Today, the final conference of the Koprivnica Science and Innovation Park (ZIP) was held at the University Campus in Koprivnica.
The project represents an investment worth EUR 5.5 million, of which EUR 4.7 million was secured through non-repayable co-financing from the European Regional Development Fund under the Integrated Territorial Investments (ITI) mechanism. The key partners in the project are the City of Koprivnica and University North, with the City transferring the renovated facilities to the University for use.
It is worth noting that the project included the comprehensive reconstruction, revitalization, and repurposing of two abandoned buildings within the campus complex: Building B and Building R. Building B covers nearly 3,500 square metres of scientific and educational facilities, including modern laboratories, coworking spaces, two lecture halls, a library, a reading room, and numerous offices and classrooms. Building R provides more than 700 square metres of administrative and management space.
Both buildings have been renovated to a high nZEB (nearly Zero Energy Building) standard, meaning they consume almost no net energy. Renewable energy sources have been incorporated, a groundwater-based heating and cooling system has been implemented, and the facilities are prepared for the installation of photovoltaic systems, making ZIP an example of environmentally responsible redevelopment.
“ZIP Koprivnica represents a major step forward in the development of scientific, educational, and innovation infrastructure not only for the city but for the entire northwestern region of Croatia. The park is intended to become a hub for innovation, advanced research, and educational initiatives, strongly connecting the academic community with other stakeholders in the education sector. The project enables the development of new educational and research programmes,” stated representatives of University North.
At the final press conference, Mišel Jakšić, Deputy Speaker of the Croatian Parliament and Mayor of Koprivnica, said that he felt great pride and joy on this occasion.
“Fifteen to twenty years ago, when people first began talking about establishing a university campus in Koprivnica, we received many comments claiming that a campus would never exist here. Today, we can clearly see that this is not the case. Koprivnica is home to 1,200 students, a student canteen has been built, new facilities for food technology programmes have been established, and now we have ZIP. The next step will be a student residence hall, completing the vision we had for University North – to become a generator of growth, knowledge, and innovation. We are extremely happy and proud of what we have achieved together with the University. One of the special features of ZIP is that it was financed through the ITI mechanism. Students will have access to new laboratories, classrooms, and all the facilities they need, including a space for incubating their entrepreneurial ideas, which is a must-have in the years ahead. I am confident that, with the support of the City, the Koprivnica-Križevci County, and ENTER, we will have many more positive developments for our young people,” said Jakšić.
Tomislav Golubić, Prefect of the Koprivnica-Križevci County, congratulated both the City and the University on the project.
“These are no longer just two university buildings; this is an entire campus complex that is being developed for a reason. Through its number of students, the range of study programmes, and its achievements among universities worldwide, University North has demonstrated that it stands shoulder to shoulder with universities in Croatia and beyond. Investment in education is something that makes us proud, especially when supported through mechanisms such as ITI. The student residence hall will soon be completed as well. What is being created here is a world-class campus that will provide students with high-quality education while enabling the continued growth and advancement of University North. As a County, we are proud of this, especially because, thanks to the efforts of Vice-Rector Tomiša and Rector Vusić, the University has secured its rightful place in the County budget. Everything being done here contributes to the progress of both the city and the county,” said Golubić.
Ksenija Ostriž, Deputy Mayor of Koprivnica and affectionately referred to by her colleagues as the “mother of the project,” reflected in more detail on the process of entering the ITI mechanism and everything that followed.
“We decided to place emphasis on entrepreneurship and education—topics that are particularly important to Koprivnica—as well as on sustainable development and sustainable mobility. Through the ITI mechanism, we financed pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, along with the BicKo and BusKo systems, which we believe will better connect this campus with facilities across the city. A public procurement procedure for a new library and marketplace will soon be launched as well. The financial envelope of EUR 5 million was dedicated entirely to the renovation of two former military buildings within the campus, giving them a new purpose for the benefit of our young people, students, and the future development of University North through cooperation with entrepreneurs, primarily via ENTER,” said Ostriž.
Finally, Mario Tomiša, Vice-Rector of the University Centre Koprivnica, emphasized that this is a historic day for the city.
“More than ten years have passed from the first sketches of ZIP to today, and its significance for our students and the wider community is immense. This will be a meeting place where science, art, entrepreneurship, and industry come together. Through innovation, we look forward to developing new student, academic, and business projects. The facilities will be used by students from all study programmes, as we are an integrated university that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration. The park will include numerous laboratories, lecture rooms, coworking spaces, a library, and a reading room—everything that a modern university campus should offer,” concluded Tomiša.
