7th edition of Torpedo Days: River in the Sign of Artificial Intelligence

The Mayor of Rijeka Marko Filipović and the Director of the Rijeka Development Agency Porin Nenad Antolović addressed the audience at the opening of the event. Mayor Filipović emphasized the importance of Torpedo Days positioning Rijeka as a city of innovation, emphasizing the city's commitment to projects that encourage digital transformation and economic development. The Artificial Intelligence Act (AI Act), the key legislative framework of the European Union for the responsible use of AI technologies, was presented at the event by Ana Jerković, representative of Europe Direct Rijeka.

He was greeted by Mayor Marko Filipović.

The program was marked by an inspiring keynote speech by Petar Dučić, Engineering Director from Infobip, on the topic “AI in business: how digital evolution drives success.” Dučić provided an overview of the latest trends in the implementation of AI solutions and shared examples of successful projects that show how artificial intelligence enables innovation and increases the competitiveness of companies. He pointed out that today there are increasingly visible trends that brands leave the entire so-called "customer journey" to digital tools, so today in the world customers are able to communicate with the brand, purchase products and give feedback on this process through, for example, WhatsApp applications.

The event continued with the presentation of concrete results of testing before invest activities on the topic of traffic optimization in the area of the City of Opatija, the Municipality of Matulji and the City of Cres. Saša Vojvodić and Neven Grubišić presented examples of how AI can improve transport solutions and contribute to the sustainable development of local communities.

Panel discussion on the topic “How AI shapes the future of business” gathered leading experts, including Petar Dučić (Infobip), Damir Medved (EDIH Adria), Tomislav Lukić (Croator) and Danijel Antonić (City of Rijeka). The discussion was moderated by Nenad Antolović, while the introduction was given by Damir Medved. The panellists discussed the challenges and opportunities brought by AI, with an emphasis on the importance of education and adaptation of entrepreneurs to new technologies. Particularly interesting is the fact that the questions for the panelists were designed with the help of the ChatGPT tool, which further demonstrated the potential of artificial intelligence in practical application.

Finally, participants had the opportunity to participate in an interactive AI quiz, which further delighted the audience with its innovation. The gathering was concluded at the afterparty, which provided an opportunity for networking and exchange of experiences in a relaxed atmosphere.

It was especially emphasized that through projects such as the Sinergan incubator, which soon opens its doors, Rijeka is committed to creating space for the development of IT, creative and smart-city industries. Synergana will support entrepreneurs, students and creative innovators, confirming the city's position as a centre for innovation and digital advancement.
The 7th edition of Torpedo Days once again demonstrated the importance of cooperation between the private sector, academia and public institutions in shaping the digital future of Rijeka and the wider region.