Day 1 - December 13th, 2024
AGENDA NOTE: Morning activities are only for Loading Changemaker tickets. Get Inspired ticket holders start their FLS activities with Registrations.
09:00 - 10:00
10:00 - 15:00
Multiple Locations
Time: TBD | Location: Symphony Office, Trebević
Discover one of the region's most extraordinary workplaces and gain exclusive insight into the inner workings of a world-class global design and development software company. Join us for a tour of Symphony’s stunning mountain office, located 800 meters above sea level on the main road to Trebević Mountain. Explore this ultra-modern workspace and feel the energy of a dynamic tech environment while taking in incredible views.
Following the tour, you'll have the chance to connect directly with Symphony team members—from software engineers and team leads to delivery managers. Hear about their career paths, explore future opportunities in tech, and learn firsthand how they continuously grow in the fast-paced world of design and software development.
Time: TBD | Location: HTEC Office, Maglajska 1
More details coming soon.
Time: TBD | Location: Authority Partners Lab
Discover one of Sarajevo’s most established tech pioneers! For over 26 years, Authority Partners has built a legacy of innovation and excellence, adapting to the ever-evolving tech landscape. In 2014, they launched the AP Lab training program—a cutting-edge learning and innovation hub—to share software knowledge across Bosnia and Herzegovina and make it more accessible to tech enthusiasts at the start of their journey.
Join us for an exclusive tour of AP Lab, where you’ll see firsthand how this unique space fosters creativity and growth. Then, dive into the “No Code, Just AI” knowledge transfer session with Senior Program Architect Imer Muhovic and explore the exciting possibilities of Artificial Intelligence in software development. Discover how AI tools can streamline processes, sometimes with no coding required!
This is your chance to gain practical skills, connect with a world-class company and experience the future of tech innovation.
This is Habit 1 from "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" which, for the last 35 years, remains #1 personal and interpersonal development solution, trusted by millions worldwide.
In an era of accelerating technology and advanced AI, human skills — how we work alone and together — are more important than ever. Having a comprehensive framework to help everyone gain and improve these essential abilities is critical to achieving continuous personal and organizational success.
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People course equips learners with foundational human skills like emotional intelligence, proactive problem solving, and self-leadership. Tailored for today’s evolving workplace, the 7 Habits unleash profound growth at every level. It empowers attendees to effectively lead themselves, influence, engage and collaborate with others and continuously improve and renew their capabilities.
This 2.5-hour interactive session will dive into the critical concepts of justice, fairness, transparency, accountability, and efficiency within the context of AI, digital governance, and tech design. Participants will be guided through a 30-minute lecture introducing key ideas, followed by engaging group work to apply these values to real-world tech challenges.
Through practical exercises, participants will explore how human values can be translated into system requirements and technical solutions, building awareness and gaining valuable skills. The workshop concludes with a pitch session, where groups present their solutions and receive feedback.
By the end, attendees will have a deeper understanding of how to integrate ethical considerations into tech development, making them better equipped to design technologies that serve the greater good.
Time: TBD | Location: TBD | Hosted by: prof. Sanjin Gutić
Join Sanjin Gutić from University of Sarajevo – Faculty of Science for a dynamic workshop on Electrochemical Technologies for Hydrogen Production.
This 2.5-hour interactive session will dive into the critical concepts of sustainability, energy efficiency and energy security, from the electrochemical and chemical engineering perspective. Participants will be guided through a 30-minute lecture introducing key ideas, followed by engaging group work to apply these values to real-world tech challenges. Through practical exercises, participants will explore the ways to apply fundamental electrochemical and chemical engineering knowledge in real energy conversion and storage solutions.
By the end, attendees will have a deeper understanding of the key steps for the development of the electrochemical hydrogen production system and the importance of this knowledge in sustainable and efficient energy conversion and storage.
Time: TBD | Location: TBD | Hosted by: Sara Vanovac
In this hands-on workshop, we will explore the foundations of quantum physics and quantum computing through interactive games. Games that fully run on unitary dynamics have been developed only recently and even tested on quantum computers. By engaging with tools like quantum chess and other quantum-inspired games, participants will use the essential quantum concepts—such as superposition, entanglement, and measurement—and learn how these ideas underpin quantum computing. Participants will also gain a practical introduction to quantum computing’s building blocks, including quantum gates and circuits. Those interested in game design will be shown resources for how to add quantum effects to any game using Unity.
We will conclude the workshop with a quantum chess tournament. Participants are not expected to have previous knowledge of quantum physics, but more advanced material will be available. This workshop could be of particular interest to students interested in game design, cryptography, chess and emerging technologies based on quantum physics as well as anyone interested in computer science and physics more broadly.
Time: TBD | Location: TBD | Hosted by: Kenan Kurdić
We live in a culture saturated with spectacles—from reality TV shows and viral TikTok challenges to political leaders who use memes as part of their campaigns.
In this workshop, we'll take a "behind-the-scenes" look and explore why these phenomena are so captivating and how we can harness them for personal branding. We'll examine controversial figures and trends, analyze their strategies, and learn how each of us can create a brand that stands out, is memorable, and inspires others.
Time: TBD | Location: TBD | Hosted by: Haris Piplaš
Explore Sarajevo’s urban landscape with Dr. Haris Piplas in this interactive workshop. Beginning with a short introductory lecture, Dr. Piplas will then lead a walk-through of key areas in Sarajevo´s architecture and public spaces, illustrating how urban design shapes both the city’s heritage, provides a basis for its global visibility and reveals its future development potential.
Participants will examine real-world applications of planning decisions and design elements and engage in a lively discussion titled Towards Future Cities, focusing on sustainable and inclusive approaches to building tomorrow’s urban spaces.
Time: TBD | Location: TBD | Hosted by: Mirza Šarić
As the crimson landscape of Mars spread before him, Chinese astronaut Li Wei unbuckled his harness, exhilaration surging through him. His first instinct was to call his wife, Mei, who was likely watching from the lunar base. Activating his holographic wrist communicator, he said, “Mei, I’m here,” eager to share the moment. But as the hologram flickered, a red error message appeared: Connection Lost: Lunar Relay Malfunction.
Back on Earth, a chain reaction was unfolding, sparking power failures that disrupted the lunar satellite network. When Li’s screen finally cleared, Mei’s face appeared, pixelated and faint. “Li, we’ve lost power here. The relay’s down, and it’s all because of a solar storm triggering a demand surge we just couldn’t contain.”
In this workshop, we’ll explore Mei’s story as a lens into the future of resilient, self-healing power systems. We’ll trace the evolution of power system technologies, from traditional grids to the digitalized, autonomous networks of 2100. Through theory, coding exercises, and digital simulations, we’ll dive into how AI, microgrids, trading and self-healing protocols could address challenges posed by extreme events and ensure reliable, adaptive power distribution. What else did Mei say?
AGENDA NOTE: Most of these activities will be organized in the local language. More activities will be published soon.
17:00 - 18:00
Registrations – All participants
18:00 - 18:15
18:15 - 19:00
The classical computer structures continue to become smaller, faster, and more efficient. Quantum computing is on the verge of answering some of the world’s toughest questions. And AI can generate content and enhance business processes in a way that looked like science fiction just a couple of years ago.
When these computing paradigms grounded in bits, neurons, and qubits complement each other, the results can be fantastical. The future will be powered by a blend of high-performance computing, AI, and quantum computing, all integrated through the hybrid cloud, and the outcomes will surpass anything we’ve seen before.
19:00 - 19:20
“The first female mathematician of Bosnia & Herzegovina and the first female dean in the former Yugoslavia. For many, Vera is considered Bosnia’s Marie Curie”
To celebrate the work and life of this magnificent BH scientist, a grant will be funded by the Bosnia and Herzegovina Futures Foundation. The total value of the grant will be up to 6.000 BAM for two students. You can find out more about the award here.
19:20 - 22:00
We wrap up the first day with a relaxed and interactive networking event, the FLS Expo. An Expo is a place where ideas are presented and discussed. Expect a little bit of everything: sponsors and partners that want to showcase their work and look for new talent; students and young professionals presenting their most recent projects. All exhibited in our event space, giving attendees a chance to tour this hall of ideas and creation.
Day 2 - December 14th, 2024
AGENDA NOTE: Every participant can rank the Learning Journeys according to preference when purchasing the ticket. We will have parallel sessions starting at 12:15 for each Learning Journey.
08:30 - 09:45
09:45 - 09:50
09:50 - 10:30
In a world where young students spend an average of 5.5 hours daily on social media or gaming, overall screen time can easily exceed 12 hours when including school and leisure activities. Many online platforms are designed using addictive mechanisms that are especially hard to resist for young people, whose impulse control is still developing. This relentless digital engagement has been shown to impact concentration, learning, and overall well-being, making it difficult to stay on task and succeed in other areas of life.
This keynote session delves into the impact of screen time on our focus, learning ability and well-being. Gain valuable insights into how addictive and manipulative online designs shape your brain functions and learn practical strategies to build awareness, manage your screen time more effectively, and strengthen your ability to concentrate. Join us to discover how to take control of your digital life and thrive in an age of constant connectivity.
10:30 - 11:10
Dr. Martina Egedusevic offers a fresh perspective on forests as nature’s unsung heroes against floods. With a background in civil engineering and environmental management, Dr. Egedusevic blends academic expertise with hands-on experience tackling the challenges of mud, water, and resilience across landscapes from Serbia to Scotland. She will share her personal journey, including the pivotal 2014 Balkan floods that inspired her PhD research in flood management.
Her approach is both practical and passionate: by planting trees, we’re not only creating majestic landscapes but building a natural defense against rising waters. From field-tested flood protection strategies to community-driven woodland creation, Dr. Egedusevic will demonstrate how each sapling helps transform muddy landscapes into resilient green sanctuaries.
Drawing on projects like the SENSUM initiative on smart sensing of hazardous landscapes, Dr. Egedusevic will share stories from the field and insights from her groundbreaking flood protection projects. Join her to discover how we can shape a flood-resistant future—one tree at a time.
11:10 - 11:50
With a journey defined by both successes and setbacks, Rolla’s Founder and CEO, Igor Krezić, brings unique insights into the startup world. In his speech, ‘How (Not) to Start Up,’ he’ll share lessons from multiple ventures, highlighting what led some to thrive and others to fail. Drawing from these experiences, he’ll explore the most important ingredients behind Rolla’s success as an innovative wellness platform. This speech is a must-hear for anyone interested in the realities of startup life and the insights that fuel breakthrough ideas.
11:50 - 12:15
12:15 - 13:55
In an era where technological advancement accelerates at an unprecedented pace, the role of engineers transcends mere technical execution. Engineers are now at the forefront of innovation, problem-solving, and driving organizational success.
This presentation delves into a transformative leadership approach that shifts from traditional command-and-control models to one that empowers engineers to lead from within. By cultivating leadership qualities at every level, organizations can unlock the full potential of their teams, fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and high performance.
Envision a world with no traffic injuries, congestion, or delays. Picture vehicles seamlessly driving themselves to transport people and goods, without the need for a pause. Stop imagining – autonomous vehicles are (almost) here, set to bring us closer to that vision!
In this keynote, Azra will share insights from her nearly two-decade journey shaping the future of mobility, highlighting the latest in autonomous vehicle research and development. She’ll showcase real-world examples, including Scania’s innovations, and discuss how these vehicles can address key societal and industrial challenges like safety, efficiency, and productivity. Azra will also outline the steps needed to fully realize this vision, potentially generating over $1 trillion in revenue by 2035.
Regardless of how your see it today, your career will not be linear and filled with detours, ups and downs. Dragana will share lessons learned in her quest to find fulfilling work, overcoming career obstacles, and leveraging technology to make a positive impact.
Dragana Marinkovic is a dynamic leader in product management, technology development, and international development with a strong focus on social impact and sustainability. Currently based in Seattle, Washington, she serves as a Senior Product Manager at Amazon, where she leads technical projects that drive innovation in software product management.Her broad expertise in product management, coupled with her passion for social and environmental impact, positions her as a thought leader in driving sustainable technology solutions in both the private and public sectors.
More information coming soon
12:15 - 13:55
Learning Journey Talk by Bega Karadža, PhD
Bega Karadza will share the story of her academic journey from Bosnia to Germany, and finally to Belgium, where she achieved her PhD. This is the story of a young girl who, despite the early loss of her father, found resilience, determination, and courage, demonstrating what’s possible when you push through challenges, no matter how tough.
Diving into her PhD work, Bega will discuss the technical background and discoveries in the field of quantum dot LEDs. She’ll also share her personal experience of balancing the demands of her PhD with the responsibilities of motherhood and family. Wrapping up with advice for young professionals, she highlights the importance of building a strong LinkedIn profile, sharing how networking and visibility on LinkedIn opened doors to exciting career opportunities.
In the context of scientific research, the two primary modes are theory and experiment. In recent decades the simulation is included as third mode, where simulation serve as like a bridge between theory and experiment. The one part of simulation mode is also computational fluid dynamics (CFD).
CFD plays a vital role in the industry, particularly in aerospace and automotive industry. One of the most significant phenomena that is tried to be described with CFD is turbulent flow. Here will be presented a brief overview of different examples from practice that are solved using CFD.
Merisa Nisic, PhD shares five lessons she’s learned from her personal experience navigating the shift from academic research to a corporate setting. Cultural Differences between Academia and Industry are highlighted, such as the results-oriented, team-driven nature of industry versus academia’s focus on individual autonomy.
She provides an overview of Industry Roles and Career Paths, showcasing diverse opportunities available to PhDs, including communications, entrepreneurship, consulting, and science policy. Skills Translation is emphasized, urging PhDs and advanced degree students to adapt their academic skills like project management and critical thinking for industry. Lastly, she provides guidance on Preparation for the Transition, including CV/resume adjustments, networking, and informational interviews to better position yourself for success in industry.
12:15 - 13:55
As the founder of Ruff Cycles, a global brand of luxury electric bicycles, Pero will share his inspiring story. Based in Travnik, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Ruff Cycles has become synonymous with sophisticated design and top-tier quality.
Pero will reveal how he managed to embed the essence of Bosnia and Herzegovina into a global brand, highlighting the importance of local inspiration in the global market. Don’t miss the chance to hear his inspiring story at the Future Leaders Summit 2024!
Personal branding has become a buzzword for many. For Jasmin, it represents the biggest leverage you can have in your career. His 20-minute presentation will show you the deeper side of building a personal brand online and investing your time into growing your social presence. He will share 3 real-world examples of life-altering career moves that he knows will leave you wanting more.
In this talk, Anida will share practical insights from her experience working with clients ranging from startups to large enterprises, helping them turn ideas into market-leading digital products. She highlights the risks of clinging to initial concepts and the crucial role of context in successful innovation. Using real-world examples, Anida demonstrates the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing market.
Her talk offers a fresh perspective on learning from everyday interactions with entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire others to rethink their approach to impactful innovation in tech.
Join branding expert Leyla Mattison as she explores how the core principles behind luxury branding can empower entrepreneurs across all industries to create high-value, impactful brands.
Drawing from her extensive experience and her current work with USAID on elevating Bosnia & Herzegovina’s brand, Leyla will demonstrate how focusing on showcasing value, promoting heritage, and strategic storytelling can set your venture apart in a highly competitive market. Learn how these strategies can be applied to your entrepreneurial journey, helping you turn your vision into reality while contributing to a stronger national brand.
13:55 - 14:55
14:55 - 15:55
Panel discussion: Anela Zorlak, Bojan Mandura, Leyla Mattison, Marko Feher, Nemanja Vujanić
In a world where global success often feels out of reach, the “Made in Bosnia & Herzegovina” panel brings stories of those who’ve shattered that myth. During the panel, we’ll dive into the journeys of innovators, entrepreneurs, and creators who’ve built international brands or put Bosnia and Herzegovina on the map with their homegrown expertise.
This panel isn’t just about celebrating success – it’s about showing that world-class achievements can (and do!) happen right here. From startup founders to creative disruptors, these leaders will share the highs, the lows, and the lessons they’ve learned while building something extraordinary from BiH.
15:55 - 16:25
Robert Dacešin is an entrepreneur, travel writer, and content creator known for his passion for storytelling and adventure. He gained recognition through his popular blog Rio and YouTube channel, where he shares travel experiences, tips, and cultural insights from destinations around the world. Originally from Banja Luka, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Robert has traveled extensively, promoting tourism in lesser-known regions, especially within the Balkans.
In addition to his travel content, Robert is an advocate for economic and cultural development in his home country, often focusing on highlighting Bosnia’s hidden gems and potential. We believe his talk will inspire us to explore the world while also contributing to the positive portrayal of his homeland.
16:25 - 16:55
Samir Šehić is a former professional basketball player who made a remarkable transition from sports to business. After being named the MVP of the Swiss Super Cup, Šehić’s life took a significant turn when his sister was diagnosed with a brain tumor. This life-altering event prompted him to walk away from basketball at the young age of 24 and return to the U.S., where he had grown up.
In this keynote, Samir will be diving into what his experience has been the greatest skill set on the planet. He will expand on how mixing that with the greatest energy on the planet has given him a prominent career in being a professional athlete and now running a multi million dollar business.
