001 / The challenge

A bridge from research to industry.

Maritime robotics research at FER had been world-class for over fifteen years. What it didn't have was a vehicle to deliver that work to industry, in operational conditions, on industrial timelines. CoE MARBLE was the funding and structural runway to build that vehicle.

002 / The approach

A Centre of Excellence, distributed by design.

CoE MARBLE develops and demonstrates breakthrough solutions across four research pillars: Maritime Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Maritime Green Endurance, Maritime Internet of Things, and Maritime Simulation and Modelling.

The infrastructure is deliberately distributed. CoE MARBLE facilities span Zagreb, Rijeka, and Šibenik, bridging research and industry across Croatia. Local stakeholders (aquaculture farms, marinas, autonomous-vehicle test sites) get access to specialised expertise, collaborative networks, and the R&D infrastructure that maritime technology validation requires.

003 / Outcomes

What CoE MARBLE is building.

A Centre of Excellence anchored in Croatia, delivering breakthrough maritime technology across the four research pillars. Industry-ready validation infrastructure at three Adriatic pilot sites. International partnerships that put Croatia's maritime robotics work on the European map.

The objective is the bridge itself. Research becomes operational technology, delivered on industrial timelines.

004 / Partners & funding

Partners & funding.

Lead partner: University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (UNIZG-FER).

Research & industry: Centre of Excellence MARBLE d.o.o., Ruđer Bošković Institute (RBI), Maritime Innovation Cluster (MARINN), DIH AgriFood Croatia (AFC).

International: Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU), National Research Council of Italy (CNR).

Policy: Croatian Ministry of Science, Education and Youth (MZOM).

Funded by the European Union under the Horizon Europe Widening Programme, Teaming for Excellence. Total grant €14,999,495; CoE MARBLE allocation €10,967,620. Timeline: 2024 → ongoing.