en.Wedoany.com Reported - The first phase of the Innovation District project in Kragujevac, Serbia, is now in its final stage, with the first building expected to become operational in September 2026. Located in the Šumadija region, the Innovation District is the largest IT and innovation project in central Serbia. To meet long-term durability requirements, the project design incorporates the Penetron System, a crystalline waterproofing solution for concrete structures.
Theodor Mentzikofakis, Managing Director and Partner of Penetron Hellas, stated that the Innovation District will bring together academia, industry, and government to create an ideal environment for startups, research teams, and innovative companies in Serbia. He noted that the Kragujevac facility ranks among the top eight globally in terms of protection standards and is one of only ten data centers worldwide with a cooperation agreement with the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN).
The project comprises three buildings on a site of approximately 4.5 hectares (11.1 acres), with a total floor area of 35,000 square meters (approximately 385,000 square feet). The completed portion of Phase One includes a 4,700-square-meter (approximately 50,600 square feet) building and a 10,000-square-meter (approximately 107,600 square feet) underground parking garage. The second building is scheduled for completion by the end of 2026, with the central building expected to be finished in 2027. The project contractor is GAT from Novi Sad.
Mentzikofakis added that, given the mission-critical nature of data center operations, the project specifications required a concrete waterproofing system capable of withstanding groundwater exposure while maintaining long-term structural integrity. The Penetron System will help ensure durability and provide long-term protection for critical infrastructure.
The waterproofing solution includes PENETRON ADMIX for integral concrete waterproofing, as well as PENETRON, PENECRETE MORTAR, and PENETRON GROUT for sealing joints, cracks, and critical construction details. PENEBAR SW hydrophilic waterstop is used for construction joint protection, while MULTI PATCH provides rapid and reliable surface repair. The Penetron System stops water and chemical ingress by deeply penetrating the concrete matrix and forming insoluble crystals, providing permanent protection that safeguards concrete against deterioration.
The strategic importance of the project positions Kragujevac as a regional innovation hub and reinforces its status as one of Serbia's leading technology and innovation centers. The Innovation District is expected to attract domestic and international investment while deepening academic collaboration through the involvement of the University of Kragujevac and the Science Fund of Serbia. The project will create a dedicated environment focused on research and development and the commercialization of new technologies, thereby supporting economic growth.
The Penetron Group is a leading manufacturer of specialty construction products, including concrete waterproofing, concrete repair, and floor preparation systems, operating through a global network and supporting the design and construction community through its regional offices, representatives, and distribution channels.
