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As local weather change and air pollution put rising stress on the world’s oceans and seas, a Croatian start-up is exhibiting how science and expertise can work collectively to guard the marine atmosphere.
SeaCras, based in 2020 by Croatian physicist Mario Špadina, has grown from a tutorial concept into one of many area’s main suppliers of ocean information.
Using a mix of satellite tv for pc imagery and synthetic intelligence (AI), the corporate helps detect oil spills, monitor human exercise, and monitor environmental dangers in the sea.
Špadina’s journey started in academia, with a Ph.D. from the French Atomic Energy and Alternative Energies Commission and the University of Montpellier, adopted by postdoctoral work on the Ruđer Bošković Institute and the University of Ljubljana.
He authored over a dozen scientific papers earlier than turning his consideration to entrepreneurship.
Motivated to place science into motion, he launched SeaCras with simply €50,000 in early funding and assist from the EU’s BlueInvest initiative, EU Ocean & Fisheries stated.
In only some years, the start-up has grow to be the third-largest ocean information supplier in its area.
Traditional marine monitoring typically misses vital points similar to gas leaks, unlawful fishing, or injury to protected areas. SeaCras’ expertise gives a clearer image by combining open information from the Copernicus programme with business high-resolution satellite tv for pc sources.
Mario Špadina (Photo: SeaCras/LinkedIn)
Its AI-powered platform is already proving its value. In April 2025, for instance, the system recognized an oil spill close to Hvar port, enabling authorities to reply quickly.
The expertise is being utilized throughout a number of industries, together with delivery, tourism, aquaculture, and power, whereas additionally supporting public our bodies accountable for marine protection.
Špadina himself has been recognised internationally, incomes a spot among the many ‘Emerging Leaders under 40’ on the European Forum Alpbach and among the many ‘Top Executives and Innovators’ on the World Economic Forum in 2024.
He additionally contributes to nationwide and EU coverage discussions on maritime transport and coastal tourism.
SeaCras has been intently linked with the BlueInvest platform, which helps revolutionary corporations in the blue economic system.
After being highlighted on the BlueInvest Awards 2022, the group benefited from specialised teaching that helped refine each funding methods and shopper engagement.
SeaCras now employs a group of 15 and is getting ready for its subsequent development section. The firm is in the method of securing funding by the Croatian Bank for Reconstruction and Development in collaboration with the European Investment Bank (EIB).
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