Thematic Working Group of the Croatian CAP Network “Women in Rural Areas” held its first activity of 2025 on June 10 in Osijek — "TERACafé" event.

At the TERACafé event, held in an informal setting, the opportunities offered by the project “Digital, Innovative and Green Technologies (DIGIT Project)” for entrepreneurs were presented. The goal is to support them in enhancing productivity and in building a green, digital, and globally competitive economy.

These projects are particularly relevant to women entrepreneurs in rural areas, as they provide access to funding for the commercialization of innovative ideas, market access, and opportunities to establish cooperation with the scientific and research sector. The aim is to bring to market products and services with higher added value.

The event was opened and the attendees welcomed by Ms. Željka Gudelj-Velaga, Director of the Directorate for Support in Agriculture and Rural Development; Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nataša Bokan, Chair of the Thematic Working Group “Women in Rural Areas”; and Ms. Ana Šarić, Director of TERA Tehnopolis, co-organizer of the event.

Projects focused on technology transfer and opportunities for science-business collaboration were presented by Dr. Hrvoje Meštrić, Director of the Directorate for Science and Technology at the Ministry of Science, Education and Youth, and Mr. Matej Vranić, Program Design and Implementation Expert at the same Ministry.

The event created a platform for spreading information on technology transfer and fostering collaboration between scientists and entrepreneurs. It also provided space for discussion and networking, which followed the presentations on upcoming calls within the DIGIT project.

The event concluded with an informal gathering, where scientists, entrepreneurs, and public sector stakeholders had the opportunity to network. With this event, the Thematic Working Group “Women in Rural Areas” officially launched its activities and collaboration efforts aimed at advancing the position of rural women in Croatia.