ARCA 2015 Report

On Sunday, October 18,the 13th International Exhibition of Innovations ARCA 2015 was closed in Zagreb with the presentation of awards to exhibitors and innovators. The exhibition was organized by the Union of Croatian Innovators from October 15 under the high patronage of the president of the Republic of Croatia and was supported by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Crafts, the Ministry of Science, Education and Sports in collaboration with the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA), University of Zagreb, Croatian Association of Technical Culture and other respectable partners.

ARCA was declared open by the minister of entrepreneurship and crafts, Gordan Maras, at the opening ceremony.  President of the Union of Croatian Innovators, Mr. Marko Bubaš, President of the Croatian Association of Technical Culture Mr. Ivan Vlainić, Pro-rector for Innovation and technology transfer at the University of Zagreb, Professor Miljenko Šimpraga, PhD and vice president of City of Zagreb Assembly, Davor Bernardić etc- all spoke on the importance of promoting innovation.

The most prestigious award, Grand Prix, was awarded to Mrs. Bernanda Cecalja from Bernarda Company for the innovation called Cool Vision. Besides Grand Prix Award, gold, silver and bronze medals were awarded to those who merited them by the respected figures.

At this year’s International Exhibition ARCA 2015, over 200 innovations from different countries were presented, among which 176 were in contention for awards. Special award by the International Federation of Inventors’ Associations (IFIA) was presented by IFIA’s president.

The exhibition was thematically dedicated to the youth, hence the competition for young innovators and entrepreneurs took place under the name Innovative Ideas Day.  The most successful young innovators and entrepreneurs were awarded by the Union of Croatian Innovators and the Croatian Chamber of Commerce.

On October 19, IFIA President accompanied with his team had a meeting with Assistant Minister of Economy, Mr. Tomislav Radoš and President of the Union of Croatian Innovators, Mr. Marko Marko Bubaš. IFIA president laid great stress on the need for granting governmental support to the Croatian inventors and innovators since he believes the invention and innovation culture can be further promoted by doing so.