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.
2nd Danube Youth Camp: Reflecting on a Year of Achievements
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.
POPRI Startup Challenge: From talents to Danube Region's Strenghts
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.
"In Search of Talents – the Power of Youth" Panel Discussion
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.
2nd Danube Youth Camp & POPRI Startup Challenge
From talents to Danube Region’s strenghts
October 20-25, 2023Šempeter pri Gorici, Slovenia
Welcome to the 2nd Danube Youth Camp, POPRI Startup Challenge, and the 12th EUSDR Annual Forum!
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.
Event Highlights
2nd Danube Youth Camp (October 20-21)
Reflect on the first-ever Danube Youth Council (DYC) mandate.
Discuss experiences, challenges, and lessons learned.
Formulate recommendations for the DYC’s future work.
POPRI Startup Challenge (October 22-23)
Enhance entrepreneurial and leadership skills.
Address the importance of young talents and tackle brain drain.
Create recommendations for a thriving Danube Region.
“In Search of Talents – The Power of Youth” Panel (October 23)
Featuring young participants.
Panelists: Elisa Cocco, European Commission / DG REGIO, Stojan Pelko, ECOC 2025 Program Manager, Ursula Lavrenčič, Hopalai.
The panel is open to all interested participants.
12th EUSDR Annual Forum (October 24-25)
A platform for DYC members to present their outcomes and learnings.
Engage with EUSDR stakeholders and the broader Danube Region Strategy community.
What Attendees Will Experience
Acquire valuable skills and knowledge. • Engage with industry experts and mentors. • Connect with peers from diverse backgrounds within the Danube, Alpine, Baltic and Adriatic – Ionian Regions. • Gain deep insights into influencing the future of Europe
Contact Us
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.
In Search of Talents – The Power of Youth"
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!
YOUNG PEOPLE'S OUTSTANDING ENTREPRENEURIAL IDEAS FOR A BETTER ADRIATIC-IONIAN MACRO -REGION
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) .
ABOUT THE COMPETITION
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.
SUPPORTERS
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.
WINNERS
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: 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 FUND
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
PARALLEL EVENTS
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.
Jamila Milovic Halilovic - official presenter of the final of POPRI International EUSAIR Youth
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.
About the Final
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!
POPRI 2023: Twenty years of developing new generations of entrepreneurs
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.
THE COURSE OF THE COMPETITION
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".
THE NATIONAL COMPETITION JURY
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
In the primary school category:
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
In the high school student category:
Matej Peršolja, Co-founder and CEO of Protectus Technologies, Inc.
Elvis Janežič, Director of Instrumentation technologies
Lucia Lučka Klanšek - Founder and Director of LLK
In the category of young people up to 29 years:
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
AWARDS
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.
PROGRAMME OF EVENTS AT THE FINAL 4.4.2023
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.
WINNERS OF THE COMPETITION 2023
STUDENTS AND YOUNG PEOPLE UP TO 29 YEARS OF AGE
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
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
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Tadej Enci
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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.
CATEGORY HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
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.
CATEGORY ELEMNTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS
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).
Popri Winners at the Interreg annual Event 2022
Do not miss today's Interreg Annual Event at the European commision with young people sharing their perspective on the future of EU. We are happy to announce that the Popri International Eusair Youth winners from Serbia will be participating. Give it up for Eco Hive with Miodrag Milanovic as a speaker (high school category) and @pannonian crew: Lara for the students category with @vladimir krsmanović as a speaker. Follow as at 10.50 and 12.20 am!
After hearing all the business models pitches, the jury members have selected the winning teams in both categories that we proudly announce and congratulate:
EUSAIR POPRI competition is a stepping stone and each experience helps all the teams to learn. We congratulate all of them for developing their ideas into business models and for their amazing presentations in front of the jury members and public! Their job was not easy but they all did a great job and we wish them good luck in their future endeavours, we are certain they will achieve everything they work towards! Congratulations to all the teams and mentors! see you next year in Bosnia and Herzegovina! Knowledge CenterTechpark VaraždinInovacioni Centar Banja LukaStudent Business CenterAuleda, Local Economic Development Agency, VloreEuropean Commission
Our activities are cofinanced by Mestna občina Nova Gorica
𝟮𝗻𝗱 POPRI EUSAIR Youth competition in Tirana
Another year is around and the 𝟮𝗻𝗱 𝗲𝗱𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗼𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗘𝗨𝗦𝗔𝗜𝗥 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗥𝗜 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 that was held in Tirana, Albania has concluded. Through the year we met so many talents with fresh ideas and disruptive solutions, but only a selection of the best among them managed to present their business ideas in Tirana (Albania) at the final event – the pitch competition in front of international jury. 𝗧𝗵𝗲𝘀𝗲 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗴 𝗽𝗲𝗼𝗽𝗹𝗲 𝗵𝗮𝘃𝗲 𝗯𝗲𝗲𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗿𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗼𝗳 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗹𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴, trying to find innovative solutions for real problems of people and society, discovering the market potential, developing business model, team building, communication, negotiation, project and financial planning, risk management and so on. 𝗣𝗢𝗣𝗥𝗜 𝗶𝘀 𝗻𝗼𝘁 𝗷𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗮 𝗯𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗺𝗼𝗱𝗲𝗹𝗹𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗽𝗲𝘁𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻, 𝗶𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗺𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗺𝗼𝗿𝗲: - it is about developing entrepreneurial mind-set, innovation and creativity,- it is about the opportunity to learn, develop and grow,- it is about making international social network that we all need.Primorski technology park, as a main organizer of EUSAIR POPRI Youth, as well our partners from all Adriatic-Ionian region countries, that are mainly represented by technology parks, incubators, development agencies and schools, were offering to young participants knowledge, mentorship, motivation and connections. Through months of working with young people we have seen their progress, enthusiasm, and the willingness to develop new products and services to make the world a better place to live in. We are very satisfied, because we have seen young people learn, change and develop. And, we are very proud of them, because they care about the environment, society and the fellow human beings.
Our activites are cofinanced by Mestna občina Nova Gorica
Winners of the Slovene National Competition 2022
At the final of the national competition for entrepreneurial ideas of young people POPRI, organized by the Primorska Technology Park, 35 teams or 98 out of a total of 322 participants competed in Nova Gorica on Tuesday, April 5, 2022. The Jury decided who was the most convincing pitcher - presenting their entrepreneurial project in a startup way in five minutes. Teams competed for the top three spots in the categories of elementary school students, high school students and young people up to 29 years old. Winning brings financial, as well as other prizes provided by the co-organizers - Spirit Slovenia, public agency, the Slovenian Enterprise Fund and the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology of the Republic of Slovenia. The results were announced at the gala closing event, which was facilitated by the Municipality of Nova Gorica and the Municipality of Šempeter Vrtojba. In the final round, a special guest, a well known entrepreneur Ivo Boscarol, provided a special prize for the most inspiring business model
THE COURSE OF THE COMPETITION
The school year was marked by Covid, but this did not prevent the young talents from dedicating themselves to developing their innovative ideas in an enterprising way. One hundred and twenty-two teams (342 participants) from all over Slovenia came up with sound business models with the support of 85 mentors in 66 educational institutions. The best 98 teams made it through the regional pre-selections organized, not only by the Primorska Technology Park (covering western Slovenia and Slovenian students living abroad), but also by the Ljubljana Technology Park for central Slovenia, the SAŠA incubator for northeastern Slovenia, and the Novo mesto Development Center for the southeastern part of the country.
During the last phase of the national competition, that took place in Nova Gorica, the finalists presented their work to the jury , which is composed of the following members:
JURY
UNIVERSITY STUDENTS AND PARTICIPATS TILL 29YRS
Ana Mrzlikar
SPIRIT Slovenija, public agency
Marjan Batagelj
Postojnska jama d.d.
Elvis Janežič
Instrumentation Technologies d.o.o.
Luka Mali
MakerLab Ljubaljana
HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS
Mateja Grobelnik
Slovenian Enterprise Fund
Matej Peršolja
Protectus Technologies, Inc.
Nina Dremelj
Business angels Slovenia
Manca Šalehar
Wolt d.o.o. Slovenija
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PUPILS
mag. Jana Beton
Ministry for Economic development and technology
Nika Kristina Butina
Epidemic d.o.o.
Mateja Lavrič
Kolektor Ventures d.o.o.
Rado Daradan
Hooray Studios d.o.o.
AWARDS
Members of the jury selected the three best teams in each category. The third-place winners received EUR 700 each, the second-place winner EUR 1,300, and the winners EUR 2,000 each from the prize fund provided by the competition's co-organizers: the Ministry of Economic Development and Technology, Spirit Slovenia, the Public Agency, and the Slovenian Fund for Entrepreneurship. The competition was also supported by the Office of the Government of the Republic of Slovenia for Slovenians Abroad, as students from Trieste and Gorizia also participated. Popri also opens the door to the world, as the first placed students will also participate in the international POPRI EUSAIR Youth in May 2022 in Albania, and the first three teams of students will also participate in the Genius Olympiad in New York. In addition to the financial prize, the winning elementary school team will also receive a video production course offered by RTV Slovenia.
The POPRI competition proved again that even difficult school conditions cannot stop young people from shaping their future with innovative ideas and optimism - and gaining adult support in the process.
WINNERS
CATEGORY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
1ST PLACE
TEAM:: E-FAIRYTALES
TEAM MEMBERS: Lovro Zajc Pino Lukežič Naja Decevec Blažka Petohleb
MENTOR: Uroš Turk in Dolores Keš
SCHOOL: OŠ Miroslava Vilharja Postojna
Regiional partner: Primorski tehnološki park
Business model description: E-FAIRYTALES is a global website where families from all over the world can find new, original fairy tales that we write, draw, dub and animate for children ourselves. Fairy tales can be browsed and read by families, listened to dubbed and watched animated like cartoons.
2ND PLACE
TEAM: Route Security
TEAM MEMBERS: David Nograšek Maj Novak Max Mirtič Srečko Matjaž Berginc Karla Zobarič
MENTOR: Lea Burger, Petra Nograšek
SCHOOL: OŠ Grm Novo mesto
Regiional partner: Razvojni center Novo mesto
Business model description Our product Route Security is intended for all those who transport bicycles or other cargo on the roof of a car. With our product we prevent unusual accidents - when you drive your car with a load on the roof under a canopy that is too low or into a garage, causing serious damage to the bike or the load it is carrying.
3RD PLACE
TEAM Seed Loop
TEAM MEMBERS: Kristjan Šturm Aljaž škvarča Lin Čadež
MENTOR: Tina Lisac
SCHOOL: OŠ Cerkno
Regional partner: Primorski tehnološki park
Business model description
We present a project in the field of urban gardening. We have developed an intelligent heat bed called Seed Loop, which allows less experienced gardeners to garden without much effort. The beam mimics a closed ecosystem, which means that all processes are automated.
CATEGORY HIGHS SCHOOL STUDENTS
1ST PLACE
TEAM: Passionis, naravna sadna šminka
TEAM MEMBERS: Ema Novak Brina Goleš Naja Kambič Sara Absec
MENTOR: Mateja Nemanič
SCHOOL: Ekonomska šola Novo mesto, Srednja šola in gimnazija
Regional partner: Razvojni center Novo mesto
Business model description:Passionis is a natural fruit lipstick made from real freeze-dried fruits. During the freeze-drying process, the water is removed from the fruits so that all the vitamins and minerals are preserved and enter the body through the lips. The lipstick is a great solution for those who are aware that it is not only important what they put in themselves, but also themselves.
2ND PLACE
TEAM: Nighttime Secret
TEAM MEMBERS: Zoja Popovič Lea Lazar Deja Pečar Gaja Bijelić Maša Šemrl
MENTOR: Tanja Skok
SCHOOL: Srednja ekonomsko - poslovna šola Koper
Regional partner: Primorski tehnološki park
Business model description: Nighttime secret is a small and portable intimate fragrance for sexually active women. The organic bottle is filled with a natural filler, making it suitable for women with allergies and sensitive skin. The company's goal is to help women solve their sex life problem.
3RD PLACE
TEAM: TIKVA
TEAM MEMBERS: Lara Širovnik Petra Ouček Luna Kočar Lena Kočar Lia Bauer
MENTOR: Nina Žuman, Mateja Godec
SCHOOL: Gimnazija Franca Miklošiča Ljutomer
Regional partner: Razvojni center Novo mesto
Business model description: Our idea is called pumpkin. It is a natural night face cream that contains pumpkin oil. Pumpkin seed oil benefits the skin in several ways. If you struggle with acne, dry skin or other types of blemishes, be sure to include it in your skin care routine.
CATEGORY UNIVERSITY STUDENT
1ST PLACE
TEAM: Zvočna zakladnica Mesečina
TEAM MEMBERS: Janez Goršin, Martin Božič, Filip Plešnik, Jakob Čuk
MENTOR: Milan Lazarević iz Tehnološkega parka Ljubljana
FACULTY: Fakulteta za strojništvo (UL FS)
Regijski partner: Tehnološki park Ljubljana
BUSINESS MODEL DESCRIPTION: An online platform that provides access to the largest database of sound recordings, fairy tales and other children's literature. It is designed to be interactive, so that listeners to the content can also contribute and help expand the amount of stories read.
2nd PLACE TEAM / BUSINESS MODEL: rEboard TEAM MEMBERS: Matevž Cimermančič MENTOR: Marko Vukobrat, Simon Jeraj from the development center Novo mesto SCHOOL: Faculty of Mechanical Engineering (UL FS) Regional partner: Novo mesto development center Description of the idea: rEboard is a portable multifunctional write-erase board. Its peculiarity is that it is made from discarded television and computer screens.
3rd PLACE TEAM / BUSINESS MODEL: GreenMeal TEAM MEMBERS: Evelin Redjeposka, Tjaša Drobnič MENTOR: / SCHOOL: Faculty of Economics (UL EF) Regional partner: Technology Park Ljubljana Idea description: GreenMeal is a sustainable company that allows customers to buy ready-made, weighed and cut, and organically packaged ingredients for meal preparation. The company also adds appropriate recipes to the product for customers.
ENTREPRENEUR IVO BOSCAROL SURPRISED WITH YOUNG TALENT AWARD
In addition to 2022, Ivo Boscarol also participated in a round table where he shared his entrepreneurial experience with young entrepreneur Rebeka Udvanc from Beesmetic, who won POPRI years ago as a student, and Niao Krstina Butina, founder of the startup Epidemic. Boscarol surprised at the award ceremony with additional prize of € 3,000 for the entrepreneurial idea that inspired him the most. These were the winners in the category of elementary school students from Postojna, who presented the business model E Fairytales.
1st place: Ecological anti varroa hive, Serbia 
2nd place: PASSIONIS, Slovenia 
3rd place: SMOKELOCK, Italy 
