AGP Executive Report

Digital Age Verification: Croatia is rolling out m-Građani-based age checks for online alcohol sales, with retailers set to implement the QR flow by 15 September and a broader ban on energy drinks for under-18s. Marine Tech & Biosecurity: Croatian scientists (Ruđer Bošković Institute and partners) are building an Adriatic early-warning system for non-native species under the ALIENA project, tracking spread and potential ecosystem impacts. Aviation Tech: Dubrovnik Airport is upgrading security with 3D luggage imaging and faster passenger screening, removing the need to take out liquids and electronics. Climate & Work Resilience: A new look at wildfire-driven displacement argues companies need real plans for employees affected on the ground, not just distant-crisis playbooks. Energy Transition: Greece’s Social Climate Plan gets EU backing with €4.77bn to protect vulnerable households via heat pumps, solar water heating, and housing upgrades. Identity & Privacy Tech: ID Tech Digest highlights Australia’s IDLock for controlling passport/driver checks and California’s move to exempt open-source operating systems from age-signal duties. Sports Tech Culture: The Melges 24 European Championship opens in Tonsberg with two races completed, showing how local conditions and race management tech shape outcomes. Science Legacy: Polymer pioneer Frank Erwin Karasz is remembered for decades of impact on polymer science and mentorship.

Digital Consumer Protection: Croatia is rolling out digital age verification for online alcohol sales, requiring buyers to confirm they’re 18+ via the state m-Građani app (with retailers getting until 15 September to implement the QR-based flow). Public Health & Biosecurity: West Nile virus is confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, adding to the region’s mosquito-borne risk picture. Marine Science: Croatian and Italian researchers at the Ruđer Bošković Institute are building an early-warning system (ALIENA) to track non-native species in the Adriatic and flag potential invasions. Aviation Tech: Dubrovnik Airport is upgrading security with 3D scanners so passengers won’t need to remove liquids and electronics from cabin bags. Energy Transition: The EU Commission endorsed Greece’s €4.8bn Social Climate Plan to protect vulnerable households and speed clean upgrades like heat pumps and solar water heating. Local Tech Heritage: Šibenik marks 131 years since the Krka–Šibenik alternating-current electricity system went live, a milestone in Croatia’s power history.

Marine Science in Croatia: Croatian researchers at the Ruđer Bošković Institute are rolling out the ALIENA project, an early-warning system to track non-native species in the Adriatic and flag which newcomers could become invasive and disrupt ecosystems and fisheries. Aviation Tech Upgrade: Dubrovnik Airport is installing new 3D security scanners so passengers won’t have to remove liquids or electronics from cabin bags, aiming for faster, less stressful screening. Wildlife Health Alert: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead birds were found, adding another layer to Croatia’s public health monitoring. Local Tech Heritage: Šibenik marks 131 years since its 1895 electricity breakthrough, celebrating the first complete alternating-current power system in Croatia. Deep-Cave Discovery: Speleologists explored a Biokovo pit and found traces of an old ice-harvesting craft, showing how much history still sits underground. Tech & Industry Insight: Mate Rimac says the luxury supercar market may stay combustion for a long time, likening it to a “Swiss watch phase” where high-end buyers prefer handcrafted mechanics.

Aviation Tech in Croatia: Dubrovnik Airport is rolling out new high-tech security scanners that use 3D imaging, so travelers won’t have to take liquids or electronics out of cabin bags—aiming for faster, less stressful screening. Local Science & Heritage: Šibenik marks 131 years since its electricity breakthrough, celebrating the first complete alternating-current system in Croatia powered from the Krka hydro plant. Exploration & Craft History: Speleologists in Biokovo explored a deep cave and found traces of an old ice-harvesting craft, shedding light on forgotten mountain practices. Health Tourism Investment: Zagorje opened a new Thermal Hotel Wrello in Stubičke Toplice, a €17.6m EU-backed project linking year-round wellness facilities with medical rehabilitation. AI/Autonomy in Europe: A Dutch car-sharing firm added Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) to its fleet, turning supervised autonomy into a bookable consumer experiment. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in multiple dead crows across Zagreb, with authorities asking residents to report clusters of dead wild birds.

Aviation Tech in Croatia: Dubrovnik Airport is rolling out next-gen 3D security scanners that let passengers keep liquids and electronics in cabin bags, aiming for faster, less stressful screening (with full rollout expected by early December). Local Science & Heritage: Speleologists explored Biokovo’s Kašogijeva jama and found traces of an old ice-house craft, adding a new chapter to Croatia’s underground history. EV Industry Debate: Mate Rimac (Bugatti Rimac) argues the high-end supercar segment will stay combustion for a long time—likening the shift to a “Swiss watch phase” where wealthy buyers prefer mechanical, handcrafted appeal. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus has been confirmed in multiple dead crows across Zagreb, with authorities urging people to report clusters of dead wild birds. Tech for Safety: Tallinn University of Technology is testing AI-based sensors on city buses to automatically assess traffic sign visibility and damage, speeding up maintenance planning. Croatian Military Engineering: A Roman ship replica was rescued from Croatia’s Drava River and returned to Germany after a low-water operation supported by the Croatian Army and firefighters.

Croatian Tech Heritage: Šibenik marks 131 years since the Krka–Šibenik alternating-current system went live in 1895, a milestone tied to the Jaruga hydro plant and early public electrification. Aviation & Security Tech: Dubrovnik Airport is rolling out next-gen 3D security scanners (C3 EDS CB), aiming to speed checks and reduce the need to remove liquids and devices from hand luggage. Public Health Monitoring: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead crows were found in multiple locations, with authorities urging reporting of clusters of dead wild birds. Autonomous Mobility in Europe: Dutch car-sharing MyWheels adds Tesla Full Self-Driving (supervised) to its fleet, turning supervised autonomy into a consumer service and a data-gathering test. Defense Tech: The US Army selected Croatian company Orqa to supply FPV drones. Health Tourism Investment: A new Thermal Hotel Wrello opens in Zagorje under a €17.6m EU-backed project linking rehabilitation, thermal facilities, and year-round wellness. Science & Research: Istria invests €10m in a new high-tech research center. Space/Tech Culture: Industrial metal band Fear Factory releases “Roboticist,” leaning into man-machine themes with a new lineup and sci-fi-style video.

Autonomous Driving in Europe: Dutch car-sharing firm MyWheels has started offering Tesla Full Self-Driving (Supervised) in its fleet in Den Bosch, with customers able to switch it on while still expected to take over if needed—an experiment aimed at learning how people use the tech and how it affects damage claims. Aviation & Security: Dubrovnik Airport is upgrading to next-generation 3D hand-luggage scanners (C3 EDS CB), aiming for faster checks and less need to remove liquids or laptops/tablets. Public Health in Croatia: West Nile virus has been confirmed in Zagreb after dead crows were found in multiple locations, with authorities urging residents to report clusters of dead wild birds. EU Energy Funding: The European Investment Bank approved €9.2bn in financing, including €4.3bn for companies in Croatia and support for grids, renewables and district heating across Europe. Tech & Safety Products: Uber is rolling out live video for teen accounts so parents can watch rides in real time when enabled by the driver, with encrypted video that ends after the trip. Local Tech Research: Croatia’s early wildfire detection system is being expanded to more locations, building on existing sensor coverage.

Public Health in Zagreb: Croatia’s Veterinary Institute confirmed West Nile virus in Zagreb after dead crows were found in multiple locations, with authorities urging residents to report clusters of dead wild birds to veterinary services. Aviation Tech in Dubrovnik: Ruđer Bošković Airport is rolling out next-generation 3D security scanners (C3 EDS CB), aiming for faster checks and fewer bag unpacking steps, with liquids and larger electronics no longer needing removal. Croatian Defense Tech: Osijek drone maker Orqa says the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division selected it as an FPV drone supplier after evaluation, signaling continued growth for small tactical drone systems. AI for Safer Roads: Croatia’s wider tech scene also includes automated monitoring efforts, while Dubrovnik police used a drone to catch 72 traffic offences in Mlini and Orašac, focusing on seat belts and phone use. EU Funding for Tech & Industry: The EIB approved €9.2bn in financing, including €4.3bn for companies across Croatia and other EU states, targeting energy autonomy, defense/space, and SMEs. Autonomous Mobility Watch: London’s driverless plans hit a regulatory wall—permits and guidance are still missing—showing how rules can lag behind tech.

Croatian Tech & Defense: Osijek-based FPV drone maker Orqa says the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division selected it as a supplier after evaluation, with deal details undisclosed. EU Energy & Industry: The European Investment Bank approved €9.2bn in financing, including €4.3bn for companies in Croatia plus support for energy autonomy, grids, rail links (Croatia–Hungary) and hospitals. Autonomous Mobility Reality Check (UK): London’s promised driverless rides are stuck because regulators have issued zero automated passenger permits and TfL guidance is still missing. Local Public Tech: Dubrovnik is electrifying public transport with 12 new electric buses (plus more planned), backed by EU and national recovery funds. Research & Innovation in Istria: Istria is building the METRIS high-tech research centre in Pula with labs, prototyping and advanced equipment (including electron microscopy) for SMEs. AI/Embedded Hardware: BrainChip and Croatian deep-tech Neuromorphyx unveiled BrainBoard1500, bringing neuromorphic AI to Arduino-compatible embedded developers. Climate & Agriculture: A new EU JRC bulletin warns heat and drought are stressing crops and fodder across western and central Europe, with impacts reported in parts including Croatia. Safety Tech (Dubrovnik): Police used a drone in Mlini and Orašac to catch 72 traffic offences, focusing on seat belts and phone use. Video Games Industry: Video Games Europe and EGDF published updated GameTrack data across 16 markets, including Croatia, and note new PEGI rules for online interaction risks.

Croatia Tech & Industry: Istria is investing over €10.18M in a new high-tech research centre in Pula (METRIS), turning a hospital building into labs, advanced prototyping, and facilities for nanotech, robotics, AI and high-performance computing—aimed at giving SMEs access to equipment they can’t easily buy. AI for Media Workflows: EditShare will show updates at IBC2026, including FLOW AI transcription support expanded to Croatian and 12 other languages, plus new EFS configurations that bundle media management and GPU-powered AI processing. Defense Tech: Orqa, an Osijek drone company, says the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division selected it as an FPV drone supplier after field evaluation. Mobility & Public Transport: Dubrovnik is electrifying fast—12 new electric buses arrive, with EU-backed funding pushing the fleet toward 14 across all routes. Health & Climate Pressure: Heat and drought are stressing European crops and fodder, with Croatia among the moderately affected areas, while West Nile virus is actively circulating in the Balkans and Bosnia’s health institute says there are currently no cases in the Federation. Software Reliability: GitHub’s Aug 26 outage briefly degraded Actions and Pages, adding to a pattern of recent disruptions. Games Sector: Croatia’s Hrvoje Mitic joins the European Games Developer Federation board as Hendrik Lesser is re-elected, with a push toward AI-focused tools and funding access.

Autonomous Mobility in Focus: Waymo says it will start mapping and testing robotaxis in Munich in the coming weeks, with commercial driverless rides targeted for late 2027—its first EU push. Local Transport Electrification: Dubrovnik is adding 12 new fully electric buses to Libertas, with the wider electrification project valued at €10.49 million and EU funding covering most of the cost. Croatian Deep-Tech Investment: Istria is investing over €10 million in METRIS, a new high-tech research centre in Pula with advanced microscopy, prototyping, and lab access for SMEs. Climate & Food Security: A new EU JRC MARS bulletin warns heat and drought are hitting summer crops and fodder across western and central Europe, with maize yield expectations reduced in Benelux, Slovenia and Croatia. Public Health Watch: West Nile virus is actively circulating in the Balkans, with Bulgaria reporting its first case of the year and Greece seeing a sharp rise. Gaming & Startups: Zagreb-based Friendly Fire closed a €4.7 million Series A to expand its gaming cafe network, backed by AYMO Ventures. Ancient Tech Meets Modern Science: A study on a 2,200-year-old Roman shipwreck off Croatia’s coast highlights organic waterproofing materials used to keep wooden hulls watertight.

Autonomous Mobility in Europe: Waymo plans to launch driverless robotaxis in Munich by end of 2027, starting with manual mapping and testing in the coming weeks, using an all-electric Jaguar I-Pace fleet and a custom AI chip strategy. Croatian Tech for Defense: Osijek-based Orqa says the US Army’s 2nd Infantry Division selected it as an FPV drone supplier after field evaluation, a step toward deeper US defense-market expansion. AI in Media Workflows: EditShare will debut new EFS, FLOW AI, and MediaSilo updates at IBC 2026, including expanded FLOW AI transcription support with Croatian added. Climate Tech & Safety: Croatia expanded its AI-based early wildfire detection network by adding 25 locations, bringing coverage to 75 cameras for 24/7 smoke and flame monitoring. Energy & Waste Cleanup: Croatia received two bids for the first phases of cleaning a major illegal waste site in Gospić, targeting thousands of tonnes of hazardous and bagged waste. Tech, Business, and IPO Prep: OpenAI’s CRO leadership continues to shift as it brings in Dali Rajic, a veteran enterprise sales figure, amid plans tied to a 2027 public-market push. Health & Agriculture Pressure: EU monitoring reports persistent heat and drought cutting summer crop and fodder forecasts, with Croatia among areas seeing reduced maize expectations.

Autonomous Mobility in Croatia: Uber launched its first European self-driving ride service in Zagreb, adding to a growing regional push for robotaxis. AI & Media Tech: EditShare will show updates for EFS, FLOW AI and MediaSilo at IBC2026, including expanded FLOW AI transcription support that now covers Croatian. Climate & Agriculture: The EU warns heat and drought are hitting summer crops and fodder across western and central Europe, with Croatia among the affected areas and maize yield expectations under pressure. Fire Safety Tech: Croatia expanded its AI-powered early wildfire detection network by adding 25 new locations (75 cameras total), improving smoke/flame detection and faster response. Robotics in Healthcare: KBC Rijeka carried out its first robot-assisted gynecological surgeries using a €5.11M system funded from the state budget. Engineering Milestone: ELEKS marks 35 years, positioning itself as an AI-native engineering partner. EU/Tech Business: Criteo expanded ChatGPT Ads integration across 31 European markets. Mobility Abroad: Waymo plans robotaxi testing in Munich with commercial service targeted for late 2027.

AI Talent Race: A new Global Workforce Specialization Index puts the U.S. far ahead in AI skills, with Canada a distant second, while Stanford’s AI Index warns the U.S. is still attracting talent but at the slowest rate in over a decade. Climate & Food Security: The EU Commission’s JRC says prolonged heat and drought are stressing summer crops and fodder across western and central Europe, with Croatia among the countries seeing reduced yield expectations for maize. Wildfire Tech in Croatia: Croatia is expanding its AI-powered early fire detection network to 75 cameras at 25 new locations, adding 24/7 monitoring in protected areas and nature parks. Croatian Health Tech: KBC Rijeka carried out its first robot-assisted gynaecological operations using a €5.11M system funded by the state. Robotaxis in Zagreb: Uber launches its first European self-driving ride service in Zagreb, bringing robotaxi competition to Croatia. AI Ads Expansion: Criteo expands its ChatGPT Ads integration to 31 European markets, aiming to help advertisers reach shoppers during conversational discovery. Embedded Neuromorphic AI: BrainChip and Croatian deep-tech Neuromorphyx unveiled the BrainBoard1500, an AKD1500-based developer board for neuromorphic AI on embedded devices. Agritech & Water Stress: Drought across Europe is also exposing cultural heritage, including a Roman ship replica stranded in Croatia’s Drava River.

AI for Wildfire Response in Croatia: Croatia expanded its early forest-fire detection video surveillance system with 50 new cameras across protected areas and parks, using AI to spot smoke and flames day and night and feed county fire centers with real-time data. Robotics in Healthcare: KBC Rijeka performed its first robot-assisted gynecological surgeries using a €5.11M state-funded system, enabling minimally invasive procedures with 3D visualization and more precise instrument control. Marine Conservation: Scientists report a rare Mediterranean monk seal sighting in the Adriatic, saying the return suggests the sea still offers enough food for the highly protected species. Autonomous Mobility in Zagreb: Uber launched Europe’s first self-driving ride service in Zagreb, marking another step for robotaxis in the region. Tech Leadership Shake-up at OpenAI: OpenAI lost a second Americas sales leader in a week as Kaylin Voss resigned to return to Salesforce; Dali Rajic was named CRO earlier this month. Climate Pressure on Europe’s Waterways: Drought and record-low river levels left a Roman ship replica stranded on a sandbank in Croatia’s Drava River, prompting an army rescue operation.

Robotaxis in Zagreb: Uber launched its first European self-driving ride service in Croatia, with a safety driver, as the company expands autonomous mobility across Europe. Autonomous Tech Hardware: Waymo says it built custom 5nm AI silicon for its robotaxi system to handle huge sensor data loads, aiming to cut build and operating costs. Embedded AI for Engineers: BrainChip and Neuromorphyx announced the AKD1500 embedded developer board, pushing neuromorphic AI into practical hardware workflows. Marine Conservation: Scientists report the Mediterranean monk seal returning to the Adriatic, using the sighting as a sign Croatia’s waters can still support the species’ food needs. Heritage & Resilience: Zagreb Cathedral and other major earthquake-damaged sites are in the final restoration phase, with hundreds of projects and €1.7B spent so far. Roman Tech Meets Drought: Croatia’s Drava River low water levels stranded a Roman ship replica; the Croatian Army helped recover it to avoid damage. Packaging Innovation (Croatia-made): Cortec’s EcoCortec launched compostable stretch/shrink films manufactured in Croatia as drop-in replacements for single-use polyethylene. Wildfire Reality Check: France arrested nearly 500 suspected wildfire starters, while Croatia also faced evacuations and injuries amid extreme fire danger. Climate & Water Extremes: Europe’s drought continues to expose historic waterways and relics, from tugboats to shipwrecks, as heat and low rivers reshape what’s visible.