Building a start-up ecosystem
The Ministry of Science, Education, and Youth, in collaboration with the Nikola Tesla Innovation Center (ICENT) at FER, has launched activities to build a startup ecosystem for researchers and students as part of the DIGIT – Digital, Innovation and Green Technology project, financed through a World Bank loan. The total funding allocated for these activities amounts to 1.1 million euros.
The program aims to support researchers and students in developing scientific ideas that address specific industry problems and push these ideas toward commercialization. The activities include a series of events and mentoring services to provide practical support for researchers and students in their entrepreneurial journey.
The program’s core activity is implemented through ICENT’s research entrepreneurship initiative, Nuqleus, which has so far resulted in the establishment of 16 spin-off companies and raised over 1.8 million euros for their growth. With the support of the DIGIT project, ICENT plans to significantly expand the scope of its activities, offering structured education and mentoring led by a team of mentors with extensive business experience and strong connections to industry and investors.
The program includes:
- Organizing capacity-building events such as workshops and multi-day brainstorming sessions
- Support in forming teams, validating ideas, and developing products
- Individual mentoring for business and product development
- Education on business aspects of startup development
- Organizing and participating in showcase events to connect with investors.
This two-year program will lay the foundation for the sustainable development of Croatia’s innovation ecosystem, fostering the growth of high-tech companies arising from scientific research.
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