SmartSteel VEND
Cross-Border Innovation for Sustainable Vending Solutions
Project duration: 26 May 2026 – 25 May 2027
Project type: Cross-border innovation and SME competitiveness project
Partner countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
About the project
SmartSteel VEND is a cross-border innovation project bringing together three small and medium-sized enterprises from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro with a common goal: to develop more sustainable, energy-efficient, digitally enabled and market-oriented solutions for the vending industry.
The project focuses on the development of a new generation of vending machine doors and structural components, combining eco-design, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, improved functionality and digital technologies.
By joining their complementary expertise and production capacities, the three partner companies will establish a cross-border value chain covering industrial and product design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, testing and pre-series production.
Project objective
The main objective of SmartSteel VEND is to strengthen the competitiveness and innovation capacity of participating SMEs through the development of innovative products and production processes.
The project will contribute to:

• introducing eco-design and circular economy principles into product development;
• improving energy efficiency and reducing material waste;
• modernising manufacturing processes and production equipment;
• developing functional prototypes and testing their performance;
• introducing digital functions and telemetry for remote monitoring;
• improving production quality and readiness for pre-series manufacturing;
• strengthening the partners' position on international and EU markets;
• creating new employment opportunities and supporting long-term business growth.
  Innovative solution
  The project will develop advanced vending machine doors and related structural components designed with sustainability, functionality and modern manufacturing requirements in mind.
  The solution will incorporate telemetry and digital monitoring capabilities, enabling the monitoring of relevant operational parameters, including energy consumption, and creating the basis for future predictive maintenance and additional digital services.
  The application of eco-design principles will support longer product life, efficient use of materials and improved energy performance.
  Project partners
  iSteel d.o.o. – Bosnia and Herzegovina
  Lead partner
  iSteel is responsible for overall technical coordination, mechanical engineering, prototype production and functional testing. The company will also modernise its production capacities through investments in energy-efficient manufacturing equipment and will contribute to the integration of telemetry solutions.
  The project will also support the creation of three new permanent jobs at iSteel.
  HIRON Creative Lab d.o.o. – Montenegro
  HIRON Creative Lab will lead activities related to industrial and product design, eco-design, MVP development and iterative prototyping. The company will contribute to the visual identity and market positioning of the developed solution and will strengthen its prototyping capabilities through investment in advanced equipment.
  NILU MONT d.o.o. – Croatia
  NILU MONT will contribute its production capacities and expertise in pilot and pre-series manufacturing. Its role includes production process optimisation, quality control and the development of production readiness for the new solution, including the application of appropriate EU-oriented quality systems.
  Main project activities
  The project is structured around six key activities:

1. Industrial design and eco-design framework
   Development of the industrial and product design concept, including eco-design principles, usability and technical requirements.
2. Production modernisation in Bosnia and Herzegovina
   Investment in energy-efficient CNC equipment and a precision bending press to improve manufacturing accuracy, productivity and energy efficiency.
3. Production modernisation in Montenegro
   Introduction of advanced processing and finishing equipment to strengthen prototyping and product development capabilities.
4. Production modernisation in Croatia
   Expansion of production capacity and strengthening of the quality control system to support pilot and pre-series manufacturing.
5. Prototype production and functional testing
   Development and production of functional prototypes, followed by testing and evaluation of their technical and operational performance.
6. Telemetry integration
   Integration of telemetry and digital monitoring functions, providing the basis for remote monitoring, energy consumption tracking and future predictive maintenance solutions.
   Expected results
   The project is expected to deliver:

• a comprehensive eco-design and usability framework;
• technical specifications and product development documentation;
• CAD/CAM models and production drawings;
• functional prototypes and pilot testing results;
• an integrated telemetry solution;
• improved and modernised production capacities across the three partner countries;
• a pre-series production and quality control system;
• branding and market positioning documentation;
• stronger cross-border cooperation and a jointly developed innovative solution.
  Cross-border impact
  The added value of SmartSteel VEND lies in the strong cooperation between companies from Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina and Montenegro.
  Each partner contributes complementary expertise and resources, creating a cross-border value chain that connects design, engineering, prototyping, manufacturing, testing and pre-series production.
  This cooperation enables the partners to share knowledge, technologies and production capabilities while jointly developing a solution with potential for wider international and EU market adoption.
  Sustainability and long-term impact
  Sustainability is an important element of the SmartSteel VEND project.
  Through eco-design, energy-efficient production equipment, improved material utilisation and longer product life, the project aims to reduce the environmental impact of the developed solution and its manufacturing processes.
  The introduction of telemetry also creates opportunities for better operational monitoring and future digital upgrades, supporting more efficient use of vending equipment throughout its lifecycle.
  The project will additionally contribute to the long-term competitiveness of the participating SMEs by improving their technological capabilities, production efficiency, innovation capacity and access to new markets.
  Key project indicators
  The project aims to achieve the following key results:
• 3 SMEs introducing product and/or process innovation;
• 2 solutions taken up or scaled;
• 1 joint pilot activity implemented;
• 1 jointly developed solution delivered.
  SmartSteel VEND at a glance
  Project: SmartSteel VEND – Cross-Border Innovation for Sustainable Vending Solutions
  Duration: 26 May 2026 – 25 May 2027
  Countries: Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro
  Partners: iSteel d.o.o., HIRON Creative Lab d.o.o., NILU MONT d.o.o.
  Focus: Sustainable vending solutions, eco-design, energy efficiency, advanced manufacturing, digitalisation and telemetry
  Main outcome: A jointly developed, innovative and sustainable vending solution supported by modernised production capacities and cross-border cooperation