Istria invests €10 million in new high-tech research centre

Istrian prefect Boris Miletić with Daglas Koraca and Marko Kontošić at the signing this week (Photo: Istra County)

PULA, 26 August 2026 – Istria is moving ahead with a major investment in research, technology and innovation, with a new high-tech centre in Pula designed to connect scientific research with Croatian businesses.

The ISTRAživački centar METRIS project is worth more than €10.18 million, with a major reconstruction contract worth €4.87 million signed this week.

The project involves the reconstruction and transformation of the former “old surgery” building within the Pula General Hospital complex into a modern research centre.

The renovated facility will cover almost 4,000 square metres and include laboratories, an advanced prototyping workshop, technology-transfer facilities, educational rooms and research spaces.

A major component will be the acquisition of advanced research equipment.

This will include a high-resolution transmission electron microscope, a FIB-FEGSEM system and equipment for chemical, structural, thermal and mechanical analysis.

The centre will also support 3D printing and scanning, prototyping, nanotechnology, robotics, artificial intelligence and high-performance computing.

The intention is to give small and medium-sized companies access to equipment and expertise that many businesses would not otherwise be able to afford.

Researchers and companies will be able to use the facility to analyse materials, develop products, build prototypes and test and optimise new technologies in one location.

The wider project has secured more than €9 million in grant funding, primarily through the EU Just Transition Fund.

The reconstruction contract has a planned duration of 21 months, including design, construction, technical inspection and final completion.

Istrian authorities say the centre is intended to strengthen the region’s research capacity while supporting the green and digital transition and the development of higher-value products and technologies.

The project places Istria among Croatian regions seeking to build stronger links between universities, research institutions and the private sector.