Building a Global Robotics Brand from Zagreb
When a startup founded by FER alumni opens a manufacturing plant in a Chicago suburb, the story is not just about expansion. It illustrates how solid academic foundations, strategic partnerships, and a clear vision can transform a regional laboratory into a global player in robotics and logistics.
The Journey of Gideon: From Campus Prototype to Chicago Manufacturing
Gideon started as a research group within the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing (FER), emphasizing autonomous robotic systems for warehouses and supply‑chain operations. Two alumni, PhDs Josip Ćesić and Edin Kočo, combined their expertise in AI, mechanical design, and industrial automation to develop a line of robots that can navigate dynamic environments without human oversight.
The company’s breakthrough came during a panel titled “Physical‑AI – Transforming the Physical World,” where speakers from NVIDIA, Prologis Ventures, and Gideon showcased the potential of physical robots powered by machine‑learning algorithms. The panel’s endorsement helped Gideon secure the necessary capital to relocate its production line to Bolingbrook, Illinois.
Key Lessons for Aspiring Innovators
- Start with a problem that matters. Gideon focused on inventory management, a universal pain point for enterprises of all sizes, giving its technology immediate commercial relevance.
- Leverage academic knowledge. The founders translated university research—especially in reinforcement learning and sensor fusion—into production‑ready solutions.
- Build a network early. Collaborations with industry giants like NVIDIA provided both technology support and a route to credibility among potential customers.
- Plan for scale from day one. Designing robots that can be mass‑produced and integrated with existing logistics software allowed Gideon to meet U.S. demand quickly.
For those looking to replicate this trajectory, the roadmap is clear: identify a high‑impact niche, partner with universities for research, and secure strategic investors who share your vision.
FER’s Role in Catalyzing High‑Tech Startups
Dean Vedran Bilas emphasized that FER’s mission is to produce not only skilled engineers but also capable business leaders. The Faculty provides a range of resources that facilitate entrepreneurial activity:
- Research labs equipped with the latest robotics hardware.
- Interdisciplinary programs that fuse electrical engineering, computer science, and business administration.
- Advisory and alumni boards that connect students with industry mentors.
These elements create a pipeline where novel ideas can be validated, prototyped, and eventually commercialized. FER’s global outreach programs also help students connect with international partners, much like Gideon’s collaboration with Prologis Ventures.
Practical Steps to Launch Your Own Robotics Venture
Secure Funding and Partnerships
Early-stage robotics projects often require significant capital for prototyping. Consider the following funding avenues:
- University Seed Grants. FER offers seed funding for student‑led projects that show commercial potential.
- Government Innovation Funds. Croatia’s national innovation programs and EU Horizon Europe grants can cover up to 50% of research costs.
- Angel Investors and VC Firms. Pitch to investors who specialize in autonomous systems; a well‑structured business plan focusing on ROI and market size increases success rates.
Don’t underestimate the value of strategic partners. A logistics company can provide real‑world testing environments, while a sensor manufacturer can supply critical components at discounted rates.
Cultivate Technical Excellence
Robotics integration requires a mix of hardware and software expertise. Building a multidisciplinary team reduces silos:
- Roboticists with hands‑on experience in motion planning.
- Software engineers skilled in machine‑learning frameworks.
- Systems engineers who can design controllable hardware architectures.
- Product managers who translate technical capabilities into user‑friendly solutions.
Regularly open hackathons and design challenges, both within the startup and as part of university programs, to keep the team’s skill set sharp and aligned with industry trends.
Navigate Market Entry into the U.S.
Exporting robotics solutions involves compliance with safety standards, customs regulations, and local market preferences. To streamline entry:
- Obtain ISO certifications. Standards such as ISO 13482 for personal care robots assure customers of safety.
- Engage with local distributors. Partner with logistics firms already operating in the U.S. to defer distribution costs.
- Localize designs. Adapt user interfaces and documentation for English‑speaking markets.
Keep abreast of regulatory changes; for example, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is drafting guidelines for autonomous warehouse robots that may affect hardware design.
Leveraging FER’s Resources and Network
Academic Programs for Robotics and AI
FER offers master’s degrees in Information and Communication Technology – Robotics and, more broadly, multidisciplinary programs that blend electrical engineering with data science. These curricula emphasize:
- Advanced robotics courses covering kinematics, dynamics, and AI control.
- Research projects that provide hands‑on experience with autonomous systems.
- Industry‑partnership courses where students design solutions for actual supply‑chain challenges.
Students graduating from these programs are equipped to either enter the workforce or start their own ventures, thanks to the strong alumni network and industry contacts FER maintains.
Alumni Networks and Industry Collaborations
gradients of growth for companies like Gideon are often accelerated by alumni networks that facilitate introductions to investors, customers, and advisors. For instance, Josip Ćesić’s presence on FER’s advisory board enabled quick access to NVIDIA’s supply chain expertise.
Engage with the FER alumni community through events such as the “Physical‑AI” panel, annual alumni meets, and mentorship programs. These platforms provide access to:
- Potential co‑founders or technical leads.
- Guidance on scaling production.
- Contact points for securing government grants.
International Events and Panels
Participating in conferences can elevate a startup’s visibility. FER regularly hosts or attends international robotics and AI conferences, offering alumni the opportunity to present prototypes, network with venture capitalists, and benchmark against global competitors.
When preparing for such events, focus on short, impactful demos that illustrate real‑world applicability—this was key to Gideon’s successful pitch at the Chicago opening.
Next Steps for Aspiring Robotics Professionals
Whether you are a student at FER, a recent graduate, or an entrepreneur looking to enter the robotics market, the following actions can set you on the right path:
- Explore FER’s Master’s in Robotics to gain deep technical skills and industry connections.
- Apply for undergraduate studies in Electrical Engineering to build foundational expertise in hardware and software design.
- Join the FER alumni network on LinkedIn to stay updated on startup opportunities and industry trends.
- Contact the Faculty’s research office for collaboration queries or to schedule a campus visit.
- Subscribe to FER’s newsletter for the latest research breakthroughs and business case studies in robotics and AI.
By blending rigorous academic training, strategic mentorship, and an entrepreneurial mindset, you can follow in the footsteps of FER alumni who have taken Croatian robotics from a prototype in Zagreb to a production line in Chicago.
Ready to take the next step? Apply to FER’s robotics master’s program today and start building the future of autonomous logistics.
