Category: Events

At a time when technological development is accelerating and global competition between major world powers is intensifying, the issue of European technological sovereignty is becoming more important than ever. How can Europe turn cutting-edge research into globally successful products and companies? How to build an economy that at the same time fosters innovation, protects democracy and develops the digital skills of the future?

These issues will be discussed at the conference. ‘Win the global race: why it is important to choose Europe", which will take place 9 July 2026 at the Museum of Contemporary Art in Zagreb, organised by European Commission Representations in Croatia and Algebra Bernays University, with the partnership of the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing of the University of Zagreb and the Ruđer Bošković Institute.

The conference is intended for representatives of the public sector, entrepreneurs, startups, investors, researchers, academia, students and anyone who wants to participate in shaping Europe's technological future.

A European vision of technological sovereignty

The conference will focus on the Executive Vice-President of the European Commission for Technological Sovereignty, Security and Democracy. Henna Virkkunen, It will present a European vision for the development of artificial intelligence, advanced digital technologies and innovation.

Its portfolio covers key areas such as the development of the European digital economy, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, the protection of democracy, digital infrastructure and the technological capacities needed to keep Europe competitive in a global environment.

How can Europe turn knowledge into a competitive advantage?

The conference will bring together representatives of European institutions, the Croatian Government, the academic community, research institutions, entrepreneurs, investors and the technological community.

Special emphasis will be placed on:

• investments in research and development,
• developing digital and STEM skills;
• strengthening the capacity of small and medium-sized enterprises;
• making more efficient use of European programmes such as Horizon Europe, InvestEU i Digital Europe,
• the role of the European Investment Bank in financing technological innovation.

One of the key issues will also be how to create the conditions for the growth of European startups and future tech unicorns.

Croatian Success Stories

Special programme units will be dedicated to Croatian examples of good practice.

Representatives of leading technology companies, research organizations and the startup community will talk about how to build globally competitive products from Croatia, how to connect science and the economy and how to develop a strong innovation ecosystem.

Innovation, Security and Democracy

In addition to technological developments, the conference will also raise important issues of European legislation in the digital age, from the safety of children and young people online to the development of trustworthy artificial intelligence and a regulatory framework that simultaneously protects citizens, fosters innovation and strengthens European democracy.

At a time when technological advances are shaping the economy, security and society, the question is not only how to innovate, but also how to ensure that Europe remains a place where innovation serves people.

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• Museum of Contemporary Art, Zagreb
• 9 July 2026
• 12.30-17.30
• Programme
• Applications (until 8 July 2026 5 p.m.)

STEP RI Science and Technology Park of the University of Rijeka has opened applications for the fifth edition Big Bang Camp, a five-day mentoring programme for scientists and entrepreneurs who develop new technologies and want to better understand their market potential.

The program will be held from 16 to 20 September 2026 in Rijeka, and applications are open until 24 July 2026.

Big Bang Camp is intended for anyone who develops innovative technological solutions and wants to explore the possibilities of their commercialization, identify the application in the market and define the first steps towards the development of a product, service or business model.

Through an intensive five-day program, participants will work with mentors and experts in the field of innovation, business development, intellectual property protection and technology commercialization.

This year's edition is being conducted in cooperation with VESNA Venture Capital, a €50 million investment fund focused on technology transfer and early-stage innovation development.

Who can apply?

The programme is intended to:

• scientists and technology developers in collaboration with the scientific community;
• SMEs with high growth potential technological solutions

The maximum number of members per team is two.

What do participants get?

By participating in the program, students receive:

• mentoring support in technology development and commercialization
• business consulting and business model development
• Analysis of the market potential of technology
• opportunity to present the idea to investors/funds
• Breakfast and lunch during the program
• possibility of financing accommodation for participants outside Rijeka

Additional prizes are also provided for the best teams:

• Apple iPad A16
• possibility of presentation before the investment committee of VESNA Capital
• 6-month pre-incubation programme in STEP RI

Deadline and method of application

Applications are open until 24 July 2026, and are received here.

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More information is available here.

Are you thinking about introducing artificial intelligence into your business, but are you not sure where to start? Which process to automate first? Where can AI bring real value? Is it worth developing your own solution or should you test the idea first?

These are the questions that the webinar answers. ‘Test AI before investing: How to start?’, organised as part of the project EDIH Adria.

AI is increasingly entering business processes, but without a clear understanding of the problems, data and expected results, it does not always bring the expected value. That's why the approach is test before invest An important first step. It allows organisations to check the idea before making larger investments, look at opportunities and reduce the risk of making the wrong investment decision.

What will you learn?

The webinar will show, through concrete examples, where AI can most often bring fast and measurable value, for example in administration automation, customer support, data analysis, sales and marketing, office business, healthcare, tourism, traffic and business operations optimization.

You will learn how to recognize processes that have the potential to apply AI, where AI can bring real business value, what it looks like to test AI solutions before investing, and how organizations from the private and public sector used the support of EDIH Adria. The webinar also includes a practical task through which you will be able to analyze your own processes and identify the first AI ideas.

Who is the webinar for?

The webinar is intended for anyone who wants to better understand the possibilities of introducing AI into business, especially businesses, crafts and public sector organisations They want to take the first steps towards a meaningful and sustainable use of AI.

Who runs the webinar?

Water Webinar Assoc. prof. dr. sc. Danijela Jakšić i doc. dr. sc. Kristian Stancin from the University of Rijeka, Faculty of Informatics and Digital Technologies.

When and where?

Date: 11 June 2026
Time: 10:00-12:00
Location: online, MS Teams

Applications?

Applications are received by Monday 8 June 2026 here.

Participation is free.

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Find out more about the introduction of AI into the business here.

Do you have a question about business that you have never received a clear answer to?

• Obrt, j.d.o.o. or d.o.o.? What really makes sense for my job?
• When must VAT be entered and what does this mean specifically for the business?
• Can a company do business without employees?
• What's the problem if you only have one customer?
• How to legally withdraw money from a business or craft?
• Does the owner or director have to be employed by his/her own company?
• How to hire the first employee and what to pay special attention to?
• What if there is no income? Loan, loan from the owner or something else?
• Bookkeeping: Lead on your own or hire an external service?
• What deadlines do entrepreneurs most often forget and pay dearly?

We bring you a different format of meetings for entrepreneurs. No classic presentation and general advice.

This meeting is conceived as an open conversation about real situations that entrepreneurs encounter on a daily basis. You submit questions in advance, and you get answers during the meeting.

The goal is not to go through the theory, but to provide clear and practical answers to the questions that often create the most uncertainty in business.

Who's leading the AMA meeting?

The Encounter Leads mr. sc. Kornela Paunović, an expert in finance, controlling and accounting with more than 25 years of experience in the field. She graduated from the Faculty of Economics and Business in Zagreb, Department of Finance and Accounting, as well as the postgraduate study of corporate finance. Currently she is engaged in education, consulting and bookkeeping through her own company ABC Solutions d.o.o.

Information and applications

• Date: 29 May 2026
• Time: 2 p.m.
• Place: Rijeka Development Agency Porin d.o.o. (Torpedo Production Park Conference Hall), Milutina Barača 60

Participation is free and the number of seats is limited.

You can apply here.