Slovenia-based enterprise Hovercraft d.o.o. is an international innovative manufacturer and service provider engaged primarily in the production of inflatable products. The enterprise received EU funding for the project Ecocraft to develop a prototype of a multipurpose vessel made of advanced materials that comes in different sizes. The full-size prototype captures the essence of environment-friendly and sustainable water mobility. Distinct features such as simple assembly, ease of disassembly and storage make the product highly usable and guarantee its commercial success.
The idea of a stable vessel that would take the tourism offer in Slovenian coastal and riverside towns to the next level became relevant when the floods that affected the city of Maribor and its surroundings revealed a huge lack of suitable and well-equipped vessels that would provide efficient and affordable help during storms and flood events. ‘’We at Hovercraft invest a great deal of money and human resources into inventions and development of products providing flood protection. We had knowledge to bring the idea successfully to life and made a ready-to-use product helping us save human lives and property during water-related disasters,’’ Hovercraft team described their beginnings. The idea further grew as they worked on developing chlorosulphonated polyethylene (CSM), synthetic rubber used in the manufacture of voluminous products, which they reinforced with glass fibers. The material was initially specifically intended for military use, but is now also used for commercial purposes. Based on their experience with water vessels and materials, the enterprise designed a vessel that would allow for sustainable, quality and innovative use of water for recreational, civil rescue and commercial purposes.
The enterprise is specialized in the production of inflatable double-walled structures made of CSM, rubber and PVC for the purpose of advertising, civil protection and rescuing, nautics and sports. The enterprise received EU funding under the call for proposals RDI in value chains and networks – Incentives for R&D projects. The aim of the call was to provide financial support to the implementation of RDI projects of enterprises or consortia for the development of new and improved processes, products or services with high added value and marketing potential to improve the competitiveness of the enterprises receiving support.
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Beneficiary: Hovercraft d.o.o. |
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Programme: Operational Programme for the Implementation of the European Cohesion Policy in the Period 2014-2020 |
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Fund: European Regional Development Fund |
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Total project funding: EUR 116.640.77 |
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EU contribution: EUR 93,312.12 |
PHOTO: Hovercraft