Frequently asked questions.
The things industry partners, researchers, and prospective hires ask us most. Can't find what you're looking for? Get in touch.
What is MARBLE?
MARBLE is an independent maritime Research and Technology Organisation. Founded in 2024 by the University of Zagreb Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER), built on more than fifteen years of maritime robotics research.
MARBLE closes the distance between maritime research and the systems that have to perform at sea. The first of our kind in Croatia. Built to compete globally.
What's MARBLE's focus?
Operational outcome. Technology that performs in real-world environments, validated at sea. Not a proof-of-concept that lives in a demo.
How is MARBLE different from a university research lab?
MARBLE operates as an independent, market-facing RTO. Contracted directly, scoped to real timelines, accountable for outcomes that show up in the water.
Combining research excellence with the agility, delivery focus and timelines required by industry.
How can we work with MARBLE?
Three commercial entry points. Pilot Sites & Testing (validate your technology at our three Adriatic sites). Applied R&D (custom technical contributions delivered on industrial timelines). Integration & Deployment (autonomy and hardware integrated onto real platforms and taken to sea).
Not sure which fits? Start a conversation. We'll scope it with you, usually within a few business days.
Where are MARBLE's pilot sites?
MARBLE operates three Adriatic pilot sites. The MARBLE Sea Lab (Šibenik), the Smart Mussel Farm (Šibenik), and the Smart Marina (Rijeka).
Working infrastructure, part of every engagement, where vehicles get instrumented, autonomy stacks get hardened, and partner technology gets validation at sea.
Who are MARBLE's partners?
MARBLE was founded by FER and works with leading institutions across Europe and at home. NTNU (Norway), CNR-INM (Italy), the Ruđer Bošković Institute, the MARINN maritime innovation cluster, AgriFood Croatia, and the Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Youth.
See the full list on our Partners page.
Is MARBLE hiring?
Yes. MARBLE hires across robotics, engineering, research, and operations. If you want to work on problems that have to perform in the real operational envelope, see our open roles.
Can we visit MARBLE's headquarters?
Our headquarters is at Froudeova ulica 13, Zagreb, Croatia. A 3,500 m² facility in the former Brodarski Institut complex, currently under renovation. We host industry partners, prospective hires, and research collaborators for visits regularly.
Learn more on our Headquarters page, or get in touch to schedule a visit.
What's MARBLE's relationship to Horizon Europe?
MARBLE was seeded by the EU's Horizon Europe programme. Its founding Centre of Excellence was selected under "Teaming for Excellence." Built to last as an independent RTO that also delivers contracted commercial work.