Expertise Behind SMITH₂

Ankica Kovač, PhD, founder of SMITH₂, is an associate professor at the University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, where she heads the Power Engineering Laboratory and the Hydrogen Laboratory.

Her expertise spans the complete hydrogen value chain, from production, storage, and distribution to end use, as well as experimental energy system development, modelling, simulation, optimisation, and intelligent control. She has led numerous research and applied projects, including the development of Croatia’s first hydrogen-powered bicycle and the installation of its first hydrogen refuelling station.

As Vice-Chair of the Expert Working Group for the development of the Croatian Hydrogen Strategy, she played a leading role in shaping the country’s strategic direction for hydrogen. She represents the University of Zagreb Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture within Hydrogen Europe Research and is one of 16 experts appointed to the European Hydrogen Sustainability and Circularity Panel established by the Clean Hydrogen Partnership. She also contributes to the North Adriatic Hydrogen Valley.

She serves as an independent expert evaluator of research and innovation proposals for the European Commission and national funding bodies. In this role, she assesses projects in hydrogen and sustainable energy, contributing to funding decisions that promote scientific excellence, technological innovation, and real-world impact across Europe’s energy transition.

Recognized among the world’s top 2% of scientists in the 2024 Stanford ranking, Ankica combines scientific excellence with hands-on engineering and project experience. Through SMITH₂, she brings this expertise directly to organisations seeking credible analysis, informed strategic direction, and practical support in developing hydrogen and sustainable energy projects.