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
RegistrationsLoading Changemaker only
10:00 – 15:00
Multiple Locations
Company Visits / Workshops (Lunch included)
Discover Automation in Action: A Hands-On Experience at HTEC
Start Time: 10:30 | Location: HTEC Office, Maglajska 1
Step into one of the region’s largest and most innovative tech companies to uncover what drives their success! At HTEC, they’ve created an inspiring environment—a professional playground where ambitious minds can grow, collaborate, and push boundaries. Now, they’re opening their doors to let you experience the magic firsthand.
After an inspiring guided tour of HTEC’s cutting-edge office, it’s time to dive into an engaging, hands-on workshop: “The Automation Jumpstart: QA Simplified.” In today’s fast-paced world of software development, products are deployed multiple times—sometimes hundreds of times—each day. This wouldn’t be possible without robust quality assurance measures in place. Without them, it would be like driving a high-performance sports car without brakes: thrilling, perhaps, but definitely a one-time experience!
Test automation is one such crucial measure, and this workshop offers the perfect opportunity to explore it under the guidance of Enes Kuhn, Senior QA Automation Engineer at HTEC. You’ll start with the fundamentals and progress to building an automation bot capable of playing simple games.
Don’t miss this chance to dive into the culture, creativity, and energy that fuel HTEC’s achievements and learn more about automation!
Visit Symphony and Explore Career Paths in the IT Industry
Start Time: 11:00 | 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.
Visit Authority Partners and Attend the “No Code, Just AI” Workshop
Start Time: 10:30 | Location: Authority Partners Lab, 5th floor, Mula Mustafe Bašeskije 6
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.
Habit 1: Be Proactive® – The Habit of Personal ResponsibilityStart Time: 11:00 | Location: HulkApps, Zmaja od Bosne 74 | Hosted by: Rešad Rovčanin
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.
Electrochemical Technologies for Hydrogen Production
Start Time: 11:00 | Location: Amfiteatar Mladen Deželić (niska zgrada), PMF, Zmaja od Bosne 33-35 | 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.
Hands-On Quantum Physics and Computing with Quantum Games
Start Time: 10:30 | Location: Mozaik Startup Studio, Maršala Tita 54/II | 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.
What can we learn about personal branding from the phenomenon of popular culture?
Start Time: 12:00 | Location: Steleks Čitaona, Kampus UNSA, Zmaja od Bosne bb | 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.
Human Values in Technology
Start Time: 11:00 | Location: SaaSolutions, UNITIC Towers, Fra Anđela Zvizdovića 1 | Hosted by: Nerko Hadziarapovic
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.
Towards Future Cities
Start Time: 10:30 | Location: Zira, ul. Fra Anđela Zvizdovića br. 1, UNITIC Poslovni Centar | 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.
Powering the Future: Building Resilient and Self-Healing Smart Grids for a Digitalized World
Start Time: 11:00 | Location: Collaborative Space 4. sprat Zgrada B, IBU, Francuske revolucije bb Ilidža | 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: Participants MUST come to Hotel Holiday for registration first before 10:00.
17:00 – 18:00
Registrations – All participants
18:00 – 18:15
FLS’24 Opening Ceremony
18:15 – 19:00
What’s Next in Computing?
Plenar opening keynote by Namik Hrle
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
Vera Šnajder Award Ceremony
“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
FLS’24 Expo & Networking Event
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
Registrations – All participants
09:45 – 09:50
Day 2 Kick off
09:50 – 10:30
Concentration and focus in the digital agePlenar keynote by Aida Bikić, PhD
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
From Mud to Majesty: Tree by Tree, a Forest It Will Be!Plenary keynote by Martina Egedusevic, PhD
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
How (Not) to Start UpPlenary keynote by Igor Krezić
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
ENergy Boost Break
12:15 – 13:55
Lead the Future: Career Mastery & Tech Trends
Powered by: HTEC
Empowering Engineers: Cultivating Leadership at Every LevelLearning Journey Talk by Edin Golubovic, phd
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.
The future of mobilityLearning Journey Talk by Azra Habibovic, PhD
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.
Forget Straight Lines: My Journey to a Tech Career
Learning Journey Talk by Dragana Marinkovic
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.
Embedded engineering: Art or just engineering?Learning Journey Talk by Damir Avdić
We are living in an era of machine learning and artificial intelligence, but even artificial intelligence must have a brain.
Developing the machine brain is the job of an embedded software engineer, from passive electronics to complex software architecture, embedded artists are painting those canvases. Canvas could be automotive, chemistry, power, or smart devices—you name it—because there is no industry that doesn’t have “smart” devices, mandatory to get the job done. For painting, we use paints like C or C++, and our pencils are oscilloscopes, logic analyzers, hardware debuggers, and cables.
If you want to find what is needed to be an embedded artist, come and join me in this session to explore the most beautiful canvas in all software engineering.
12:15 – 13:55
Lead with Innovation: Build a Successful Research Career
Powered by: BHFF 3MT Competition
Breaking barriers: A journey to academic excellence and beyond
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.
Computational Methods for Heat and Fluid Flow: Overview and ApplicationsLearning Journey Talk by AMIR ŽILIĆ, PhD
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.
5 Lessons Learned in Transitioning from Academia to Industry
Learning Journey Talk by Merisa Nisic, PhD
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.
From Bench to Bosnia: Bringing a Thin Film Platform to Market RemotelyLearning Journey Talk by Irnela Bajrovic-Jasarevic, PhD
Dr. Bajrovic-Jasarevic will share how her PhD thesis evolved into a company devoted to the realization of a thin film formulation platform set to improve global vaccine equity. She will provide key insights into the transition from an academic setting to industry, as well as advice on how to build the career that is right for you and your family.
12:15 – 13:55
Build Your Dream: Ignite Your Entrepreneurial Journey
Powered by: Symphony
Every kick in the backside is a step forwardLearning Journey Talk by Pero Desnica
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!
Is Personal Branding Life-Changing? No. It’s Life-Saving.Learning Journey Talk by Jasmin Alic
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.
Don’t marry your first idea: Lessons from the tech trenches
Learning Journey talk by Anida Mumić
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.
From Local Roots to Global Recognition: Harnessing Branding Principles for SuccessLEARNING JOURNEY TALK BY LEYLA MATTISON
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
Lunch
14:55 – 15:55
Powered by: USAID
DiaLab: Made in BiH – Homegrown Brilliance with Global ImpactPanel discussion: Leyla Mattison, Anela Hujdurović, Bojan Mandura, Marko Feher, Nemanja Vujanić,Moderated by: ERIC NELSON
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
TItle to be announcedClosing Keynote by Robert Dacešin
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
Mastering the greatest “Skill Set” and “Energy” on the planetClosing Keynote Samir Šehić
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.
16:55 – 17:15
FLS’24 Closing Ceremony, Next Steps, and a Group Photo
Everything good must still come to an end. Let’s look ahead at 2025 and programs that the BH Futures Foundation will be offering for students, young professionals, and experts, including the next iteration of the Futures Leaders Summit.
Let’s celebrate the team and partners behind this year’s event and also take a memorable group photo!