Center of Excellence Marble

The strategic vision of CoE MARBLE is to put Croatia on the map of R&I excellence by becoming a European lighthouse and a role model in the field of maritime robotics and technologies, focusing on key research areas identified as essential enablers with the highest impact on the blue economy sectors aligned with the Smart Specialization Strategy of Croatia.

• To develop and deploy advanced maritime robotics and technologies that address critical challenges and opportunities in the blue economy.

• To foster collaboration and knowledge sharing among researchers, industry partners, and policymakers to accelerate the development and adoption of sustainable blue economy practices.

• To empower Croatian researchers, innovators, and businesses through education, training, and access to state-of-the-art facilities and resources.

• To bridge the developmental gap between different regions of Croatia by establishing a network of pilot sites and facilities, promoting balanced and inclusive growth.

Our four research pillars—Maritime Robotics & Autonomous Systems, Maritime Green Endurance, Maritime IoT, and Maritime Digital Twins—are designed to tackle the most pressing challenges facing our oceans. From AI-driven autonomous vessels to eco-friendly energy solutions and smart maritime infrastructure, we are pioneering technologies that reduce carbon footprints, enhance safety, and optimize resource efficiency.

What excites me most is our commitment to regional balance. By establishing pilot sites in Šibenik and Rijeka—from smart mussel farms to autonomous marine vehicle hubs—we are catalyzing industrial transformation across Croatia’s Adriatic coast. This decentralized approach ensures that innovation benefits all communities, fostering economic resilience and reducing developmental disparities.