Last Friday, on 24 January, we marked our 104th anniversary with a special Company Day celebration, reflecting on our legacy of innovation and social responsibility. The celebration included a formal award ceremony at the company’s headquarters, recognizing top students from the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences (Zagreb Polytechnic University, TVZ). Staying true to its motto, “The best investment is an investment in people,” KONČAR has been awarding exceptional TVZ students since 2004. This year’s “KONČAR Award” was personally presented by our CEO Gordan Kolak. In honour of its 104th year, KONČAR reinforced its commitment to community care through a thoughtful act of generosity. The company supported the Soče family, whose five members include a young woman, Laura, living with cerebral palsy and blindness, as well as two children with special care needs. KONČAR donated a specially equipped vehicle, providing the family with greater mobility and improved safety in daily life.

The “KONČAR Award” has long been a symbol of excellence, recognizing the top-performing students in Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechatronics, and Information Technology and Computing at all academic levels of TVZ. In 2025, 18 exceptional students received this honour in a formal ceremony led by our CEO Gordan Kolak, with the support of Management Board members Petar Bobek and Mario Radaković, and TVZ Dean Jana Žiljak Gršić and her associates.

„KONČAR’s proud legacy and its position as a driving force in domestic industry and technological progress come with a tremendous responsibility. That responsibility is to continuously deliver innovative products and solutions that address the challenges of modern energy projects globally, ensuring we pave the way for success for generations to come. The exceptional results you have achieved not only honour those who have guided and supported you – your parents, professors, and mentors – but also prove your readiness to take on the challenges and responsibilities that come with KONČAR’s mission. I am confident that among you are the future leaders who will drive KONČAR’s vision forward, building an even more resilient and forward-thinking company. Let your achievements to date serve as a foundation and inspiration for further contributions to excellence, progress, and the overall social and economic development of our nation,” said Gordan Kolak, addressing the gathered students.

„I am both proud and deeply grateful to KONČAR for its ongoing recognition of the Zagreb University of Applied Sciences as a trusted partner and for highlighting the efforts of our top-performing students. This acknowledgment represents a significant validation of their hard work and dedication, especially as it comes from one of the leading organizations within Croatia’s economy and business landscape. I am confident that some of our students will collaborate with KONČAR in the future, and I hope that many will also find opportunities to build their careers within the company. Given KONČAR’s reputation as a highly prestigious company in Croatia and its recognition on the global stage, this honour will undoubtedly hold profound meaning and added value for them,” said Jana Žiljak Gršić.

KONČAR, widely recognized for its commitment to corporate social responsibility, continually supports the community through a wide range of initiatives, including donations, sponsorships, volunteer activities, and promoting inclusion. With a focus on helping the most vulnerable groups in society, KONČAR marked its business anniversary with yet another meaningful gesture. KONČAR provided a new vehicle to the family of Laura Soče, last year’s recipient of the Ponos Hrvatske (Pride of Croatia) award, who was born with cerebral palsy and blindness. The family’s previous vehicle could not adequately accommodate their needs as a five-member household or support the transportation of Laura’s wheelchair. By donating this vehicle, KONČAR has significantly improved the family’s mobility and daily quality of life.

„I am sincerely thankful to the team at KONČAR for this gesture, which has deeply moved me and will remain a treasured memory. This donation will greatly ease daily life and mobility for my family and me, while also ensuring greater safety in our everyday activities. I am especially grateful that KONČAR recognized my needs and, through this act, demonstrated that it is built on people with compassion and big hearts. This gesture is a powerful reminder that perseverance and dedication always pay off,“ said Laura Soče upon receiving the vehicle. Laura, who is proudly holding her first academic diploma, is currently pursuing her master’s degree and will soon add another achievement to her academic journey.

„The Soče family exemplifies resilience, optimism, and unwavering faith, serving as an inspiration to all of us. Our commitment to our employees and the wider community remains fundamental to our success and vital for fostering a thriving society. Inclusivity, diversity, and equal opportunities lie at the heart of our Sustainability Strategy. Through focused initiatives, we strive to create a fairer, more sustainable future while championing values that reflect our company’s ESG priorities,” concluded Kolak.