Pollution of the Adriatic Sea with waste and microplastics is one of the greatest environmental challenges of our time. To raise awareness about this urgent issue and encourage positive change, Telemach, in collaboration with the Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) Innovamare and the Ruđer Bošković Institute, has launched “Sretno more” – an innovative, socially responsible project combining youth education and underwater cleanup using cutting-edge 5G technology.
This is a long-term initiative in which Telemach primarily aims to raise awareness among young people about the seriousness of pollution in the Adriatic, foster a sense of shared responsibility for its preservation, and inspire them to lead by example within their communities. As part of the project, upper primary school students will participate in educational workshops and beach cleanup activities, while divers will clean the seabed using Faust V, Croatia’s first autonomous surface vessel developed by DIH Innovamare, along with underwater drones.
This technological solution can reach depths of up to 50 meters and precisely detect pollution using advanced sensors and a sophisticated monitoring system. To enable real-time control and video transmission from the vessel and underwater drones, Telemach, as the project initiator and technology partner, has provided a state-of-the-art 5G network—recently recognized by Opensignal as Croatia’s most reliable and highest-quality network.
DIH Innovamare is a leader in the digital and green transformation of the blue economy through innovative maritime technologies, sustainable development, and marine biodiversity conservation. As the recipient of the prestigious Blue Champion recognition from the European Investment Bank and the European Commission, DIH Innovamare is acknowledged as one of Europe’s key projects for restoring oceans and waters. Founded in Šibenik in 2023, the association connects the scientific, business, and public sectors in developing advanced solutions for marine environmental challenges and technological advancements in underwater operations.
“The Sretno more project is not just an environmental initiative – it’s an investment in future generations. If we want a blue economy that is not only profitable but also sustainable, we must provide young people with the knowledge, tools, and opportunities to become agents of change. Through education, hands-on action, and the application of innovative technologies, we are actively involving the community in preserving our sea and building strong foundations for a sustainable future. What we do now determines the world we will live in tomorrow,” said Mateo Ivanac, Chairman of the Board of DIH Innovamare.
The Ruđer Bošković Institute, one of the founders of DIH Innovamare, plays a key role in the Sretno more project. As Croatia’s leading scientific research institute in the natural and biomedical sciences, the Institute actively connects its scientific community with the business sector through DIH Innovamare, enabling efficient knowledge and technology transfer – essential for developing innovative solutions in the blue economy.
“Participation in the Sretno more initiative is of great importance to the Ruđer Bošković Institute, as the research and protection of the Adriatic Sea is one of our key strategic scientific directions. We believe that educating young people and working with local communities, as well as with innovation- and technology-driven companies like Telemach and DIH Innovamare is essential. Only through synergistic efforts can we protect the Adriatic for ourselves and future generations – no one else will do it for us,” said Dr. Tvrtko Smital, Head of the Division for Marine and Environmental Research at the Ruđer Bošković Institute.
Through youth education and advanced technology, the project places its focus firmly on preserving the ecosystem.
Photos: Telemach Hrvatska
