City of Zagreb Secures Over Half a Million Kuna for Startups

The fifth generation of innovative development teams and technological startups is presented with a new opportunity for growth. Even in these challenging times, the City of Zagreb continues to support the young entrepreneurial spirit. And why wouldn’t it, when the multiple award-winning model ZICER’s pre-accelerator program has proven meaningful even in the toughest days of the corona crisis.
 

Why Startup Factory?

Because here you receive strong educational, mentoring, promotional, and infrastructural support. The community is essential here. Just one piece of advice from an experienced startup can significantly accelerate your development process. This year, the City of Zagreb is providing non-repayable financial support from a fund totaling 550,000 kuna to the best teams of the Startup Factory.

This Program does not enter the ownership structure of your startup but helps it stand on its own feet, after which you choose the path towards new markets and investors. The winners of the program will be selected in early December at the international startup conference Zagreb Connect.

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Who, how, and until when can apply?

Teams or new startups developing high-tech solutions and gathering between two to seven members with complementary knowledge can apply. Applications are open until September 20, 2020, via the website startupfactory.zicer.hr.  There you will find all the details about the conditions and application possibilities!

With technology transfer in focus!

– The results of scientific work created at universities and research organizations have strong market potential. It is essential to recognize and support them. When commercialized, they become available and thereby indirectly and directly improve lives. Market breakthroughs for scientific projects ensure sustainability and increase potential for new growth. I am proud that through past Startup Factory generations we have worked with Croatian scientists whom we have helped acquire entrepreneurial competencies. I invite the academic community to participate in Startup Factory again this year. Together, we can drive the market! – says Frane Šesnić, director of ZICER.

For startups, the City of Zagreb has secured 550,000 kuna!

Teams that have gone through the intensive pre-accelerator program Startup Factory demonstrate initiative, creativity, and resilience even in these challenging times. They do not wait but act. This new state is not so unnatural for them as they are already used to working in uncertain conditions, crossing the boundaries of the known. So far, 57 teams have gone through the program, and 22 teams have achieved a total of over three million kuna for development. This year, the amount of non-repayable funds is 550,000 kuna. – states Mirka Jozić, head of the City Office for Economy, Energy, and Environmental Protection.

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They succeeded! Why not you?

– Our interdisciplinary team of scientists has developed agroecological formulations of microcapsules for fertilization and protection of plants during years of scientific research on various projects, all aimed at reducing the use of mineral fertilizers and other organic chemicals in modern agricultural production and the production of functional food. After Startup Factory, new opportunities for various collaborations and project applications opened up for us. Besides the knowledge and money we received, the most important are the acquaintances and friendships we made, which we would not have achieved if we hadn’t applied. Therefore, I encourage all scientists with ideas or products that can make significant changes in various fields to apply for the Program. Through joint action and work, fantastic things can be accomplished. So, be brave and positive. Let the impossible become possible. Now it’s your turn! – emphasizes Marko Vinceković, founder of the startup Makabi Agritech.

– Startup Factory is an excellent initiative that gives young teams and companies the opportunity to develop, refine, and ultimately market their product. For Mundus, participation in the program meant that it accelerated us about three times. We believe that without the support of ZICER’s mentors and the financial support of the City of Zagreb, our path would have been much longer, slower, and harder. – says Filip Hercig, founder and board member of the startup Mundus Technologies, one of the winners of last year’s Startup Factory.

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