On Monday, 1 December 2025, the kick-off conference of the Koprivnica Science and Innovation Park (ZIP) was held at University North in Koprivnica. The project is one of the most significant development initiatives undertaken jointly by University North and the City of Koprivnica.
The ZIP Koprivnica project represents a major step forward in the development of scientific, educational, and innovation infrastructure in northwestern Croatia. The project involves the revitalization of two abandoned buildings within the university campus, which, through an investment exceeding EUR 5 million, are being transformed into a modern, sustainable, and energy-efficient science and research park. The project is financed through the European Regional Development Fund, with a total value of EUR 5.6 million, including EUR 4.6 million in non-repayable funding. Once renovated, the facilities will be handed over by the City of Koprivnica to University North for scientific, educational, and development activities.
“Over the past six to seven years, the City of Koprivnica has been undergoing an exceptionally intensive investment cycle. We have built three kindergartens, renovated all schools, constructed a new primary school and a sports hall, and we are currently expanding the largest school in the county,” said Ksenija Ostriž, Deputy Mayor of Koprivnica, adding: “The crown jewel of these investments is certainly ZIP Koprivnica, which we proudly hand over to University North as a place where entrepreneurs, the academic community, and students can come together. Investing in young people and education is the only investment that truly makes sense in the long run.”
ZIP will enable the development of new research and educational programmes, including state-of-the-art laboratories for University North departments.
“Today, when we look at the master plan of the new university campus and the years behind us, we can proudly say that a bright future lies ahead. This project confirms what a university is and what it should be. A university must be a modern, open, and innovative institution focused on the future—an institution that does not wait for change but drives it. This space will become a meeting point for students, professors, entrepreneurs, business leaders, and citizens,” emphasized Prof. Dr. Damir Vusić, Rector of University North.
He added that students will gain spaces for learning, socialising, and developing ideas, helping them identify more strongly with the institution. “This project is fully aligned with the vision of University North to become the leading higher education institution in northwestern Croatia, serving as a driver of socio-economic development and a generator of positive change based on knowledge and innovation.” The Rector also expressed gratitude to the City of Koprivnica for its partnership, describing it as an excellent example of cooperation between the local and academic communities for the benefit of regional development.
“Fifteen years ago, when this journey began, the city leadership decided to stand behind the project. Today, the university has no issues with enrolment, students want to study here, and it produces graduates whose skills are needed by the labour market. The city received EUR 18 million and is reinvesting one-third of that amount into the university. The county is investing nearly EUR 40 million in schools and a student residence hall, and we have agreed to contribute an additional EUR 50,000 towards equipping ZIP because not being part of this story would be unthinkable,” said Tomislav Golubić, Prefect of Koprivnica-Križevci County. He thanked University North for everything it has done for the county and the city and pledged continued support for future initiatives.
For University North, ZIP is a necessary step towards further growth and international recognition. This was also emphasized by Prof. Dr. Mario Tomiša, Vice-Rector of the University Centre Koprivnica.
“ZIP stems directly from the mission and vision of University North. Its realization required three key factors: a high-quality project, strong support from the City of Koprivnica, and access to funding through the ITI mechanism. The project has been under development for ten years and required extensive work, documentation, setbacks, and repeated efforts, supported throughout by the university and many dedicated individuals. Crucial support was also provided by Mayor Jakšić, while Deputy Mayor Ksenija Ostriž played a key role in securing Koprivnica’s inclusion in the ITI mechanism,” said Vice-Rector Tomiša, adding: “The Koprivnica Science and Innovation Park is the central development project of University North. Its purpose is to strengthen the innovation capacity of the university, industry, and entrepreneurship while improving the involvement of young people in collaborative and development projects. It is our core and foundational project, one of exceptional importance, because without it many of the projects we are currently preparing would not be possible. We want this project to become a generator of positive progress.”
Project Manager Vedran Petrović presented the technical specifications of the project. The Science and Innovation Park will consist of two key facilities:
- Building B – nearly 3,500 m² of educational and research space, including modern laboratories, coworking areas, two lecture halls, a library, a reading room, offices, and classrooms.
- Building R – more than 700 m² of administrative and management facilities.
Both buildings will be renovated according to the nZEB (nearly Zero-Energy Building) standard, incorporating renewable energy sources, groundwater-based heating and cooling systems, and the potential installation of photovoltaic systems. This will make ZIP a model of sustainable and environmentally responsible redevelopment.
In addition to the Rector, the County Prefect, and the Deputy Mayor, the conference was attended by University North vice-rectors, county and city department heads, as well as faculty members and administrative staff of the University.
