At the Entrepreneurial Incubator of Sisak-Moslavina County, PISMO powered by A1, in mid-February 2025, agreements were signed marking the start of construction of the Gaming Industry Center, one of the most important strategic projects in Croatia. At the same time, Amendment 1 to the Grant Agreement was awarded, securing as much as €38,657,181.00 for the first phase of the project. The agreement was signed by the Director of the Public Institution Regional Coordinator SMŽ, Andreja Šeperac, and representatives of the selected contractors: Ivan Parčina, President of the Management Board of TROMONT d.o.o. (Construction Services); Tomislav Stanišić, Director of SINTEGRAS d.o.o. (Construction Project Management Services) on behalf of the Consortium of SINTEGRAS d.o.o. and SAFEGE d.o.o.; and Hrvoje Ljubojević, Director of TENZOR d.o.o. (Professional Supervision Services).
The ceremony was attended by the Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds at the time, Šime Erlić; the Minister of Labour, Pension System, Family and Social Policy, Marin Piletić; the Director of the Central Financing and Contracting Agency, Dragan Jelić; the Director of the Croatian Employment Service, Ante Lončar; the Prefect of Sisak-Moslavina County, Ivan Celjak; the Mayor of Novska, Marija Kušmiš; the Director of the Development Agency SIMORA at the time, Darjan Vlahov; the Deputy Director of the Public Institution Regional Coordinator SMŽ, Ivana Matanović; and the President of the City Council of Novska, Ivica Vulić.
During the ceremony, the then Minister Šime Erlić and Director Dragan Jelić presented Director Šeperac with Amendment 1 to the Grant Agreement, increasing the total value of the first phase of the project to €38,657,181.00. The amendment enables a stronger start to the project’s implementation by securing the key funds for its first phase.
Director Andreja Šeperac welcomed the attendees, thanking everyone who made the start of this project possible, and emphasizing that the Gaming Industry Center is the largest infrastructure project in Novska and Sisak-Moslavina County.
“Today we are signing an agreement that marks a key moment for the development of the gaming industry in Croatia. This project is the result of the intensive work, dedication, and collaboration of all involved partners and the project team. Over the past few months, we have carried out all public procurement procedures, submitted multiple reports, and prepared the groundwork for today’s start of construction. Our goal is to create spaces where game developers can bring their ideas and dreams to life. This project would not have been possible without the strong support of our partners – the City of Novska, Sisak-Moslavina County, the ministries, and educational institutions. Today, we begin realizing a vision that will position Novska as a key gaming hub in Europe,” said Director Šeperac at the time.
Centar gaming industrije prostirat će se na gotovo 9 hektara u Poduzetničkoj zoni Novska, obuhvaćajući inkubator i akcelerator gaming industrije, infrastrukturu za sveučilišne studijske programe te studentske i sportske sadržaje. Prva faza projekta, koja će uslijediti, uključuje izgradnju studentskog doma, fakulteta, sportske dvorane, zatvorenog bazena, sportskih terena, prometnica i energetske infrastrukture.
The Gaming Industry Center will cover nearly 9 hectares in the Novska Entrepreneurial Zone, encompassing a gaming industry incubator and accelerator, infrastructure for university programs, as well as student and sports facilities. The first phase of the project, which will follow, includes the construction of a student dormitory, faculty building, sports hall, indoor swimming pool, sports fields, roads, and energy infrastructure.
“The development of the gaming industry in our county began nine years ago, and today we are witnessing the realization of the vision that started with the establishment of the PISMO Entrepreneurial Incubator. Around 80 gaming companies have been registered, educational programs have been introduced in high schools, and through the Just Transition Fund, funding has been secured for entrepreneurial incubators in Sisak and Glina, as well as the Majstorska School in Sisak. The gaming industry brings higher education institutions, student dormitories, sports facilities, and opportunities for the growth of Novska and the entire county. This project has no end, as the gaming industry is constantly advancing, opening new opportunities for all of Croatia,” said Prefect Ivan Celjak.
The then Minister of Regional Development and European Union Funds, Šime Erlić, emphasized that this is the first project financed through the Just Transition Fund, which will drive the region’s transformation toward new industries and increase Croatia’s competitiveness at the European and global level.
“This is the first project financed by the Just Transition Fund, which will enable the region’s transformation toward modern industries and position Croatia as a relevant player in the global gaming industry. A great deal of effort has gone into this project, from the initial ideas in 2016 to today. The Government of the Republic of Croatia provides full support for this initiative, and today’s contract amendment ensures a stable financial structure. This is not just an investment in infrastructure, but also in the future of the region, the creation of new jobs, and the development of educational programs tailored to the needs of the industries of the future,” stated Minister Šime Erlić at the time.
