Jems
Our SMART STEP project marked an important milestone with the opening of the new Energy Transition Centre and the renovated laboratory complex at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering of the University of Tuzla. The opening took place on 30 September 2026 as part of the SMART STEP Energy Transition Fair 2026, held at the University of Tuzla campus.
Developed and equipped through our project, the new Centre will provide technical and professional support to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Tuzla Canton, helping them improve energy efficiency, optimise energy costs and advance their decarbonisation processes.
The renovated laboratory complex also strengthens cooperation between education, research and the business sector, providing modern facilities for practical training, scientific research and the development of innovative and sustainable technological solutions.
During the fair, a cooperation agreement between the Ministry of Economy of Tuzla Canton and the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Tuzla was also signed, establishing a framework for closer cooperation between academic expertise and the local economy.
The event also presented key tools developed through our project, including an A–G classification system for assessing the energy efficiency of SMEs and a long-term action plan with support measures for the business sector in Tuzla Canton until 2034.
As part of the Open Day, high school and university students had the opportunity to visit the newly equipped laboratories and learn more about renewable energy technologies that will support their future practical training and research.
SMART STEP – Smart Solutions in Energy Transition of Productive Businesses is implemented under the Interreg IPA Cross-Border Cooperation Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 by the Centre for Development and Support (CRP) Tuzla, Tuzla Canton, Brod-Posavina County and the University of Slavonski Brod.
Our project contributes to the Programme’s objective of promoting energy efficiency and reducing greenhouse gas emissions by strengthening institutional capacities, improving the evidence base and creating long-term support mechanisms for the energy transition of SMEs across the cross-border area.
