ARCA 2025: Croatia Becomes a Global Hub of Innovation
23rd International Innovation Exhibition Held in Zagreb
From October 16 to 18, 2025, the city of Zagreb transformed into the world’s innovation capital as it hosted the 23rd International Innovation Exhibition ARCA, organized by the Croatian Union of Innovators in collaboration with the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA).
The prestigious event took place at the National and University Library in Zagreb, showcasing the latest global achievements in science, technology, and creativity.
A Gathering of the World’s Brightest Innovators
This year’s ARCA brought together over 300 innovations and technological breakthroughs from 35 countries, featuring individual inventors, research institutions, universities, and leading tech enterprises. The exhibition reaffirmed its status as a global platform where ideas evolve into impactful solutions shaping the future.
Distinguished guests attending the opening ceremony included:
- Martina Ciglevic, Deputy Envoy of the President of the Republic of Croatia
- Alireza Rastegar, President of IFIA
- Karlo Ressler, Member of the European Parliament
- Goran Romek, State Secretary, Ministry of Economy
- Ante Janko Bobetko, Deputy CEO of HAMAG-BICRO
- Dr. Ivanka Stričević, Director of the National and University Library
- Damir Tomić, President of the Croatian Association of Technical Culture
- He Zhenfu, Vice President of the Chinese Innovators Association
- Dr. Sc. Miljenko Šimpraga, President of the Croatian Union of Innovators
Other notable attendees included the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China, Qi Qianjina, representatives of the City of Zagreb, the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development (HBOR), and leaders of Croatia’s top innovative enterprises such as HS Produkt, Končar d.d., and Tehnix Eco Industry.
Knowledge Exchange and Educational Activities
The exhibition featured a rich and dynamic program, including the Innovation Forum on “International Innovation Fairs”, expert lectures, and interactive workshops.
Key presentations included:
- “The Importance of Intellectual Property” by Tanja Milović (State Office for Intellectual Property)
- “Support and Financial Instruments” by Neno Rakić and Josipa Kutle Stepančić (HAMAG-BICRO)
Additionally, STEM workshops introduced young participants to the world of science and technology through engaging, hands-on experiences.
IFIA General Assembly in Zagreb
ARCA 2025 also had the honor of hosting the 38th General Assembly of IFIA, further solidifying Croatia’s role as a leading hub for innovation and research promotion.
During the Assembly, new members of IFIA’s Executive Committee were elected, including Mr. Leo Pincan, Secretary of the Istrian Inventors’ Association, representing Croatia.
Award-Winning Innovations
The most outstanding projects at ARCA 2025 received bronze, silver, and gold medals, along with special distinctions from WIPO and IFIA:
WIPO Special Awards:
- Vehicle Robot Minotaur – Karlovac County Association
- Connecting Element for Flat-Furniture – Diatus Inventions Society
IFIA Special Awards:
- Secure On-Device AI Computing Equipment – People’s Republic of China
- Multifunctional Autonomous Robot Platform for Weed Monitoring and Precise Removal – Faculty of Agriculture, University of Zagreb & DAMCO Robotics Center
Grand Prix Awards:
- Best International Innovation:
- Research and Preparation Technology of INKT Cells for Treatment of Pancreatic and Liver Cancer – Bijin Gene Key Life Technology, People’s Republic of China
- Best Domestic Innovation:
- Device for Maintaining Barriers and Rumble Strips on Highways V2 – Ervin Matić
Acknowledgments and Partnerships
At the conclusion of the exhibition, the Croatian Union of Innovators expressed gratitude to its institutional and industrial partners, including IFIA, the National and University Library in Zagreb, and the Croatian Association of Technical Culture.
Special thanks were extended to the Croatian Parliament, the President of Croatia, HBOR, HAMAG-BICRO, the State Office for Intellectual Property, and leading sponsors such as HS Produkt, Končar d.d., and Tehnix Eco Industry.
ARCA: A Platform for Global Innovation
For more than two decades, ARCA has served as a bridge connecting innovators, researchers, and investors worldwide.
The 2025 edition once again proved that collaboration, creativity, and knowledge exchange remain the cornerstones of global progress values championed by IFIA and its international community of inventors.