13 Nov 2025 DOK-ING Receives Academic Oscar for Excellence in Industry – Academia Collaboration
ACADEMIC OSCAR AWARD FOR EXTRAORDINARY ACHIEVEMENTS IN INNOVATION PROJECTS
Zagreb, 11 November 2025 – DOK-ING has been awarded the inaugural Academic Oscar, a recognition presented at the First Economic Forum of the University of Zagreb for extraordinary achievements in joint innovation projects between academia and the business sector. The University of Zagreb organised its first Economic Forum, themed “Competitive and Resilient Croatia.“ The award ceremony, held at SEECEL as part of the University Week, honoured the companies whose cooperation with the University has contributed to advancing Croatia’s competitiveness, technological development, and economic resilience. Alongside DOK-ING, Končar’s contribution was also recognised and awarded with this year’s Academic Oscar.
The Rector of the University of Zagreb, Prof. Stjepan Lakušić, emphasised that the contributions of DOK-ING and Končar enabled the realisation of projects that represent a generational leap for Croatia. DOK-ING was recognised for its pioneering work in robotics, automation, defence and security technologies, as well as innovative solutions in waste management.
Representing DOK-ING, Mr Ante Bakić, Member of the Management Board, emphasised the importance of Croatian universities in developing engineering excellence:
“Access to a strong base of highly skilled engineers is one of the key drivers of DOK-ING’s global success. The long-term development of top-quality talent depends on strategic collaboration between the private sector and universities. The industry defines the needs for future technologies, and academia plays a crucial role in shaping the education that supports those needs.”
The Academic Oscar aims to reward companies that have demonstrated exemplary cooperation with the University of Zagreb, delivered innovative solutions of significant societal impact, strengthened Croatia’s international visibility, and contributed to improving the quality of life through advanced technologies. This recognition further reinforces DOK-ING’s commitment to innovation leadership and to building strong, future-oriented partnerships with the academic community.
Reflecting on the company’s strong and long-standing partnerships with academic institutions and their impact on developing future engineering talents, Mr Ante Bakić added:
“We are proud that so many students and engineers choose DOK-ING for internships, professional development and career paths, as they recognise that they can build a successful, globally competitive career right here in DOK-ING and in Croatia. I would also like to express my sincere gratitude to the Faculty of Mining, Geology and Petroleum Engineering, the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, and the Faculties of Chemical Engineering and Technology for their long-term and successful collaboration on numerous impactful projects.”
