BTC City is redefining what a commercial hub can be by seamlessly merging cutting-edge technologies with the physical world. It is one of Europe’s most advanced commercial ecosystems, a unique urban space where emerging technologies are tested, scaled, and embedded directly into the daily lives of businesses and consumers. Situated in Ljubljana, Slovenia, BTC City integrates technologies like blockchain, AI, AR, and VR in ways that serve businesses and consumers every day.
BTC City was envisioned as a living ecosystem for innovation across payments, logistics, smart retail, and blockchain R&D. This ambition to create a fully tech-integrated urban environment led to the birth of the world’s first “Bitcoin City” – a place where modern infrastructure meets decentralized technologies to enhance access, efficiency, and financial inclusion.
Launched in Ljubljana, Slovenia, the concept quickly gained international attention. It laid the foundation for similar initiatives elsewhere, with Lugano, Switzerland emerging as the next city to embrace the Bitcoin City vision.
Today, BTC City hosts a vibrant blockchain and startup community, including companies based in the district and a growing number of innovators, developers, and enthusiasts who visit to collaborate, build, and push the boundaries of real-world crypto adoption.
Finalist of SEMPLER 2018,
Competition for the best media strategy in the Adriatic region.
VIDEO: Introduction of Bitcoin City for SEMPLER 2018 award
Building a Bitcoin City
The journey began in early 2018 when BTC City collaborated with local innovators to begin exploring the potential of blockchain in real-world scenarios. This included testing crypto payments, launching blockchain pilot projects, and developing partnerships to drive new applications of technology.
The real-world integration attracted media attention as well, positioned BTC City as a regional pioneer, and brought global interest to the idea of a “Bitcoin City.”
BITCOIN CITY noticed by international media
Today, BTC City continues to strengthen its role as a leading hub for smart solutions, leveraging technologies like blockchain and AI to build a more connected, adaptable future.
Built in BTC City
BTC City has been home to a growing number of blockchain and tech companies, creating a vibrant community of innovation.
BTC City served as the launchpad for what would eventually become NAKA, a next-generation payment network now powering crypto transactions globally, with a strong presence in regions like Switzerland and Latin America.
The journey began in 2018, when Eligma, a fintech startup co-founded by the BTC company, introduced GoCrypto and processed one of the first retail crypto payments at Atlantis Water Park.
Crypto has proven its real-world utility by being used for everyday payments across more than 150 merchants in diverse categories – from electronics, art, and sporting goods to grocery stores, restaurants, beauty salons, fashion retailers, car dealerships, and more.
This adoption was made possible by simple, flexible payment solutions tailored to merchants’ specific needs, including web-based checkouts, POS terminal integrations, online store plugins, and direct cash register connections. Merchants required no special training or onboarding, and they weren’t exposed to crypto market volatility thanks to secure, real-time fiat settlements.
Building on those foundations, NAKA emerged as a fully scalable, compliant infrastructure designed to support both traditional and digital payments across diverse markets. Its development reflects how BTC City enables companies to grow from local pilots into global platforms, turning innovation into live infrastructure.
Beyond Payments: Blockchain, Logistics, Startups
BTC City is also home to:
- OriginTrail: Pioneering blockchain logistics in FMCG
- ABC Accelerator: A launchpad for over 100 startups in 40 countries
- Community-driven blockchain experimentation and integration
Recognizing the importance of blockchain technology and integration, the BTC company encourages its development and acts as an active partner in its implementation. Bitcoin City hosts many enterprises developing business models that are based on advanced, blockchain-supported technologies.
Blockchain in logistics
BTC City hosts numerous enterprises that develop blockchain technologies for a wide variety of areas. One such enterprise is OriginTrail, with which the BTC company cooperates in the field of logistics within the framework of the BTC Logistics centre. This is a unique form of development cooperation for the purpose of integrating blockchain technology into the logistics of fast-moving consumer products (FMCG).
Blockchain and Startup Ecosystem
In 2015, the BTC company and its partners crafted ABC Accelerator, with a primary mission to create a state-of-the-art business environment in Slovenia and provide innovative entrepreneurs with access to international investors as well as accelerate their penetration into the global market.
Since its inception, ABC Accelerator has attracted over 100 startups from 40 countries, 300 mentors and over 30 million raised investments. Among the crowd of startups which have developed their business models in ABC Accelerator, there are quite a number of those that have done so precisely with the help of blockchain and artificial intelligence technology. ABC Accelerator has expanded its business operations beyond the borders of Slovenia and has further strengthened its position among the most successful and penetrating accelerators in Europe by setting up offices in Germany (Munich) and the US (San Jose – Silicon Valley).