🎉 We are thrilled to share some highlights from the Popri EUSAIR Youth Business Model Competition, which took place in May in the beautiful city of Šibenik alongside the 9th EUSAIR Forum! 🌟
Watch the video to see our talented winners and get a glimpse of the vibrant events at the forum. It was an inspiring experience filled with innovation, creativity, and a strong sense of community.
Check out the video 📹👇
Šibenik, Croatia –May 16, 2024 - POPRI EUSAIR Youth, the esteemed international competition fostering entrepreneurial innovation among young talents across the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region, concluded on a high note, celebrating the outstanding achievements of the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Following two days of intense competition and innovation, we are thrilled to announce the winners of the Youth Business Model Competition. The top three teams from both the high school and university categories have demonstrated exceptional creativity, vision, and commitment to addressing societal challenges through entrepreneurial endeavours.
Team members: Maja Jernejc, Renata Jereb
Mentors: Mitja Turk, Jana Goršin Fabjan
SLUGUARD is a completely natural and innovative organic product used to control slugs and aphids. The main ingredient of the pest control is a mixture of alien invasive plants growing in Slovenia. The natural SLUGUARD preparation is suitable for gardeners and farmers (including organic growers) who want to use effective and environmentally friendly products on their cultivated surfaces.
Team: Anja Maričić and Smiljana Atlagić
Mentors: Suzana Gotovac Atlagić and Marija Stojaković
KERAGLOW is a completely natural product that supports the maintenance of the quality of our health, or to be more precise skin and hair health. The most interesting fact is that this product is based on pure keratin paste that may be obtained by washing and processing sheep's wool or chicken feathers that are acquired from local households in unique salts that are non-toxic to the environment. KERAGLOW is not only based on green production, but it is focused also on safe and healthy usage for people, smart ways to protect our environment, and better usage of Bosnian raw materials that are completely compatible with the circular economy.
Team members: Matej Tanaskovski, Marko Petrovik, Jane Mitev , Franc Dolenc Mentors: Emilija Ampeva, Dusica Krango - Markoska
TERRAMEA toys are made from completely natural wood materials and organic textile elements (wool, cotton, silk), with ecologically certified glues.Ash, walnut, cherry, maple, birch, bamboo is some of the types of wood used to give the toy its shape. TERRAMEA toys stimulate the youngest to be creative and enter the world of imagination. The touch of natural materials, without harmful and chemical substances, color and without sharp edges, is a real refreshment for children surrounded by electronics, gadgets, tv screens and mobile phones. Our toys are not just instant entertainment, they are an endless source of fun and creativity.
Team members: Ernesto Sigalas, Marios Konstantoudakis
Mentor: Diomidis Katzourakis
The Trash Feaster Vessel is an autonomous vessel which aims to be used in marinas, harbors and other geofenced environments to collect floating trash and debris with minimal human intervention. Trash floating on harbor water is not a rare sight. Quite often it happens due to drift of trash from the sea and possibly it has nothing to do with the actual environment that the trash accumulates. Still, besides the social economic impact and the visual impairment of tourist attractions, there is a biological downside for the environment that can be addressed with present engineering means.
Team members: Strahinja Vasiljević, Nenad Lazić
Humorganics is an innovative venture that significantly enhances the efficiency of organic fertilizer production. By leveraging advanced composting technology, Humorganics reduces the traditional composting period from 6-12 months to less than a month, allowing farmers to apply high-quality, nutrient-rich organic fertilizer exactly when needed.
Team members: Filip Beštić, Danilo Blažić, Dejan Simić, Dejan Ikić, Branislav Zorić
WILDFIRE DETECTION SYSTEM business model revolves around a system that utilizes drones equipped with cameras and neural networks to detect forest fires. These drones are capable of identifying fire outbreaks in natural environments and promptly sending signals for necessary actions to be taken. Our Wildfire Detection System features automated drone flights over a designated region, enhancing efficiency and coverage. Our potential customers include firefighter stations and forestry departments, who benefit from early and accurate fire detection to prevent and manage wildfires effectively. Depending on the neural network used, our system could potentially be adapted for other uses. This versatility allows us to offer additional value beyond wildfire detection, catering to a broader range of environmental monitoring needs.
These winning teams have not only showcased their entrepreneurial acumen but have also earned the exclusive opportunity to participate in FOOD-athon, a hackathon focusing on sustainable food supply, scheduled for October 16-18, 2024, in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
"We are immensely proud of all the participants and congratulate the winning teams for their outstanding achievements," said Tanja Kožuh, CEO of Primorski tehnološki park, the main organizer of POPRI EUSAIR Youth. "Their innovative ideas and entrepreneurial spirit are truly inspiring and demonstrate the immense potential of youth-led initiatives in driving positive change."
POPRI EUSAIR Youth continues to serve as a catalyst for entrepreneurship and innovation, fostering collaboration and creativity among young talents across the region. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all the winners and express our gratitude to everyone who contributed to the success of this event.
We are thrilled to announce an exclusive event that serves as a reward for the winning teams! Introducing: FOOD-athon in Ljubljana, Slovenija 16-18 October, 2024!
FOOD-athon is a hackathon focused on the challenge of sustainable food supply for a more efficient use of energy and a greener future. We firmly believe that the greenest energy is the energy we do not use, and together with you, we aim to develop innovative solutions that will benefit our planet and future generations.
This exciting event is being held in collaboration with Danfoss Slovenia, supported by SPIRIT Slovenia and the EUSAIR Facility Point, and within the framework of the Interreg IPA ADRION project.
FOOD-athon will provide an opportunity for the winning teams in the high school and university student categories at the POPRI EUSAIR Youth competition to join forces with peers and experienced experts in the field of sustainable food supply.
Join us at FOOD-athon and be part of the solution for a greener future!
Venue: Amadria Park Hotel, Conference Centre of Hotel Ivan,
Hoteli Solaris 86, 22000 Šibenik
EUSAIR POPRI youth is an international competition for the best entrepreneurial idea among young people from 10 Adriatic-Ionian countries. In 2024, the network of technology parks/regional agencies/schools, working together for the fourth time as a single innovative HUB, supported 200 young teams in the EUSAIR region by providing them with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.
EUSAIR POPRI youth will take place on 15 & 16 May, 2024 in Šibenik, Croatia, as a youth event within the EUSAIR Forum.
Events will be moderated by Ana Vlahov and Maria Mesarić.
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The best way to learn is to meet with experienced entrepreneurs and listen to their stories. Young people have the opportunity to meet Dr. Aleš Ekar and Nella Slavica, both successful entrepreneurs and managers. They will both share their knowledge and experience in the field of entrepreneurship, because we know that success stories can be an inspiration for young people; but failures are also part of our lives. Maria Mesarić, young POPRI ambassador, will present her entrepreneurial experience and share it with her peers.
Aleš Ekar, CEO at Iskra Shipyard – He leads another business venture of the Zagreb business group - ELKA is a successful manager who is well acquainted with the challenges of business relaunches and restructurings, and is also experienced in the high mobility and networking in this regional international business environment as he was a CEO of Helios Hrvatska, Color Trade and Belinka Hrvatska.
Nella Slavica is a Director of the Public Institute of Krka National Park. The director manages a 109 km² protected area with seven waterfalls, five medieval fortresses, two monasteries, a Roman military camp, a visitor center, Krka Eco Campus in Puljane, 47 km of hiking trails, 388 km of bike routes, 1,197 plant species, 1,058 animal species, caves, and pits. Krka National Park spans four cities and three municipalities, fostering community engagement among its nearly 400 employees who welcome over a million visitors annually..
Maria Mesarić, entrepreneur & young POPRI ambassador – very internationally oriented, having participated in Erasmus exchange programs in Latvia, Poland, and Portugal. She enriched her entrepreneurial experience in various companies and through various education programs, some of which included IT education, and working as an assistant to the president of the Croatian Music Institute. She is also paving her entrepreneurial path and will share her experience with the attendees at the event.
18:00 Short introduction by moderator Ana Vlahov
Welcome note:
Discussion with dr Aleš Ekar, Nella Slavica and Maria Mesarić.
20:00 Welcome cocktail for all participants of EUSAIR Forum
Mediterranean square
Conference hall: Šibenik V
EUSAIR POPRI competition is an opportunity for young participants to present their ideas and contribute to the common good, live a sustainable, quality life, respect the principles of the circular economy and offer solutions to the problems of different people. The young participants prove to be responsible, ambitious members of society who should be listened to. Each business idea is a personal, national, but also international potential that can contribute to the growth and development of the region.
The jury, which will evaluate the young participants' business models and provide them with valuable feedback, is composed of startup experts, including Vanja Perić, Tina Koler, Ana Anžej, Michael Freer, Diana Mudrinić and Anna Quaia.
9.00 – 9.15 Short introduction from both moderators
Welcome note:
Motivational introduction by young POPRI ambassador, Maria Mesarić, Software developer, Economist, Executive assistant
9.15 – 10.45
/Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, San Marino, Slovenia/
10.45 – 11.00 Break
11.00 – 12.40
/Albania, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, San Marino, Slovenia/
12.40 – 14.00 Lunch Break
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Welcome note:
Announcement of best business ideas of High-school students and University students & award ceremony.
Official closure of the EUSAIR Forum
17.30 Optional project visit – Barone Fortress, Šibenik
A recognisable monument of cultural heritage in the city of Šibenik, whose renovation was funded by the European Regional Development Fund, IPA IIIC in 2016. Enjoy a breathtaking sunset over the Šibenik channel with a glass of local wine and melodies of Croatian traditional Klape ensemble.
Morning optional walk throug the city of Šibenik with a guide
10:00 – 15:00 Optional visit to National Park Krka - fullybooked
The visit to one of Croatia’s most beautiful national parks will be offered on a first come first served basis. Participants must be registered on time, as only 50 spots are available.
Šempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia – 23 October 2023
Primorski tehnološki park (PTP) is thrilled to announce the successful conclusion of a remarkable event, the POPRI Startup Challenge, held on October 22nd and 23rd, 2023. The event organized in cooperation with the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, the Danube Strategy Point, and the expertise of Transformation Lighthouse, have seen an unprecedented coming together of 50 young minds from all across Europe to address issues of talent retention, entrepreneurship, and youth empowerment.
Before the POPRI Startup Challenge, the 2nd Danube Youth Camp, starting on 20 October in Šempeter pri Gorici, served as a momentous occasion where the Danube Youth Council (DYC) members gathered to reflect upon the accomplishments, challenges, and lessons learned during their first DYC mandate. The event aimed to shape the future of the DYC, transitioning from a one-year Pilot Action to a long-term implementation format.
The POPRI Startup Challenge (22-23 October) conducted with the support of Primorski tehnološki park was an exciting and intensive hackathon-style event, bringing together 50 young participants, mentors and experts from diverse backgrounds and regions. Over the course of two days, they collaborated, innovated, and applied their skills to propose innovative solutions that can help stem the tide of talent leaving the region.
On Monday, October 23, a compelling panel discussion, "In Search of Talents – the Power of Youth," took place. The panel served as a platform for these young participants to engage in a meaningful dialogue with the European Commission representative Elisa Cocco, European Capital of Culture Programme Director Stojan Pelko, and entrepreneur Ursula Levrenčič. During this insightful exchange, the students presented the outcomes of their brainstorming sessions and hackathon work, providing fresh insights into how Europe can harness its youth power to address the challenges of brain drain.
Petra Česen Čatar, Slovene national coordinator for EUSDR, EUSAIR, and EUSALP:
"These capacity building events have underlined the importance of youth engagement in addressing the challenges our regions are facing. The solutions proposed during the POPRI Startup Challenge and the discussions at the Annual Forum panel offer valuable recommendations for our collective efforts in creating a brighter future for our communities."
Tanja Kožuh, CEO of Primorski tehnološki park:
"We are honoured to have hosted this extraordinary assembly of young leaders. The reflection workshop was an invaluable opportunity for them to share experiences and chart the path forward, ensuring their contributions to our communities remain impactful and lasting."
Continuing Impact at the 12th EUSDR Annual Forum
The journey doesn't end here. All young participants will physically participate in the 12th EUSDR Annual Forum, held in Brdo pri Kranju on October 24th, 2023. During the forum, they will present the outcomes of the POPRI Startup Challenge and share the insights gained from their DYC mandate with stakeholders, the Danube Region Strategy community, and beyond.
Primorski tehnološki park is proud to have played a pivotal role in hosting these transformative events. The knowledge, experience, and recommendations gathered during the the POPRI Startup Challenge, with the expertise of Transformation Lighthouse, will continue to shape the future of our communities, ensuring a brighter, more prosperous tomorrow.
We are excited to present a series of impactful events dedicated to empowering and engaging youth in the Danube Region. These events, organized under the auspices of the Slovenian EUSDR Presidency, will bring together young talents, future leaders, and key stakeholders to address crucial challenges facing our region.
For inquiries or more information about these events, please contact: Bojana Cipot (POPRI Startup Challenge) Email: bojana.cipot@primorski-tp.si Phone: +386 41 676 188
We look forward to providing you with valuable information about these events and their significance in empowering youth and shaping a brighter future for the Danube Region.
The Primorska Technology Park, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, the Danube Strategic Point, and Transformation Lighthouse, is organizing the POPRI Startup Challenge Hackathon. The event, where young individuals will seek solutions to the pressing issue of "brain drain," will take place on October 22nd and 23rd, 2023. This project will connect young people from various countries, equip them with new knowledge and skills, with the aim that they can contribute today with their experience and knowledge, shaping both their own and our future.
We invite you to a panel discussion titled "In Search of Talents – The Power of Youth," which will be held at the Primorski Technology Park in the large lecture hall on Monday, October 23rd, 2023, starting at 2:00 PM.
The panel will feature young individuals who will present their perspectives and recommendations regarding the importance of their involvement in activities. Additionally, there will be a representative from the European Commission responsible for youth, a representative from EPK2025, and an entrepreneur.
The search for talents and the involvement of young people in activities are of paramount importance in creating an inspiring and diverse environment in which the youth can contribute to the development of companies, the institutions in which they are employed, and society at large. The panel discussion will address the current challenges that young people face in integrating and developing their talents, which subsequently also affects the issue of "brain drain." This roundtable is also an opportunity to become acquainted with the stories of entrepreneurs who have their own experiences of working abroad and collaborating with young individuals.
You are warmly invited to join us at the Primorska Technology Park!
Vrtojba, Sarajevo , 25.5.2023
The competition POPRI EUSAIR YOUTH took place on 24 and 25 May in Sarajevo. Students from all countries of the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region competed for the third year in a row to win with their innovative ideas in the form of business models. They were judged by a prestigious international entrepreneurship jury. The event took place within the framework of the EUSAIR Forum, the largest event for high-level representatives of the Adriatic-Ionian countries, which this year is led by Bosnia and Herzegovina. The organiser of the EUSAIR POPRI youth competition is Primorska Technology Park (PTP) in cooperation with Inovacioni Centar Banja Luka (ICBL) .
Popri is a competition that has been promoting entrepreneurship among young people since 2004. The initiative was launched in Nova Gorica, expanded to the whole of Slovenia and internationalised in 2021. It is a model for the development of knowledge and the active participation of young people in shaping their own future. To this end, Primorska Technology Park has joined forces with partners from the Adriatic-Ionian region who want to support and encourage young people in the long term. The partners are Auleda Vlore from Albania, Inovacioni Centar Banja Luka from Bosnia and Herzegovina, Zagreb Innovation Centre ZICER from Croatia, Studentski Biznis Centar Univerziteta Donja Gorica from Montenegro, Centre for Knowledge Management from Northern Macedonia, Business Incubator Novi Sad from Serbia, Step C Science and Technology Park of Crete from Greece and San Marino Innovation from San Marino. In Sarajevo, the POPRI International EUSAIR Youth Competition brought together the best teams of young people, selected from a large number of teams from each of the participating countries, to present their entrepreneurial ideas. This year, around 300 teams took part.
POPRI International EUSAIR youth is a process of learning about entrepreneurship and business initiative that takes place over several months before the actual competition. During this time, teams develop their business idea into a business model in written form and present it orally in an entrepreneurial pitch at the competition, which takes place in front of a panel of experts. The jury was composed of prominent female entrepreneurs and international experts from Slovenia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina, including Ana Vlahov, Urša Žorž Požrl, Maja Lukić Grabovac, Melisa Hujić, Adela Ramić, Aida Kosović.
The youth project EUSAIR POPRI is made possible by the European Commission, the EUSAIR Presidency, the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia, the Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development of the Republic of Slovenia, the Facility Point project. The event is sponsored by the European Capital of Culture 2025 Nova Gorica - Gorizia and SID Bank.
1st PLACE – HIGH SCHOOL CATEGORY.
Kaja Gavrilović, Jana Simić, Rastko Petrović, Tatjana Zivadinović
Mentors: Ana Ivic Veljković
1. PLACE – UNIVERSITY STUDENT CATEGORY: VeYo, Serbia
Tamara Živanović, Duška Rakin, Sara Živanović, Milica Milutinović, Aleksa Simić
Mentors: Marica Rakin, Maja Bulatović
2. PLACE – HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
2nd PLACE - STUDENTS: HIT HOT App, Slovenia
Taj Ražem, Sajra Makić, An Semolič
Lucija Filipčič Križaj, Patricija Kastelic Volf
2. PLACE – UNIVERSITY STUDENTS:
Rabbit Sausages and Roasts, Slovenia
Tilen Volkar, Gašper Pršina, Nejc Hudoklin, Jernej Gačnik
Mentors: Andreja Gril Novak, Ana Marjanović, Simon Jeraj
3. PLACE – HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS:
MILAIO, Albania
Anamari Sulcaj, Kamila Abazi, Joana Dhiamandi
Andi Andoni, Nikolla Pulla
3. PLACE - STUDENTS:
Citrus peel flour, North Macedonia
Monika Spasovska, Rabije Mahmudi
Mentor: Andrijana Bogdanovska
PRIZE FOR FIRST-LEAD TEAMS - POPRI Startup Challenge
The first place teams will participate in the POPRI Startup Challenge in Nova Gorica, Slovenia in October 2023.
The prize is made possible by the Ministry of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Slovenia.
PRIZE FOR THE SECOND-PLACED TEAMS - GO! 2025 Prize without Borders
The second-placed teams will visit the European Capital of Culture 2025, Nova Gorica - Gorizia, in autumn 2023.
The prize is made possible by. Nova Gorica Gorizia European Capital of Culture
PRIZE FOR THIRD PLACED TEAMS – Individual market test
Third place teams will receive an individual market and product potential testing programme with a successful startup entrepreneur
The prize is made possible by Primorska technology park
In addition to the competition, three other events took place, including a roundtable organised by RTV Slovenia and the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia in Sarajevo. In addition, all event participants had the opportunity to interact with successful entrepreneurs and a gala was organised to announce the results and award the prize. The events were moderated and hosted by Jamila Milović-Halilović. Guests Erna Šošević, an entrepreneur, and Dragan Vlačić, a manager and expert in software and IT, shared their experiences with the young people.
We are thrilled to announce that the talented and accomplished Jamila Milovic Halilovic has been selected as the official presenter for the final of the Popri International EUSAIR Youth Competition in Sarajevo!
Jamila Milovic Halilovic is an exceptional personality with an incredible knack for engaging audiences and creating meaningful conversations. With her charismatic presence and insightful perspectives, she is the perfect choice to guide us through this great event.
Hamila has over 20 years of experience in media, strategic communications and public relations. A unique combination of working directly in the media, private sector, international organisations and corporate environments. She has designed, conceived and implemented dozens of communications strategies, plans and projects. She has branded and created various communications products and content.
Jamila has participated as a facilitator in numerous regional and international conferences, as well as a lecturer and workshop leader. She believes in the power of communication and is always looking for new ways to convey the most concrete, concise and constructive messages.
The Popri International EUSAIR Youth Competition is a platform for young talent from across Europe to showcase their skills, creativity and innovation. Ahead of the exciting finals, Jamila will play an important role in ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for participants and spectators alike.
Stay tuned and mark your calendars for days filled with talent, inspiration and unforgettable memories. Spread the word and let us celebrate the power of youth and their limitless potential together!
On Tuesday, 4.4.2023, 36 teams, or 113 out of a record 474 competitors, competed in the final of the national competition for young entrepreneurship ideas POPRI, organised by the Primorski Technological Park, in Nova Gorica. The entrepreneurship jury decided who had best developed their idea into a business model and presented it. Teams competed to win in the categories of primary, secondary and youth up to 29 years of age, which bring cash prizes and the chance to participate in international competitions and professional excursions abroad. This year marks the 20th edition of the competition, which has been organised with a rich programme.
POPRI's twentieth season was a record-breaking one, with forty percent more young people entering the competition than the year before. One hundred and sixty-eight teams (474 contestants) from all over Slovenia prepared business models for their ideas with the support of 116 mentors in 80 educational institutions. The best 116 made it through the regional preliminary rounds, which took place at the regional partners: the Ljubljana Technology Park for Central Slovenia, the Zasavska region and Gorenjska, the SAŠA Incubator for Koroška, Savinjska, Podravka and Pomurje, the Novo mesto Development Centre for South-Eastern Slovenia and Posavje, and the Primorska Technology Park for the Goriška, Primorska - Innerjska and Obalno-Kraško regions and the region abroad. The Director of the Primorska Technology Park, mag. Tanja Kožuh, Director of the Primorje Primorje Region, on the occasion of the 20th edition of the POPRI competition, said:
"POPRI developed in 2003 from a European project in which we set ourselves the goal of giving young people their first contact with entrepreneurship. POPRE was the first time we held it in Nova Gorica and the surrounding area. After the end of the project, we realised that something really big could come out of it. We started to connect educational institutions and business, involving the support environment, mentors, local and national authorities. Many people did not believe we would succeed, but with a dedicated team, anything is possible".
Popri connects educational institutions with business. The competitors' written business models were judged by 87 entrepreneurs. The final act was a pitch in front of the national jury, which consisted of
Teja Bajt, founder and director of INNOLAB
Mic Melanšek, co-founder and marketing director of Hooray Studios
Lovro Peterlin, Managing Director A1 Slovenija d.d.
Nejc Škoberne, Co-founder and Director of Meetings.bio
Matej Peršolja, Co-founder and CEO of Protectus Technologies, Inc.
Elvis Janežič, Director of Instrumentation technologies
Lucia Lučka Klanšek - Founder and Director of LLK
Nika Kristina Butina - Co-founder and Director of EPIDEMIC
Manca Šalehar - Marketing Manager, Wolt
Blaž Zupan - Assistant Professor at the Department of Entrepreneurship, Faculty of Economics, University of Ljubljana, entrepreneurial coach and serial entrepreneur
Financial awards
The jury selected the top three teams in each category. The third-placed teams received EUR 700 gross each, the second-placed teams EUR 1300 gross each and the winners EUR 2000 gross each from the prize fund provided by the co-organisers of the competition: the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, SPIRIT Slovenia, the Public Agency and the Slovenian Enterprise Fund. All teams that made it to the finals already in the preliminary rounds received EUR 500 gross each to improve their business idea and additional mentoring support.
Minister of Economy, Tourism and Sport Matjaž Han said of the support for POPRI:"It is the duty of the state and of us politicians to enable young people to realise their potential. That is why, as co-organiser of the POPRI competition, we at our Ministry are actively and strategically promoting entrepreneurship among young people. In this way, we want to give them the opportunity to develop their own ideas, experience entrepreneurship and learn from their mentors in business. Their spicy ideas and business models are proof that nothing is impossible - you just have to look outside the box. And that's what young people do best! "
Non-financial awards
POPRI is also opening doors to the world, with the first-placed students participating in the POPRI International EUSAIR Youth competition in Sarajevo on 23 and 24 May 2023, and the top three student teams also competing in the Genius Olympiad in New York State, USA. In addition to a cash prize, the top three teams among the primary school students will also go on a professional excursion to the Technical Museum in Vienna, made possible by the Intellectual Property Office.
Special Award
This year, Primorska Technology Park has also awarded a special prize, made possible by the Norwegian Financial Mechanism. The high school student team and the university student team with the most convincing presentations will take part in an expert excursion to Norway.
In addition to the competition part, the Finals also offer a wide range of entrepreneurial content and experiences. In the afternoon, the competitors and their mentors took part in a panel discussion entitled: From POPRI to a successful business. How a (young) entrepreneur should protect his knowledge, innovative solutions and name. Their experiences were shared by Andrej Pelko and Valentina Bojanec (startup HEIJUS; second place in POPRI in 2019, today entrepreneurs participating in Start Slovenia), Tjaša Jazbec, co-founder of the startup Scherz Chilli, incubated in Primorska Technological Park and POPRI mentor, Boštjan Jerončič, CEO of Incom Leone and mag. Karin Žvokelj, Director of the Intellectual Property Office - co-organiser of POPRI, which also facilitated the roundtable.
The finalists also got their first experience of entrepreneurial networking. The event was financially supported by the Government Office for Slovenians Abroad and Slovenians Abroad, co-organiser of the event for the first time this year. Minister Matej Arčon said. "I am happy and proud to have followed and supported the POPRI story since its beginnings, this year for the first time as a Minister of the Slovenian Government. Events such as this one also offer the opportunity to network, to make friends, nationally and internationally," and called on everyone to continue to network and to proudly preserve the Slovene identity in our hearts.
The young people were accompanied by entrepreneurs, members of the Commission, and representatives of the support environment from Slovenia and abroad - with an original performance by stand-up comedian Gašper Bergant. The event ended with a cake to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the POPRI competition.
On this occasion, the Primorski Technologski Park also prepared a photographic exhibition on the 20 years of the competition, which is on display under the arcades of the Municipality of Nova Gorica.
The gala event with the award ceremony took place at the SNG Nova Gorica. The audience was addressed by Matej Arčon, Minister of Slovenes Abroad and Internationally, Matevž Frangež, State Secretary at the Ministry of Economy, Tourism and Sport, and Samo Turel, Mayor of the Municipality of Nova Gorica, who also presented the prizes. The audience was delighted by the greetings from the world of celebrities, prepared especially for the POPRI contestants by Tilen Artač.
| team | Educational Institution | Members of the team | mentor | |
| first place | On Stage | Institute and Academy for Multimedia, Higher School of Multimedia | Lovro Rakar, Nejc Jezeršek, Mihael Golob | Enej Gradišek |
With the cutting-edge OnStage product, you will have the ultimate experience as a musician while playing, because it gives you a better live performance! The product consists of 3 key components; clip-on microphone, digital interface, mobile/computer app. The clip-on microphone picks up the signal from the acoustic instrument, the sound then travels to the digital interface where it is processed with extremely low latency.
| second place | Volkar sausages and roasts | Grm Novo mesto - Centre of Biotechnics and Tourism, Vocational School | Tilen Volkar, Gašper Pršina, Jernej Gačnik, Nejc Hudoklin | Andreja Gril Novak, Ana Marjanović |
Our idea is based on sausages and roasts. They are made from quality rabbit meat, exclusively of Slovenian origin. They are aimed at people on a diet, people who like healthy local food and are willing to pay a little more money for it, sportsmen and rabbit meat lovers. Meat products will be delivered to your home/agreed location and will also be sold at the market.
| third place | HOBBY BOBY starting-light | / | Tadej Enci | / |
The HOBBY BOBY starting light is first and foremost a technical aid, which is an indispensable aid for every deaf and hard of hearing athlete in athletics competitions. The device converts the sound signals of the starter's commands into a light signal with the help of a built-in microphone, thus helping athletes with hearing impairment to a more equal start.
| team | Educational institution | members of the team | mentor | |
| first place | HIT - HOT | Srečko Kosovel Sežana School Centre, Gymnasium and School of Economics | Taj Ražem, Sajra Makić, An Semolič | Lucija Filipčič Križaj, Patricija Kastelic Volf |
Hit Hot is an app for ordering food. The advantage is that the pick-up is very fast and there are fewer queues, as the order is in advance and cashless. Users are mainly students, pupils and employees who have limited snack time. The app is free for the user and can be installed on any mobile device where the desired meal would be ordered. The app would be installed by the caterers and their customers would order their food via the app and come to the caterer's headquarters at the agreed time to pick up their food.
| second place | BacTerra | Velenje High School Centre, Gymnasium | Katja Mogilnicki | Jan Skok, Petra Mastnak |
BacTerra is an organic fertiliser that works with the help of bacteria. The bacteria produce substances that help the plant grow and resist. They convert nitrogen from the air into an ion that the plant can use, and they also contribute to the amount of phosphorus and potassium in the soil. The living bacteria produce fertiliser continuously and therefore the effect of the fertiliser is more long-lasting than conventional fertilisers (up to 6 months). By using such a fertiliser, we can increase our yields by 20% to 30% and at the same time help to improve the health of the plant.
| third place | Inspired Disinfectants | Agricultural school Grm in biotechnical gymnasium Novo Mesto | Kaja Dragan, Lea Lisec, Pia Rak, Kristina Sinur | Mitja Turk, Anja Jakše |
Inspired Disinfectants is a range of pleasant-smelling, hand-friendly disinfectants that don't dry out the skin. Users can sanitise their hands at any time and at the same time scent themselves with the delicate scent of lavender, Christmas or herbal sanitiser in two convenient packs. The smaller dose (50 ml) is for personal use for those who want to feel cleaner and safer in their daily lives, while enjoying the pleasant smell and feel that hand sanitisers leave on the skin after use. The larger dose (0.5 l) is intended for restaurants, spas, private medical practices that want to give their employees and customers the feeling of a safe and clean environment and to make them feel better and brighten up their daily life with the fragrant scents of our disinfectants.
| team | Educational Institution | Members of the team | mentors | |
| first place | Paličnjak | Milojka Štrukelj Nova Gorica Elementary School | Tian Kobal, Tinkara Kozjan, Nika Mamič | Petra Brankovič, Matjaž Kljajić |
Paličnjak is a plant support stick - it is an extendable bamboo stick for supporting plants, which can be extended very easily and quickly when the plant outgrows it. This saves time, effort and money, as we don't have to go to the countryside or to the shop to buy a new stick. So even people who would like to have ornamental plants can afford them. but don't have enough time for them.
| second place | Smart-bin | Ormož Elementary School | Tim Šoštarič, Jaka Vaupotič, Lan Žalar | Maja Korban Črnjavič |
Smart Bin reduces the volume of plastic packaging waste by using a push platform. This would make it as easy and practical as possible for our users to manage the packaging waste that accumulates in their households. The Smart Bin idea was created to enable households and other potential consumers to manage plastic and other packaging more economically. From an ecological point of view, the accumulation of packaging waste, especially plastic packaging, is a growing problem, and we are very aware of it.
| Third place | GO2GETHER | Grm Novo mesto Elementary School | David Nograšek, Manja Nograšek, Eva Podkrižnik, Urban Bukovec, Patrik Taljat | Jana Pečaver |
GO2GETHER is an app that allows you to pool your children's transport to different extra-curricular activities in and around your city. It is designed for parents and families who can use their time more efficiently, at least halve the cost of transport, and act in a sustainable, environmentally friendly way by reducing their carbon footprint. GO2GETHER makes it easy to connect and coordinate several parents for transport to after-school activities, on a "today I drive" basis (e.g. four children transported by one parent).