On Thursday, 18 December 2025, the eighth edition of the Torpedo Days – Torpedo Reloaded event was held at the Torpedo Production Park, dedicated to the reinterpretation of Rijeka’s industrial heritage through technology, innovation and sustainability.
The event brought together representatives of Rijeka startups, technological and creative teams, experts for sustainable development and institutions and projects that actively participate in shaping the development of Rijeka. Through innovation showcase, a panel discussion and good practices is an open dialogue on how the city’s industrial past today is transforming into the foundation of its digital and green future.
A special symbolism of this year's edition was given by the information shared with the gathered by the director Nenad Antolović during the introductory greeting that Europe Direct Rijeka He was given a new five-year term., This confirmed the continuity of the work, the quality of the programme and the role of Europe Direct Centre as an important actor linking European policies to local development.
The meeting was also welcomed by the Deputy Mayor of Rijeka. Aleksandar-Saša Milaković pointing out that Torpedo Days has over the years grown into an important meeting place for ideas, knowledge and people who are actively thinking about the future of Rijeka, emphasizing that the city is entering a new phase of economic and industrial development, with the clear aim of creating an enabling environment for investments, entrepreneurship and quality life of citizens.
Innovation remains in the DNA of the river
Within innovation showcase "Innovation remains in the DNA of Rijeka" Rijeka startups and teams that today shape the local technological scene presented themselves. Through short presentations Own.Solution, Hartera Robotics, Medusa Technologies, Nomiea and Exevio showcased how Rijeka's ideas are developed in the areas of software, robotics, artificial intelligence and creative technologies, confirming that Rijeka still produces, only in a different way.
Industrial heritage as a development resource
Special emphasis is placed on EU project Re-Value, aimed at transforming coastal and former industrial spaces into new public, cultural and creative zones. Through case study and panel discussion "Reinterpretation of Rijeka's industrial heritage" there is an open discussion on concrete examples from Rijeka, including: Energanu, Benčić complex, Exportdrvo and other locations that are gaining a new role in the urban development of the city.
The debate highlighted the importance of connecting spatial planning, EU projects and development policies of the City of Rijeka, but also the need to reflect on future industrial heritage management models.
Shaping the future of Rijeka
Final panel "How to shape together Rijeka's sustainable and digital future?" gathered representatives City of Rijeka, EDIH Adria project, Rijeka entrepreneurs and creative and academic sector. It stressed the importance of cooperation between the public, private and civil sectors in the development of a city that simultaneously preserves its industrial heritage and builds modern, sustainable growth models.
Discussions have shown that sustainability is not only an environmental trend, but a necessary framework for the planning of future urban spaces, the entrepreneurial environment and the quality of life of citizens.
Old drives, new ideas
The eighth edition of Torpedo Days once again confirmed the role of this event as meeting places, exchange of ideas and joint reflection on the development of Rijeka. At the same time, industrial heritage is not seen as a relic of the past, but as an active resource that, in synergy with new technologies and innovations, can become the basis for sustainable urban development.
