Croatian robot boat “Jadranko” named eco-tech innovation of the year
- by croatiaweek
- in Business
Jadranko (Photo: Supplied)
Students from the Istrian Polytechnic (Istarsko veleučilište) have received the EcoTech Progress of the Year Award for their innovative robot boat “Jadranko”, recognised for its outstanding contribution to environmental preservation and technological progress.
The award was presented at this year’s Game Changer Conference, where the expert jury unanimously selected Jadranko as the most promising eco-technological project of 2025.
Unveiled earlier this year in Pula, the robot boat, affectionately named Jadranko, was designed to collect and analyse microplastics from the sea, one of the most pressing ecological challenges of our time.
The project was developed by students Patrik Radolović, Luka Žužić, Domagoj Oršolić, Emil Pernjak, Ener Špada and Lucija Barba, under the mentorship of Dr. Deni Vale.
Istarsko veleučilište team – Vedrana Špada, Deni Vale, Patrik Radolović, Luka Žužić, Ener Špada
Their work forms part of the “Friend of the Sea” (Prijatelj mora) initiative, through which the Istrian Polytechnic brings together experts, students and local stakeholders to promote sustainable development and protect the marine environment.
“If Jadranko had another name, it could very well be ‘Game Changer’,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Vedrana Špada, project leader and head of the Metris Research Centre.
“Our students have used their knowledge to tackle one of the biggest challenges of today, and this award is a confirmation of their talent and dedication.”
(Photo: Supplied)
Next Steps: Jadranko 2.0 and Beyond
Jadranko employs advanced technologies developed in collaboration with both academic and industrial partners.
Over the next two years, work will continue on Jadranko v2.0, which will evolve into an autonomous vessel capable of collecting both micro- and macroplastics along the Adriatic coast.
Samples will be analysed in the laboratories of the Metris Centre.
Studenti IV – Patrik Radolović andi Luka Žužić accept the award. Right – Berislav Korpar, Schneider Electric
The final stage, Jadranko v3.0, aims to enable continuous microplastic monitoring, in-depth analysis, and public presentation of scientific results.
The project has been realised with the support of Calucem and Infobip, with Calucem also providing over €50,000 in additional funding to continue development, support student scholarships, and enhance practical training opportunities at the Istrian Polytechnic.
