On November 11, 2024, the University of Primorska and the Center for Knowledge Development and Transfer (CRPZ UP FM) successfully held the second event, "INNOVATION and dot." This event brought together researchers from various fields at UP, the local community, and representatives from the business sector through presentations of successful innovation stories.

The event was opened by the head of CRPZ UP FM, Prof. Dr. Simona Kustec, followed by addresses from UP Rector Prof. Dr. Klavdija Kutnar and the Director of the Primorska Chamber of Commerce, Robert Rakar, who emphasized the importance of collaboration as a driving force for entrepreneurship and innovation. Also joining us was the Deputy Mayor of the Municipality of Koper, Mateja Hrvatin Kozlovič. Afterwards, brief presentations of current innovative social projects at UP faculties followed.

• UP FAMNIT and UP IAM: Smart floor – presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Aleksandar Tošić, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jernej Vicic, Dr. Niki Hrovatin, and Milan Milivojević
• UP FVZ: Mobile Multi-functional Isokinetic Device for Eccentric Exercise – presented by Oskar Cvjetićanin and Prof. Dr. Nejc Šarabon
• UP FTŠ-Turistica: IoT-enabled Sustainable Tourism Gateway – presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Emil Juvan
• UP FM: TeachXR Project: Virtual, Augmented, and Extended Reality in Education – presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Tine Bertoncelj
• UP FHŠ: UNESCO Chair at the University of Primorska and Innovative Approaches in University Education – presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Katja Hrobat Virloget and colleagues
• UP PEF: Storytelling – (Self)Advocacy of People with Special Needs – presented by Asst. Prof. Dr. Karmen Drljić

You can read more about the presented innovations here.

Asst. Prof. Dr. Tine Bertoncelj presented the TeachXR project, focusing on researching and implementing advanced virtual, augmented, and extended reality (XR) technologies in primary and secondary schools. The project aims to improve the quality of education, modernize teaching methods, and empower teachers with the knowledge and skills to use and integrate smart technologies into the educational process. Through the establishment of learning laboratories and teacher training, the project seeks to provide a lasting solution for the Slovenian educational ecosystem and strengthen collaboration between secondary, post-secondary, and higher education institutions and companies, thus transforming both the Slovenian educational ecosystem and vocational and professional education in Slovenia.

The event was also attended by UP FM dean, Assoc. Prof.Tatjana Horvat and vice dean for quality assoc. Prof. Armand Faganel, who invited third-year students of the undergraduate Management program to the innovation presentations.

Following discussions on the role of collaboration in successful social innovation stories through the experiences of UP researchers, students, and regional entrepreneurs, participants viewed an exhibition of current innovative social projects from UP members, which is on display at the UP Armeria Hall .

The event took place in the spirit of inspiring stories that highlighted the essential role of collaboration between researchers, entrepreneurs, and the local community. This collaboration is fundamental to fostering innovation and creating new opportunities, advanced solutions, and long-lasting changes.

Inovacije in pika