knowledge, people, and experience can deliver outstanding results.
The following projects will be featured in the COLLABORATION category:
- Telekom Slovenije, d.d. – Remote E-Care
- Iskraemeco, d.d. – The Hidden Spark of Knowledge
- Novartis, d.o.o. – Advanced Multipurpose Manufacturing of Active Ingredients for Innovative Medicines
Follow their stories and take part in selecting the final superfinalist!
The superfinalists from all three thematic categories will then compete for the title of Best of the Best 2026.
