Category: Events

On 22 November 2024, we held the 7th edition of the traditional Torpedo Days event in the Torpedo Production Park under a joint organisation with the Centre Europe Direct Rijeka and the project EDIH Adria. This year's theme, “Digital evolution: AI solutions for business success,” attracted participants from the world of entrepreneurship, technology and the public sector.

The Mayor of Rijeka, Marko, addressed the audience at the opening. Filipović and Director of the Rijeka Development Agency Porin, Nenad Antolović. Mayor Filipović stressed the importance of Torpedo Days in positioning Rijeka as a city of innovation, emphasizing the city's commitment to projects that foster digital transformation and economic development. The event also presented the Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the key legislative framework of the European Union for the responsible use of AI technologies discussed by Ana. Jerkovic, Head of Europe Direct Rijeka.

The program was marked by an inspiring speech by Peter Dučić from the company Infobip, on the topic ‘AI in business: how digital evolution drives success" . Dučić provided an overview of the latest trends in the implementation of AI solutions and shared examples of successful projects that show how artificial intelligence enables innovation and increases the competitiveness of companies. He stressed that today there are increasingly visible trends with which brands as a whole are so-called ‘customer journey“ leave it to digital tools, so today, in the world, customers are enabled to communicate with the brand, purchase products and give feedback on the process through, for example, the WhatsApp application.

The event continued with the presentation of concrete test results ’test before invest“ activities on traffic optimisation in the area of the City of Opatija, the Municipality of Matulji and the City of Cres. Saša Vojvodić and Neven Grubišić presented examples of how AI can improve transport solutions and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

Panel discussion on the topic “How AI shapes the future of business” gathered leading experts, Petra Dučić (Infobip), Damira Medveda (EDIH Adria), Tomislava Lukić (Croator) and Daniel Antonic (City of Rijeka). The discussion was moderated by Nenad Antolović, while the introduction was given by Damir Medved. Panellists discussed the challenges and opportunities brought by AI, with an emphasis on the importance of education and adaptation of entrepreneurs to new technologies. A particular interest of the panels is the fact that the questions for the panellists were designed with the help of ChatGPT, which further demonstrated the potential of AI in practical application.

Finally, the participants had the opportunity to participate in the interactive the AI Quiz, which further delighted the audience with its innovativeness. The meeting was concluded at the afterparty, which provided an opportunity to network and exchange experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.

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The 7th edition of Torpedo Days once again showed the importance of cooperation between the private sector, academia and public institutions in shaping the digital future of Rijeka and the wider region. It is especially emphasized that Rijeka, through projects such as the Sinergan Incubator, which soon opens its doors, is committed to creating space for the development of IT, creative and smart-city industries. Synergana will support entrepreneurs, students and creative innovators, thus confirming the city's position as a hub for innovation and digital advancement.

It is our great pleasure to announce the seventh edition of the traditional event Torpedo Days, organised by the Rijeka Development Agency Porin, Europe Direct Centre Rijeka the Project EDIH Adria, 22 November from 12 a.m. to 3 p.m. in space the Torpedo Production Park (Milutina Barača 60, 51000 Rijeka).

This year's event is dedicated to the theme “Digital evolution: AI solutions for business success" It brings together experts, entrepreneurs and representatives of the local community to explore together new opportunities for AI applications in the business world.

The event will include inspiring lectures, panel discussions with leading experts, practical examples of successful initiatives, and an interactive AI quiz. As always, Torpedo Days offers the opportunity to network and exchange ideas among participants at a lunch party.

Registration is mandatory via online forms, and the number of seats is limited, so please register on time, No later than November 19th.

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We look forward to your arrival at this special edition of Torpedo Days, with the opportunity to share knowledge about AI and its potential for business success!

On Saturday, October 19th, the first phase of the two-day ecological action was completed ‘The sea merges – #EUBeachCleanup Rijeka 2024", with which Rijeka joined a global initiative dedicated to the conservation of marine ecosystems through the clean-up of seabeds and beaches.

The action gathered a large number of volunteers, divers and local institutions on Grčevo beach with the aim of cleaning the seabed and raising awareness of the importance of preserving the sea and the environment.

The opening ceremony was attended by representatives of the City of Rijeka, including Head of the Health, Social Protection and Quality of Life Directorate Karla Mušković, and Perica Prpić from the Association of Special Police of the Homeland War "Ajkula", a key partner in the coordination of divers and the organisation of underwater cleaning. EUROPE DIRECT Rijeka and our agency was represented by the director of Nenad Antolović.

In the cleaning of the seabed participated about 65 divers from Croatia, Slovenia and Austria, with the support of more than 50 volunteers and members of volunteer fire brigades. It was extracted from the underwater world. more than 5 cubic meters of coarse waste, including plastic items, old truck tires, metal constructions, shopping trolleys and even rusty garbage bins. These scenes emphasize the seriousness of pollution of the marine environment and the need for continuous efforts in the conservation of the sea and the coast.

The Association of the Special Police of the Homeland War ‘Ajkula’ played a key role in organising and coordinating the cleaning of the seabed during the action ‘Sea connects: #EUBeachCleanup Rijeka 2024’. Their experience, professionalism and dedication have ensured the safe and effective implementation of this demanding environmental action. As long-time organizers of such initiatives, the members of the Association not only led and coordinated divers, but also actively participated in every step of the action. The underwater action also involved divers and diving clubs from Zagreb, Crikvenica, Kraljevica, Bakar, Duga Resa, as well as representatives of the Rijeka Special and Intervention Police Unit, the Lučko Anti-Terrorism Unit and the ‘Alfa’ Special Police Unit. The action was carried out in cooperation with the City of Rijeka, KD Čistoća and with the support of the European Commission Representation in Croatia, and it was also supported by the Viktor Lenac shipyard, Adriatic Maritime Service, Eco Kvarner, Pajol bar, HKD volunteers in Sušak and the Coast of our grandchildren association.

The aim of the campaign #EU Beach Cleanup is to raise awareness of the importance of preserving the seas and oceans and to point out the impact of everyday human habits on the marine ecosystem, as well as to raise awareness of how our habits affect our seas and oceans. It is estimated that up to 37 million tonnes of plastic waste will enter the ocean annually by 2040, putting marine life at great risk. 

Last year, 555 events were organized in 44 countries in which 45,733 volunteers participated, and judging by the turnout, Rijeka's EU Beach Cleanup will be the most comprehensive in Croatia.

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Author of photographs: Tanja Kanazir

As part of the project implementation Fusilli, on Friday 11 October, we held an event Fusilli Food Talk It brought together experts and participants from different sectors to discuss challenges and solutions in the transition towards more sustainable food systems.

Suzana Belošević Romac, Senior Adviser for European Projects of the Administrative Department of the City of Rijeka for the activities of the Mayor, the City Council and local self-government, opened the event, underlining the importance of the Rijeka Living Lab within the project, one of 12 laboratories across Europe, including cities such as Oslo, Rome, Turin and Athens. The planned association of the city of Rijeka was particularly emphasized. Milan Urban Food Policy Pact (MUFPP), a global initiative joined by more than 200 cities, with the aim of developing sustainable and inclusive food systems.

The audience could learn more about this initiative from a special guest. Andrea Patrucco from the city of Milan participated in the event online and presented the activities, results and principles of the work of the Milan Pact, while Sarah Czerny from the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in Rijeka presented the results of the research on the eating habits of citizens of Rijeka and the issues of food waste.

An innovative application was also presented at the event Food Waste Analyzer, developed by the City of Rijeka as part of the activities of the Fusilli project. This digital platform offers concrete advice and tools to caterers and citizens for better waste management. The application provides concrete tools and tips for more efficient waste management in the hospitality industry, as well as in everyday households.

Marko Radeljak Green Technologies presented several innovative waste management solutions, including industrial composters intended for the hospitality sector, which enable efficient treatment of bio-waste. He also presented small home composter, which is designed to enable households to reduce the amount of waste and thus the costs of municipal disposal. These composters give users the opportunity to convert bio-waste into an organic fertiliser, further reducing the negative impact on the environment.

A special interest was also raised by Zoran's lecture Delić, consultant, on the subject Zero Waste Hospitality. Delić stressed that the zero waste approach in gastronomy is based on reducing waste from the very planning of meals, the supply of groceries, to their maximum utilization. He stressed the importance of reducing the size of portions, the use of seasonal and local products, and transparency regarding food procurement and preparation. Delic also presented zero waste hierarchy, which includes the redesign of business models, the reduction of the environmental footprint and the re-use of materials

Panel discussion gathered experts like Greta Krešić the Faculty of Hospitality and Tourism Management, Hrvoja Margana, President of the Guild of Caterers and Tourism Workers of the Croatian Chamber of Trades and Crafts, and Zoran Delić, the consultant. Participants discussed the role of education, industrial innovation and practical solutions to reduce food waste, with a particular focus on opportunities in hospitality and the local community.

The conclusions are aimed at further improving sustainable practices in Rijeka, with a special focus on technological solutions and education to ensure the lasting impact of the FUSILLI project at the local level.