The third edition of Nuqleus’ Deep Tech Talks Vol. 3 took place on 25 November at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing of the University of Zagreb, as part of a joint programme with FER Connect, an initiative of the FER Alumni Board. The event brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, technologists and innovators, creating a strong platform for discussing the future of European technologies and Croatia’s innovation landscape. Deep Tech Talks centred on the theme “Innovation Made in Europe,” addressing the opportunities and challenges of the European innovation ecosystem and Europe’s position in global technological competition. FER Connect explored the question of Europe’s, China’s and Croatia’s technological competitiveness, with particular interest.

The DIGIT project was presented as part of the programme through a talk delivered by Ante Lončar, DIGIT Project Manager, who introduced the technological, innovation and startup community to the project’s objectives and broader context. Lončar highlighted that Croatia continues to experience slower productivity growth compared with its peers due to low investment in research and development, weak links between science and industry, and institutional challenges that hinder faster innovation uptake. His presentation outlined the key components of DIGIT, a project focused on strengthening research and development capacity with a particular emphasis on digital and green technologies. He presented the major infrastructural investments supported through DIGIT, including the modernisation of the research centre in Split and the modernisation and equipping of central laboratories within CoE MARBLE, as well as activities implemented through ICENT and Nuqleus aimed at fostering research entrepreneurship and enhancing technology transfer to the private sector.

Lončar also addressed the importance of technology scouting programmes and training initiatives designed to help develop the skills needed to assess, advance and commercialise innovations with market potential. The role of “scouts” was underscored as a crucial bridge between scientific institutions and industry stakeholders. Part of the presentation was dedicated to upcoming calls under DIGIT, including Seal of Excellence and Routes to Synergies, both open until the end of 2026, alongside the Technology Scouting and Pre-commercial Digital and Green R&D Support programmes, scheduled for publication in the coming periods. These funding opportunities will enable support for high-quality projects and the development of digital and green social innovations that can be tested in real-life environments with community involvement, further positioning DIGIT as a driver of a resilient and competitive innovation system.

DIGIT’s participation in this joint event once again highlighted the importance of connecting the technological sector with the social innovation community and research infrastructure. The audience received a clear overview of the opportunities DIGIT offers to a wide range of stakeholders, from research organisations to innovative companies and startups, as well as practical guidance on how to engage in the project’s future activities. The presentation emphasised how digital and green innovation can become a vital link between science, technology and societal needs, reinforcing the role of an interdisciplinary approach in creating solutions capable of competing at the European level.