FOI launches €6.1 million strategic project
The Faculty of Organization and Informatics (FOI), part of the University of Zagreb, is beginning construction of the first Regional Pre-Incubation Center for Smart Industry in Croatia’s academic sector. The €6.1 million project is supported by the ITU mechanism and carried out in partnership with the City of Varaždin.
The center will be located in the heart of the city, next to Villa Oršić, and will span more than 1,200 square meters of modern, fully equipped space.
A platform for knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurship
“This center will not just be a physical space – it will be a platform for knowledge transfer, collaboration with industry, and the promotion of innovative entrepreneurship,” said FOI Dean Marina Klačmer Čalopa. “Students and entrepreneurs will have access to top infrastructure, industry experts, and international cooperation opportunities.”
Public procurement for construction has already been announced, and the project also includes collaboration with local communities.
Early-stage development in focus
Project leader Professor Nina Begičević Ređep emphasized the importance of supporting the early stages of entrepreneurial development. “The focus is on pre-incubation, because successful incubation depends heavily on a well-executed pre-incubation phase,” she stated.
Triple Helix model: academia, industry, local government
This strategic project uses the Triple Helix model, which brings together the academic community, local authorities, and the IT sector to drive innovation and digital transformation in smart industry.
As part of the center, Croatia’s first Smart Factory will be launched, featuring an industrial robot and an OMiLAB installation for conceptual modeling innovation. A dedicated education and consulting team will also be formed.
Open invitation to future innovators
“We want to offer free support to anyone interested in developing their ideas in a professional environment,” added Begičević Ređep.
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