Croatia’s leading technology company KONČAR and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture of the University of Zagreb today officially opened the KONČAR Lecture Hall, marking another step forward in the long-standing scientific and professional cooperation aimed at fostering academic excellence and supporting the professional development of young Croatian engineers. As part of the sponsorship, KONČAR renovated and equipped the former Lecture Hall C. In addition, the company delivered a presentation for students, highlighting the strategic direction of the KONČAR Group, the role of young engineers in technological development and key projects, as well as opportunities for employment and student internships. The President of the Management Board of KONČAR, Mr. Gordan Kolak, MSc, addressed the audience, together with the Faculty’s Dean, Prof. Zdenko Tonković, PhD.

The hall, known for decades as Lecture Hall C, will carry the name of the regional leader in power engineering, urban mobility, renewable energy sources and digital solutions for the next ten years. The initiative represents a tangible result of the long-term collaboration between KONČAR and the Faculty, a partnership that has produced generations of outstanding engineers and PhD graduates. Over the decades, their expertise has significantly contributed to positioning the KONČAR Group, the Croatian industry and the country’s higher education system on the global map. Many of these experts continue to shape technological advancements within KONČAR’s offices and laboratories, while also sharing their knowledge with younger colleagues as lecturers, lab supervisors and co-creators of academic courses.

“The opening of the KONČAR Lecture Hall is a natural extension of our successful cooperation, which has for many years supported the development of the profession and strengthened the technological competitiveness of Croatian industry. We are pleased to mark the beginning of this new chapter together with students—the future drivers of industrial and societal progress. We believe many of them will recognise KONČAR as a place for personal and professional growth. One of the key advantages of our current momentum in global expansion and business internationalisation is that we offer young professionals the opportunity to work on unique international projects without having to leave their home country in search of such experience. For them, as well as for all other motivated individuals who share our commitment to excellence, KONČAR’s doors are always open,” said Mr. Gordan Kolak, MSc, President of the Management Board of KONČAR.

The importance of this cooperation was also emphasised by the Dean of the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, Prof. Zdenko Tonković, PhD: “The opening of the KONČAR Lecture Hall is an important step in the continuous modernisation of our Faculty and in creating an environment where students have access to state-of-the-art technologies and inspiring spaces for learning. Our goal is to provide conditions that reflect the technological standards of modern engineering and to prepare students for real professional challenges. I am especially pleased that we have the strong support of industry partners, as such cooperation paves the way for students to access internships, projects and future careers that will allow them to further develop their expertise. Today, our Faculty educates around 3,000 students, and each year more than 250 young engineers enter the job market. I am confident that initiatives like this will support their professional growth and development.”

Following the opening remarks, KONČAR Management Board member Petar Bobek delivered a presentation titled “KONČAR Transformation and the Role of the New Generation of Engineers”, further emphasising the importance of connecting academia and industry. The presentation sparked great interest among students, leading into an open Q&A session with Mr. Gordan Kolak, MSc. Despite the high number of questions, the discussion remained productive and engaging, demonstrating how valuable such direct interactions are for young engineers. In addition to serving its primary educational purpose, the KONČAR Lecture Hall at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture will also host a range of professional, educational and scientific events in the future.