Last week, VUKA – Karlovac University of Applied Sciences – officially launched its AgriNext business incubator in Croatia as part of a broader Erasmus+ initiative.

The inauguration took place on the premises of the newly established incubator. During the event, Ivana Varicak presented the AgriNext project and its key sustainable outcomes: the incubators and IT platform, the adaptation works completed specifically for the Croatian incubator, and the overarching goals of the project.

This incubator is designed to empower students, teachers, and entrepreneurs through hands-on learning, mentorship, and farm-to-market innovation. It complements similar hubs in Slovenia and Spain, forming a pan-European network that supports multifunctional agriculture, enhances digital skills in rural areas, and fosters entrepreneurial ventures.

VUKA plays a central role in developing the incubator’s framework, supporting curriculum flexibility and building strong ties with the local agri-food industry—ensuring that the incubator addresses real-world needs and prepares participants for green jobs.

The event was attended by project representatives from Finland, Spain, Argentina, Romania, Ireland, Croatia, and Austria, as well as other stakeholders such as students, representatives of civil society organizations, media representatives, and staff of the Karlovac University of Applied Sciences.

Activities within the business incubator at VUKA will be specifically oriented towards the development of green skills, sustainability, and the application of digital and other modern technologies, with the aim of supporting users in the successful development of their entrepreneurial ideas. The incubator is equipped with computers and internet access, software for developing business plans, a dedicated space for training sessions and lectures, as well as meeting rooms for business purposes. Tailored training programs will be organized based on users’ needs, accompanied by mentorship from experienced professionals in relevant fields. The overall objective is to provide comprehensive support to users in the realization of their entrepreneurial ideas through expert guidance, assistance in drafting business plans, establishing legal entities, accessing funding opportunities, business development, and market entry.

More information is also available in the article (in Croatian) here.

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