The ECCENTRIC project is being implemented under the Interreg Italy-Croatia program, aiming to strengthen cooperation between the academic community and small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) operating in emerging blue economy sectors (energy, monitoring, infrastructure). The Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments (HAMAG-BICRO) participates as a project partner.

Project Description

The project covers the following three areas:

1. Emerging marine renewable energy includes various types of renewable energy: floating offshore wind, wave and tidal energy, floating solar photovoltaic energy.
2. Maritime defense, security, and surveillance: an integrated system of maritime sensors, software, and platforms (surface, underwater, and aerial vehicles).
3. Infrastructure: submarine cables, maritime technology, and robotics for the digitalization of the blue economy.

The results will be vertical and direct, benefiting the involved stakeholders (SMEs, higher education, and research organizations) and creating a cross-border community of researchers and technology to support Croatian and Italian SMEs. The project will contribute to increasing innovation and the ability to attract investments in the Adriatic area and promoting the sustainability of the Adriatic region.

Project Goal

The overall goal of the ECCENTRIC project is focused on achieving the following results:

• Increased expertise and attitudes of public and private intermediaries supporting sectors developing in the Adriatic area,
• Strengthening circularity in the blue economy by working with SMEs and startups in emerging sectors,
• Enhancing support from public and private actors to emerging blue economy sectors with the necessary financial instruments/investments.

Project Partners

1. T2I – TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER AND INNOVATION S.C.A R.L. – Lead Partner (IT)
2. MARINN - Maritime innovation cluster (HR)
3. Maritime Technology Cluster FVG S.c.ar.l. (IT)
4. Croatian Agency for SMEs, Innovation and Investments - HAMAG-BICRO (HR)
5. Croatian Chamber of Economy – HGK (HR)
6. Alma Mater Studiorum - University of Bologna - CIRI MAM Department (IT)
7. IMAST - Italian technological district for engineering of polymeric and composite materials and structures (IT)
8. National Confederation of the craft sector and small and medium enterprises Abruzzo (IT)

Associated Partners

1. Agency for Technology and Innovation of the Puglia Region
2. Ministry of the Sea, Transport and Infrastructure of the Republic of Croatia
3. Regional Development Agency of the Primorje-Gorski Kotar County
4. Emilia-Romagna Region
5. AluTech Development Innovation Centre Šibenik
6. Italian Business Angels Association

Project Value

The total value of the project amounts to € 1,723,172.35, of which € 1,378,537.88 is co-financed by European Union funds.

Project duration: 01.04.2024 – 30.09.2026

Official project website: http://www.italy-croatia.eu/web/eccentric