Category: News

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.

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.

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.

Croatian Employment Service Continues to encourage self-employment of the unemployed in 2025. Whether you want to open a business, a company, a self-employed activity or an institution, you can cover the costs of setting up and starting a business and purchasing equipment, IT programs or a franchise.

Eligible applicants

Unemployed persons registered in the register of unemployed persons kept by the Croatian Employment Service.

Level of subsidy and eligible activities

The amount of aid is determined by the organisational form and activities of the future business entity. That's how flat-rate crafts may grant aid up to 7,000.00 EUR, while for crafts with taxation based on income tax, company, self-employed activity or institution the amount of aid is determined by the future registered activity of the business entity, i.e.:

• up to 15,000.00 EUR is granted for the registration and future performance of activities belonging to areas classified by the NKD:
  • (C) Manufacturing (Sections 25-33)
  • (F) Construction (except group 43.6)

• up to 10.000,00 EUR is granted for the registration and future performance of activities belonging to areas classified by the NKD:
  • (C) Manufacturing (Sections 10-24)
  • (K) Telecommunications, computer programming, consulting, computer infrastructure and other information service activities

• up to 7,000.00 EUR is granted for the registration and future performance of activities belonging to areas classified by the NKD:
  • (D) Electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply (Section 35)
  • (E) Water supply; sewerage and waste management and remediation activities (Sections 36-39)
  • (J) Publishing, broadcasting, content production and distribution activities
  • (N) Professional, scientific and technical activities (all groups except: 69.1)
  • (O)Administrative and support service activities (all sections except: 77, 78 and 79)
  • (Q) Education
  • (R) Human health and social work activities
  • (S) Arts, entertainment and recreation (all except class 93.19)
  • (T) Other service activities (all sections except 94 and groups 95.4 and 96.4)

The amount of aid is significantly higher if you meet the criteria of a green or digital workplace, so flat-rate craftsmen can receive support at a height of up to €10,000 regardless of the registered activity, while crafts with taxation based on income tax, company, self-employed activity or institution can receive support up to €20,000.

Eligible costs

Support for self-employment shall be granted using a fixed and variable amount.

The fixed amount of aid shall be granted at EUR 5 000 and is predetermined for:

• initial costs of setting up and registering a business entity,
• the applicant’s full-time employment costs, and
• usual running costs for the first few months of operation (accounting costs, lease of office space, compulsory membership fees, administrative costs, small inventory costs, raw materials and consumables, workwear and footwear, website and advertising costs, etc.).

Variable amounts of aid vary depending on the registered activity for which the aid is granted and the eligible costs are:

• the purchase of new equipment necessary for the performance of the activity and which lasts or is used for more than one year (e.g. machinery, technique, tools, IT equipment, etc.) and the services necessary for the use of the aforementioned equipment (e.g. installation, assembly, assembly, etc.),
• purchase or lease of licensed IT programs,
• purchase of franchises.

VAT cost shown on the accounts not eligible for funding through the variable amount of aid.

Deadline and method of submitting the application

Applications for aid shall be received through online applications no later than until 30.9.2025, i.e. up to the cost of the funds provided. A pre-requisite for submitting an application is to apply via NIAS e-Citizens.

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Contact us to prepare your business plan and bill of quantities together. We will advise you on how you can take advantage of all the benefits offered by these grants and guide you through the entire application process.

We wish you holidays filled with love, joy and people you love.

Thank you for your trust and cooperation.

We look forward to continuing our joint success and new opportunities in the coming year!

We are proud to present the development of a comprehensive curriculum intended for education of project managers in the IT sector as part of the Erasmus+ SHIFT4IT project. This curriculum is the result of extensive research and collaboration with industry professionals and employers from four European countries (Belgium, Croatia, Italy and Romania). By integrating key insights and recommendations from practice, we have designed a program that includes competencies and skills that IT companies consider most important.

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Based on research

The curriculum is based on the results of a two-phase research process, which includes:

• Questionnaire It was completed by 62 experts from 56 IT companies from Belgium, Croatia, Italy and Romania to define the necessary skills and knowledge for IT project managers.
• Focus group with selected employers to gain a deeper insight into the characteristics, experiences and specific competences needed to succeed in project management in the IT sector.

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Curriculum aligned with industry needs

The programme includes modules on:

• Basis of programming: Basic principles of coding and algorithms.
• UX/UI design: Understanding user needs and creating intuitive designs.
• Project management: Planning, risk management and team coordination.
• Agile methods: Emphasis on iterative development and continuous improvement.

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Employer-led competencies

The curriculum covers skills and characteristics that employers consider essential for IT project managers, including:

• Team Leadership and Management: Inspiring teams, resolving conflicts and fostering cooperation.
• Communication skills: Effective communication with technical and non-technical stakeholders, clients and team members.
• Troubleshooting and decision-making: Analytical thinking under pressure.
• Technical and business knowledge: Knowledge of IT terminology, agile methodologies and project budgeting.
• Adaptability and continuous learning: Tracking industrial trends and navigating changing project requirements.

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Feedback and recommendations

Employers gave a positive assessment of the proposed curriculum, highlighting its alignment with the real needs of IT project management. Key recommendations include:

• IT system security and compliance: addressing privacy regulations such as the GDPR.
• Basics of cloud computing: Understanding modern infrastructure practices.
• Improved soft skills: Conflict resolution, negotiation and motivational techniques.
• B2B Skills: Effective communication with clients and relationship management.
• Practices and traineeships: Practical experience that links theoretical learning with practical application.

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Key insights and conclusion

Research has shown that while technical knowledge is valuable, employers attach great importance to managerial and communication skills. Specific technical expertise is often acquired through work, while adaptability and the ability to manage diverse teams are key to the success of project managers.

Our curriculum aims to address the IT talent gap by training future project managers, especially women from non-technical fields, to succeed in a dynamic IT sector. With over 90% employers who have expressed an interest in recruiting graduates of this programme, we are convinced of its relevance and impact.

This initiative represents a step forward in shaping the future of IT project management, bridging gaps and fostering diversity in industry.

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