The ‘Incubator for Creative Technologies and IT Industry at Energana’ project initiated by the City of Rijeka aims to stimulate the development of competitive products and services with higher added value through incubation and networking of entrepreneurs within a new and advanced entrepreneurial infrastructure. Support to users will be provided in three main thematic areas: IT, artificial intelligence (AI) and Internet of Things (IoT), development of computer games, as well as photography and video production. Incubator users will receive support through integrated activities in developing new products and services, networking, internationalization, and seeking sources of funding. The incubator is primarily intended for novice entrepreneurs and entrepreneurs in the growth phase in IT and creative industries and related areas such as smart industries, as well as startups emerging from the Rijeka Startup Incubator program.

By reconstructing the building of the former Paper Factory Rijeka, more than 2,700 square meters of usable space will be arranged on three floors. The future space of the incubator will include, among other things, 24 office spaces, or incubation units for entrepreneurs, classrooms, meeting rooms, a multifunctional hall, coworking space, and other functional and logistical facilities necessary for efficient work and pleasant stay of users in the incubator.

Users will have access to specialized spaces with equipment: an artificial intelligence laboratory (AI Lab) with ICT equipment for the needs of educating entrepreneurs focused on the development of artificial intelligence; IoT/robotics workshop for practical use of IoT and robotic equipment, testing, and system development; a classroom for game development with workstations and software for all segments of game development along with a 3D printer and 3D scanner; and a film and photography studio with professional cameras, lighting, backgrounds, as well as sound and graphic studio and projection room. The incubator space will also house a Data Center, a data center that will offer data storage services to incubator users, as well as interested economic entities.

The intention is for the incubator to position itself in the future as an innovation hub – a center for the development and demonstration of products and services based on IT, smart, and creative technologies, aiming to create long-term positive effects on the competitiveness and growth of the local economy.