Universal Research Institute UR

What Universal Research Institute UR does

Universal Research Institute UR is a non-profit NGO think tank founded in 2013 and headquartered in Zagreb, Croatia, with a second research facility in Dubrovnik and a biological research station on Nature Reserve Island Lokrum. It conducts independent interdisciplinary applied scientific research spanning biotechnology, bioelectronics, biorobotics, biomechatronics, ecological engineering, contemporary cybernetics (biosemiotics, robopsychology, artificial consciousness design, bio-inspired computing), and new media science-related art (BioArt). Its core technical assets include the SRCE program (in-vitro cultivation of replacement organs on microbial cellulose scaffolds produced with Gluconacetobacter xylinus in a DIY bioreactor), the JUNO humanoid organic biorobotic platform, the MeBUMZ microbial-cellulose biomechatronic audio device, and autonomous environmental probes E.R.O.S., ZORA, and Adria Perl.

The institute serves three primary constituencies: gifted youth in STEAM fields (aged roughly 5–30) through programs such as the Youth Science Club, Modern Prometheus, Bioelectronics Academy, and Science Underground Academy; BioArt and new media artists who need laboratory infrastructure and biotechnological expertise, exemplified by collaborations with Maja Smrekar (Golden Nica-winning ARTEmis), Margherita Pevere (WOMBS), and Kat Austen (Sushi Roulette); and citizens and local communities engaged in DIY/DIWO citizen science and maker practices. Revenue is primarily grant-driven (European Social Fund, European Commission DG CONNECT, Creative Europe, Croatian ministries, City of Dubrovnik, Government Office for Cooperation with NGOs), supplemented by donations with tax-deduction structuring, occasional think-tank consultancy, and minor subscription fees (e.g., Modern Prometheus at 250 HRK/month). GTM is community- and event-led: open public calls, summer schools, festivals, residencies, and EU-consortium dissemination rather than traditional sales channels.

Name

Universal Research Institute UR

Legal name

Universal Research Institute UR

Website

https://ur-institute.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Universal Research Institute UR is a Zagreb-based non-profit NGO think tank running interdisciplinary applied research in biotechnology, bioelectronics, biorobotics, and BioArt, serving gifted youth, science+art practitioners, and citizen-science communities across Croatia and Europe via grant-funded programs and residencies.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Scientific Research and STEAM Education Services

NAICS

Research and Development in the Physical, Engineering, and Life Sciences (except Nanotechnology and Biotechnology) (541715), Scientific Research and Development Services (5417), Research and Development in Biotechnology (except Nanobiotechnology) (541714), Other Scientific and Technical Consulting Services (541690)

SIC

Services-Commercial Physical & Biological Research (8731), Services-Testing Laboratories (8734)

akta.pro primary industry

Makerspace, Innovation Lab & Fab Lab Operations (Tools, Safety, Programming) (EDAEAGAI)

akta.pro secondary industries

Research, Capstone & Extended Essay Mentoring (IB EE, independent research) (EDANAKAH), Open Interactive Learning Objects & Simulations (EDAGAJAE), Scientific Data Management & Data Platforms (SDMS/Data Lakehouse for R&D) (HLAGAJAC)

Keywords

• Interdisciplinary scientific research
• STEAM education programs
• Biotechnology research
• Science art BioArt
• DIY citizen science

Headquarters

HQ city

Zagreb

HQ country

Croatia

HQ region

Europe

Offices3 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others

Revenue model

1. EU and Government Grants: UR Institute operates as a non-profit NGO and relies heavily on public funding from EU programs (European Social Fund, Creative Europe) and Croatian national/regional government sources. Grants fund consumable material costs and specific project activities.
2. Donations and Sponsorships: Equipment and funding donations through humanitarian (charity) donation contracts that can be used for tax deduction by donors. Donors receive public acknowledgments and international marketing via UR Institute activities. Seeking funding for laboratory equipment including laser cutters, laminar flow hoods, liquid nitrogen tanks, confocal microscopes, bioreactors, genetic sequencers, and LC-MS systems.
3. Consultancy and Think Tank Services: Expert interdisciplinary think tank services including external project evaluation, monitoring, and consultancy on research & technical development projects in emerging technologies, biotechnology, mechatronics, electronics, robotics, ecology, and urban planning. Also RTD project planning and project proposal development for public funding.
4. STEM and Science+Art Educational Programs: Some educational programs charge membership fees. For example, the Modern Prometheus program charges 250 HRK/month for standard participation, with reduced rates for single parents and siblings.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels5 records

Marketing channels6 records

Core offering

Universal Research Institute UR is a non-profit NGO think tank for independent interdisciplinary applied scientific research combining biotechnology, bioelectronics, biorobotics, ecological engineering, and science-related art (BioArt). It delivers STEAM educational programs for youth (Bioelectronics Academy, Science Underground Academy, Modern Prometheus, Youth Science Club), runs science+art festivals and residencies (BLACK CLINIC, STARTS4Water, Dubrovnik Postmodern), develops proprietary research artefacts (MeBUMZ audio device, E.R.O.S., ZORA, Adria Perl probes, SRCE/JUNO/PROTOGONOS programs), and provides external project evaluation, monitoring, and research consultancy services.

Product overview

Universal Research Institute UR is a non-profit NGO think tank that operates as a research institute and educational organization rather than a commercial product company. Its offerings span research programs, educational initiatives, and science-art projects. Core research programs include SRCE (biomedical organ cultivation), JUNO (biorobotics), and autonomous environmental probes (E.R.O.S., ZORA). Educational offerings include the Bioelectronics Academy, Science Underground Academy, Youth Science Club, and Modern Prometheus workshops. The institute also runs project-based initiatives like Du STEM (STEM education), STARTS4Water (water management art+tech), Dubrovnik Postmodern (digital art), and BLACK CLINIC festival. Products include MeBUMZ biomechatronic audio device and the aqua_forensic research program. The institute operates research facilities in Zagreb and Dubrovnik, Croatia.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Bioelectronics Academy: Advanced interdisciplinary educational program in applied contemporary bioelectronic engineering for youth (15-30 years), operating in Zagreb and Dubrovnik
• Youth Science Club (Klub Mladih Znanstvenika)
• Moderni Prometej
• Science Underground Academy
• BLACK CLINIC
• S.A.I.N.T.
• SRCE
• JUNO program
• PROTOGONOS program
• Smart & Self-sustainable BioCity

Products and services

• Bioelectronics Academy Annual interdisciplinary workshop program for gifted youth and university students (15-30) in applied contemporary bioelectronic engineering, integrating electronic and organic systems across bioelectronics, biorobotics, biotechnology, biomedicine, and energetics. Operates in Zagreb and Dubrovnik.
• Science Underground Academy International biennale (formerly annual) summer school boot camp in postmodern science and scientific techniques used in new media art for art and science students and professionals. Combines laboratory and field lectures exploring biodiversity and recycled materials, hosted at Dubrovnik facility and Island Lokrum.
• Modern Prometheus (Moderni Prometej) Annual subscription-based workshops program (HRK 250/month) for youth aged 13-19 in applied modern interdisciplinary science: experimental electronics, robotics, molecular biology, biotechnology, astrophysics, and ecological engineering. Operates primarily in Dubrovnik.
• Youth Science Club (Klub Mladih Znanstvenika) Year-round hybrid program operating as a makerspace/hackerspace/FabLab for children and youth to develop scientific creativity under UR Institute mentorship. Operates in Dubrovnik and Zagreb.
• BLACK CLINIC Festival International triennale festival of Biological Art (BioArt) and technobiology, showcasing science-art collaborations; includes the Black Clinic 3.0 virtual residency program for young artists (since 2022).
• Aqua_forensic Research Program

Quantifiable outcome

• More than 226 activities planned under Du STEM project targeting children, youth, and general population in Dubrovnik and Dubrovnik-Neretva County over 24 months
• +2 more outcomes

Named customers7 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed Yes

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

AI capability3 records

Feature7 records

Partnerships

21 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Luca School of Arts (Belgium)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Lead partner of STARTS4Water consortium. LUCA School of Arts coordinates the European Commission-funded initiative supporting artists, researchers, and technology experts in addressing regional water-related challenges across 5 European countries.
• Cittadellarte Fondazione Pistoletto (Italy)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Part of STARTS4Water consortium, bringing expertise in art and social activism to address water management challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration.
• V2_Lab for the Unstable Media (Netherlands)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Part of STARTS4Water consortium, contributing expertise in unstable media and technology art for water-related challenges.
• Ohi Pezoume / UrbanDig Project (Greece)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Part of STARTS4Water consortium, contributing to intersectoral and transversal networking activities for water management challenges in Greece and across Europe.
• TBA21 - Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary (Austria)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Part of STARTS4Water consortium, providing art and science collaboration platform for water-related residencies and research.
• Dubrovnik Youth Career Center (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner in Dubrovnik Postmodern project, co-creating new media postmodern sustainable cultural products with youth in Dubrovnik. Provides venue and youth engagement infrastructure.
• Dubrovnik-Neretva County Association of Technical Culture (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner in Dubrovnik Postmodern and Du STEM projects, contributing experience in cultural creation, project management, and new technologies for youth STEM education.
• Kontejner / Bureau of Contemporary Art Practice (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner in Dubrovnik Postmodern project, contributing expertise in contemporary art practice, project management, and new technologies. Also co-producer of WOMBS exhibition and Black Clinic festival.
• City of Dubrovnik Association of Technical Culture (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Lead partner in Du STEM project for strengthening capacities of civil society organizations to popularize STEM. Implements 2-year project with modern STEM equipment procurement and 226+ activities.
• University of Dubrovnik (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Partner in Du STEM project, strengthening cooperation with university for STEM popularization programs targeting children, youth, and general population in Dubrovnik and the county.
• Futura IT Club (Croatia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2021Associate partner in Du STEM project, contributing IT expertise to STEM equipment procurement and educational programs.
• Nature Reserve Island Lokrum (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2021Supports UR Institute programs including Youth Science Club, Modern Prometheus, and Science Underground Academy through provision of facilities and field research sites on Island Lokrum.
• Art Workshop Lazareti (Croatia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Venue partner for Adriatic Garden exhibitions and Dubrovnik activities within STARTS4Water and EMAP programs.
• Dubrovnik Water Supply (Croatia)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2020Support network partner for STARTS4Water Zero Pollution Adriatic residency, contributing expertise in water utility management.
• Association of Innovators of Dubrovnik-Neretva County (Croatia)minorChannel Partner/ Reseller/ Distributor · 1 January 2020Support network partner for STARTS4Water residency, contributing innovation expertise to STEM education and water management projects.
• Ars Electronica / EMAP-EMARE Network (Austria)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Through EMAP/EMARE European Media Art Platform network and Ars Electronica Center BioLab, UR Institute conducts aqua_forensic research residencies and science+art projects. Network provides international exhibition and residency opportunities.
• Projekt Atol Institute (Slovenia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partner in aqua_forensic project, providing facilities for art installation production (morphing spatial sculpture) in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
• PiNA - Association for Culture and Education (Slovenia)minorStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Partner in STARTS4Water residency support network for Adriatic region, contributing to citizen science workshops on water pollution and climate change.
• City of Dubrovnik (Croatia)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Administrative Department for Education, Sports, Social Welfare and Civil Society provides support for UR Institute programs including Smart & Self-sustainable BioCity and Dubrovnik Postmodern projects.
• Croatian Ministry of Science and EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Provides governmental support for Youth Science Club and other educational programs of UR Institute.
• Croatian Ministry of CulturecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2018Provides governmental funding and support for science+art projects and cultural programs including aqua_forensic and Black Clinic festival.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• SymbioticA: SymbioticA is a University of Western Australia-based art and biology research laboratory offering residency programs in biological arts, tissue culture, and bioethics. It is the closest global peer to UR Institute because both operate dedicated wet-lab facilities for artists, run bioart residencies, and develop novel methodologies at the intersection of biotechnology and contemporary art.
• Waag Futurelab: Waag is an Amsterdam-based interdisciplinary research lab focused on technology and society, operating makerspaces, citizen science programs, and STEAM education for youth. It is comparable to UR Institute because both blend DIY/DIWO culture, citizen science, makerspace/FabLab operations, and STEAM educational programs under a non-profit research institute model.
• Medialab-Prado: Medialab-Prado is a Madrid-based civic laboratory run by the City of Madrid focused on open culture, citizen science, and digital fabrication. It is comparable to UR Institute as a publicly-supported makerspace/DIY/DIWO culture lab combining citizen science, STEAM education, and community innovation.
• V2_ Lab for the Unstable Media: V2_ is a Rotterdam-based center for art and technology that runs artist residencies, develops experimental projects, and co-organizes European consortium programs. It is a direct peer because UR Institute is a partner of V2_ in the STARTS4Water consortium, and both operate non-profit art+technology labs supporting international residency programs.
• Kontejner: Kontejner is a Zagreb-based Bureau of Contemporary Art Practice organizing exhibitions, festivals (including Black Clinic), and residency programs at the intersection of science and art. It is a direct peer because Kontejner co-produces UR Institute events (WOMBS, Black Clinic) and is a formal Dubrovnik Postmodern project partner.
• Cittadellarte - Fondazione Pistoletto: Cittadellarte is an Italian foundation based in Biella promoting art and social transformation through collaborative projects. It is a direct peer because UR Institute is its consortium partner in STARTS4Water and both operate non-profit institutions combining art, research, and environmental/social programs across Europe.
• The Arts Catalyst: The Arts Catalyst is a UK-based non-profit producing art and research projects on science, technology, and the environment, including residency and lab programs. It is directly comparable to UR Institute because both work at the intersection of art, science, and environmental research, producing hybrid research artworks and residencies.

Broad incumbents

• Science Gallery International: Science Gallery International is a Trinity College Dublin-founded network that creates spaces at the intersection of science and art, focusing on engagement with young adults. It is comparable to UR Institute as a global operator of science+art programming targeting youth audiences and supporting STEAM development.
• Ars Electronica: Ars Electronica is the leading European art, technology, and society research center based in Linz, Austria. It is comparable to UR Institute as the senior institution in the same BioArt / science+art ecosystem that co-organizes the EMAP/EMARE network in which UR Institute is a partner and where UR-affiliated projects (e.g. ARTEmis) won the Golden Nica.
• TBA21 (Thyssen-Bornemisza Art Contemporary): TBA21 is an international contemporary art foundation known for combining art, science, and ocean conservation. It is comparable to UR Institute as a more established European art-science institution supporting residencies and water-related research; UR Institute is a TBA21 STARTS4Water consortium partner.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/UR.Institute
• Instagraminstagram.com/ur.institute
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/universal-research-institute-ur

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles3 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Universal Research Institute UR