On October 15, 2026, the kick-off conference of the GreenMagCore project was held at HUB385 in Zagreb.
The conference brought together representatives of the academic and scientific research communities, the defence sector and industry, including Prof. Ivica Lučić, PhD, Rector of the Defense and Security University Dr Franjo Tuđman; Vice-Rectors Prof. Luka Mihanović, PhD, Assoc. Prof. Gordan Akrap, PhD, and Prof. Željko Dobrović, PhD; Zdravko Jakop, Assistant to the Rector; Major General Gordana Garašić, Deputy Director of the University’s Institute for Security and Defence Studies; and General Dragutin Repinc, Adviser to the Minister of Croatian Veterans.
Representatives of the partner institutions also attended the conference, including Ivan Jelušić, Co-Founder of ORQA d.o.o., and Tamara Aleksandrov Fabijanić, PhD, Director of the Centre of Technology Transfer (CTT d.o.o.).
The conference was opened with an introductory address by Prof. Ivica Lučić, PhD, Rector of the Defense and Security University Dr Franjo Tuđman, who emphasised the importance of the project for the further development of the University’s scientific research activities, strengthening its research capacities and fostering closer cooperation between academia and industry.
“The GreenMagCore project represents an important step forward in the development of scientific research at the Dr Franjo Tuđman Defense and Security University. Through this project, we are strengthening our research capacities, creating new opportunities for our students and further connecting academia with industry. We are particularly pleased that, through cooperation with industrial partners, we can channel scientific knowledge towards the development of tangible technological solutions that are important for the future needs of both the civilian and defence sectors,” Rector Lučić stated.
In the first part of the conference, the project leader, Assoc. Prof. Mateja Šnajdar, PhD, presented the project under the title “GreenMagCore – From Idea to Implementation.” Participants were introduced to the development of the project concept, from identifying its research and technological potential and preparing the project to establishing partnerships and planning its implementation.
Particular emphasis was placed on the project objectives, planned activities and expected results, as well as on the importance of cooperation among different stakeholders in developing innovative solutions with potential industrial applications.
The central part of the conference featured a panel discussion entitled “The Power of Partnership Between Science and Industry,” which focused on cooperation between academia and industry, technology transfer and spin-off companies, as outlined in the conference programme.
The panel featured Assoc. Prof. Gordan Akrap, PhD, Vice-Rector of the University; Petar Milas (Altpro); Ivan Jelušić (ORQA); and Tamara Aleksandrov Fabijanić, PhD (CTT).
The discussion addressed the importance and necessity of applied research, as well as the need for stronger and more systematic links between academia and industry. Drawing on their diverse perspectives, the panellists discussed the challenges involved in turning scientific ideas and research findings into tangible products, technologies and solutions that can be applied in industry.
It was particularly emphasised that scientific research achieves its full value when knowledge and research findings can be translated into practical applications. At the same time, industry needs can serve as an important driver of new research questions and development activities.
The discussion also explored technology transfer, the commercialisation of research results and the role of spin-off companies in connecting scientific potential with the market. Bringing together different perspectives and areas of expertise in this way is an important prerequisite for fostering innovation and enhancing economic competitiveness.
The GreenMagCore kick-off conference therefore provided an opportunity not only to present the project but also to exchange experiences and initiate further discussion on how to strengthen the links between science, research and industry.
The GreenMagCore project will continue with its planned activities, focusing on the development of innovative, environmentally friendly soft magnetic cores using powder metallurgy technology and laying the groundwork for their future application.
