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.

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.

Mayor Mišel Jakšić, acting as the beneficiary of grant funding, and Deputy Mayor Ksenija Ostriž, acting as the Head of the Intermediate Body for the Selection of Operations, signed contracts awarding non-repayable funding for two important City projects: “Improvement of the Public Transport System in the Urban Area of Koprivnica” and “Koprivnica Science and Innovation Park.” Both projects are financed through the ITI mechanism for the Urban Area of Koprivnica.

The formal contract award ceremony, organized by the Ministry of Regional Development and European Union Funds, was held on 30 October at the National and University Library in Zagreb.

Koprivnica Science and Innovation Park

Project IP.3.1.47.0001 – Koprivnica Science and Innovation Park includes the reconstruction and repurposing of two abandoned buildings within the former military barracks complex in Koprivnica, with the aim of creating facilities for scientific research and educational activities.

The renovated buildings will be used by University North to develop new and enhance existing study programmes, laboratories, and educational facilities. The project contributes to the urban development of the city, strengthens scientific and educational infrastructure, and enhances the overall educational potential of the region.

Upon completion, the new facilities will enable interdisciplinary research, foster cooperation between academia and industry, and support the development of lifelong learning programmes.

The City of Koprivnica is the project lead, while University North is the project partner. The total project value amounts to EUR 5,538,116.74, of which EUR 4,707,399.22 has been secured through non-repayable funding.

Through the ITI mechanism (Integrated Territorial Investments), the City of Koprivnica is investing EUR 6 million in the renovation of two buildings within the University Campus, which will become the new Science and Innovation Park of University North.

University North expresses its gratitude to the City of Koprivnica for this largest investment in the history of the University in Koprivnica. The project will further enhance the quality of scientific research while providing researchers, artists, and students with opportunities to develop new projects. The vision is to create new laboratories and lecture halls for research and teaching, as well as facilities where students will be able to establish start-up and spin-off companies. In this way, students will gain both space and support for developing innovative ideas and launching entrepreneurial ventures.

On 23 July 2024, a contract for the design and reconstruction of the two buildings of the Science and Innovation Park was signed at the City Administration offices. On behalf of the City of Koprivnica, the contract was signed by Mayor Mišel Jakšić, while Nenad Matijačić, Director of Gradis d.o.o., signed on behalf of the contractor. The signing ceremony was also attended by Mario Perković, acting Head of the City Department for Construction, Property Management, and Municipal Services.

The value of the signed contract amounts to EUR 5,347,500.00 (VAT included).

The Science and Innovation Park comprises two buildings with a total net floor area of 3,600 m² and 700 m², respectively, accommodating a range of laboratories, lecture halls, offices, and facilities intended for entrepreneurial activities.

These two buildings will effectively double the capacity of the existing facilities at the University Centre Koprivnica. As a result, the campus will gain a new identity, while University North will benefit from facilities that will further improve the quality of scientific work and entrepreneurial projects.

The design phase has already begun, reconstruction works are scheduled to start in the autumn, and the contractual completion deadline is November 2025.