About us
The nucleus (Latin: nucleus) – core, essence
The Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER) founded the Innovation Centre Nikola Tesla (ICENT) in 2015, and the startup incubator SPOCK in 2016 with the aim of strengthening applied research and providing support to students and employees on the path of knowledge transfer to the industry, as well as commercialization of scientific research results. Since then, ICENT and SPOCK have been jointly organizing events and programs to connect scientific research institutions, industry, and startup ecosystems.
Over six generations of SPOCK, more than 125 participants from over 10 faculties of the University of Zagreb have participated in the programme. In the last two generations of SPOCK, 30% of startups have established companies and collectively raised over €100,000 for further business development. Based on six years of experience, a network of partners and achieved successes, the decision was made to launch a deep-tech venture builder called Nuqleus within ICENT.
Our goals
The development of the deep-tech (startup) ecosystem
The Croatian high-tech sector is rapidly growing. Croatian startups are attracting investments from globally renowned VC funds. New funds, incubators, hubs, and specialized associations are being launched, all striving for better conditions for the development of startups and the high-tech sector. The number of tech and startup events is increasing, as well as the presence and activity of business angels. Nuqleus involves scientific research institutions in this innovative ecosystem and connects all stakeholders through a structured program in which each participant has a clear role.
Our goals
More efficient collaboration between scientific research institutions, industry, and startups
The purpose of applied science is to solve societal problems and improve the quality of life. Whether it’s finding a cure for cancer or discovering a new, clean form of energy, science brings about the discovery, while industry develops and brings the technology to market. Nuqleus serves as a link that contributes to the execution of all those crucial activities at the intersection of science and industry. By regularly mapping and presenting scientific capabilities while listening to the needs of industry, better conditions for collaboration between these two worlds are created.
Our goals
Presenting the capacities of FER
FER consists of 12 departments with over 400 professors and researchers. Years of research have led to the formation of specialized research centers, such as the Scientific Center of Excellence for Data Science and Cooperative Systems or the Center for Artificial Intelligence, which bring together top scientists in their respective fields. Currently, numerous research laboratories operate at FER, and around 250 research projects are underway. Through Nuqleus, these capacities will be presented to potential industrial partners and the wider community in an attractive, engaging, and sector-specific manner.
Our goals
Responding to the needs of the industry
To take just FER as an example, there is more than 70 collaborative projects with industry, and approximately 40 cooperation agreements have been signed. However, both the capacities of FER and the needs of the industry exceed the current range of collaboration, meaning there is untapped potential that can be realized through structured, recurring projects like Nuqleus. Scientific research can address real-world problems, and the best source of problems worth solving are indeed industrial partners.
Our goals
Reaction to current circumstances
Successful Croatian startups such as Infobip, Rimac Group, Microblink, and Gideon have put Croatia on the global startup map. The focus of the new European Innovation Agenda is on the development of deep-tech innovations. In collaboration with the European Investment Fund, HBOR launched a €40 million investment fund that will invest in the commercialization of scientific research results and deep-tech startups. FER and ICENT have become a European Innovation Hub for Digital Transformation (EDIH Crobohub++), which will open up opportunities for new collaborations with industry. Nuqleus is a response to these opportunities.
From idea to partnership with industry leaders with the support of the Nuqleus Venture Builder program!
Nuqleus provides support in commercializing the results of scientific research through a carefully designed program based on years of experience working with deep-tech startups. Through three phases, emerging startups will have the opportunity to connect with experienced experts, undergo top-notch startup education, and receive personalized support in business development.
