Focused on innovation and technological excellence, Technology Laboratory of the Rijeka Development Agency Porin develops solutions for clients from different industries. The focus is on providing assistance and support to entrepreneurs, mainly through providing access to innovative infrastructure (3D scanners, additive manufacturing equipment from metals (DMLS technology), polymers and sand).
In 2024, Tech Lab stepped out of standard communication with industrial and technological partners and launched several projects with partners outside our current ecosystem. Through successful collaborations with renowned local, regional and national events, young researchers and innovators, the academic sector and the local community, Tech Lab has successfully found new clients, partners and associates, and the potential to spread the story of additive technologies beyond previous frameworks and to familiarize organizations with the potential and applicability of these technologies has been strengthened. During this process, the key Creativity and Proactivity of Tech Lab Engineers.
Design and development of awards for successful regional events
River Tattoo Expo is an international event dedicated to tattoo art, which brought together 120 tattoo artists from all over Europe and thousands of visitors in November 2024. This three-day festival offers a rich program that includes competitions, exhibitions, creative workshops, and music and dance performances. During the event, visitors could enjoy the live tattoo spectacle, attend inspiring lectures and interactive workshops, and get acquainted with the latest trends in the world of tattoos. Expo is also an important center for connecting artists and sharing experiences among tattoo lovers.
Tech Lab participated in the design and production of 40 awards for the winners of the competition, using 3D printing technology, and the prizes are recognized as innovative and unique.
First Rijeka Video Games Fair Expo GameRI in April 2024, the Exportdrvo space in Rijeka turned into a large gaming center where visitors could try out new games and gadgets, listen to conversations and lectures about the gaming and tech industry, and participate in competitions, tournaments, workshops and dance points.
Tech Lab designed and 3D printed prizes for participants of the competition bearing in mind the visual identity of the manifestation itself.
Collaboration with the academic sector
In cooperation with the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Rijeka, in June 2024 we organized a successful one-day Congress “3D Printing in Medicine and Engineering”. The aim of the congress was to discuss the application of additive technologies, with a special emphasis on innovation in the dental industry, and the congress served as a platform for networking and cooperation between the academic community and industry, emphasizing the importance of 3D technologies in the development of the medical and engineering sector.
As part of the cross-border project Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) InnovaMare, funded by the Interreg Italy-Croatia programme 2021-2027, Tech Lab services were used to develop prototypes and parts of carbon fibre molds. One of the key results of the project is Autonomous vessel Faust V, inspired by the work of the Croatian inventor Faust Vrančić. Faust V represents the fifth generation of technology that combines artificial intelligence, digitalisation and environmental sustainability, and sets new standards in maritime operations and environmental surveillance.
In addition, in 2024 we became University of Rijeka expert base, This enabled us to work more closely with the academic sector in terms of knowledge and technology transfer and exchange of experiences.
Innovation for Innovators
Innovative technology and a passion for developing high-tech solutions are often key success factors in sport and industry. Through cooperation with ambitious teams, such as Adria Hydrofoil Team i Riteh Racing Team, Tech Lab shows how the application of modern technologies, such as 3D printing and reverse engineering, can provide a competitive advantage internationally. These teams present the best examples of synergy between passion, engineering knowledge and technological innovation.
Adria Hydrofoil Team is one of the leading teams on the Croatian sports hydrofoiling scene, specializing in the development of vessels with hydrofoil technology that allows flying over water. The team brings together passionate athletes and engineers who combine top skills from sailing, surfing and engineering to achieve maximum performance. Adria Hydrofoil Team achieved second place in the overall Energy class rankings and third place in qualifications and speed tests at the prestigious Monaco Energy Boat Challenge in 2024.
Riteh Racing Team brings together students of the Faculty of Engineering of the University of Rijeka who turn their theoretical knowledge into practice through the design, production and testing of racing cars. Founded at the end of 2007, the team participates in prestigious international Formula Student competitions, where it demonstrates creativity, technical skills and teamwork. Tech Lab supported them through 3D printing mold for carbon fiber front spoiler.
Through collaboration with teams such as Adria Hydrofoil Team and Riteh Racing Team, Tech Lab continues to contribute to the development of new technologies and the creation of successful innovation stories.
