CoE MARBLE was born out of the ambitious Horizon Europe “Teaming for Excellence” program. In a highly competitive field of 115 submissions, our proposal was one of just 12 selected, underscoring our commitment to maritime robotics and sustainable blue economy solutions. Led by the University of Zagreb, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (UNIZG-FER), and backed by partners like the Norwegian University of Science and Technology (NTNU) and the National Research Council (CNR, Italy), this flagship initiative combines cutting-edge research, technology transfer, and policy engagement.

Our main goal is to establish a world-class Centre of Excellence that develops and demonstrates breakthrough solutions in four key areas:

• Maritime Robotics and Autonomous Systems

• Maritime Green Endurance

• Maritime Internet of Things

• Maritime Digital Twins

To drive regional growth and inclusivity, CoE MARBLE facilities are strategically distributed in Zagreb, Rijeka, and Šibenik. This approach bridges research and industry gaps across Croatia, enabling local stakeholders—including aquaculture farms, marinas, and autonomous vehicle test sites—to benefit from the latest innovations. By integrating specialized expertise, fostering collaborative networks, and leveraging state-of-the-art R&D infrastructure, each project contributes to building a cleaner, safer, and more prosperous maritime future.

Explore the list of projects below to learn how CoE MARBLE and its partners are advancing scientific knowledge, creating economic opportunities, and promoting sustainable development in the blue economy.