Programme

POPRI international is a competition for the best entrepreneurial idea among young people from 10 countries in the Adriatic-Ionian macro-region.

The competition started in Slovenia, where 5868 participants have taken part over the last 22 years. In 2025, the network of technology parks/regional agencies/schools will gather and support young people from 10 EUSAIR countries for the fifth time.

EUSAIR POPRI youth is an international competition for the best entrepreneurial idea among young people from 10 Adriatic-Ionian countries. In 2025, the network of technology parks/regional agencies/schools, working together for the fourth time as a single innovative HUB, supported more than 200 young teams in the EUSAIR region by providing them with entrepreneurial knowledge and skills.

EUSAIR POPRI youth will take place on 6 & 7 May, 2025 in Crete, Greece, as a youth event within the EUSAIR Forum.
10th EUSAIR Forum

Draft programme

Tuesday, 6 May 2025
Conference hall: ARTEMIS room
events will be moderated by Ana Vlahov and Maria Mesarić
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.
11:15 - 16:00
EUSAIR POPRI Youth business model competition
Moderated by Evi Basta

The EUSAIR POPRI competition is a remarkable opportunity for young visionaries to showcase their ideas and drive positive change. It champions sustainability, embraces the circular economy, and inspires innovative solutions to real-world challenges. These bright and ambitious participants are not just future leaders—they are changemakers whose voices deserve to be heard. Every business idea they bring forward carries personal, national, and global potential, shaping a more prosperous and sustainable future for all.
16.00-17.30
EUSAIR Talents: Driving the Future of Our Region
Moderated by Barbara Zrimšek and Marjana Simčič Humar

Demographic challenges in EUSAIR countries impact economic development, digitalization, and opportunities for young people. One of the key issues is the "Talent Trap"—the outflow of talent and the search for ways to retain it.
During the panel, young entrepreneurs and experienced business leaders will discuss solutions for creating an attractive environment for young talents and the role of entrepreneurship and cohesion policy in regional development.
Amadria Park Hotel, Conference Centre of Hotel Ivan, Hoteli Solaris 86, 22000 Šibenik > Conference hall: Šibenik V
Wednesday, 7 May 2025
Conference hall: ARTEMIS room
events will be moderated by Ana Vlahov and Maria Mesarić
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.
12.30-13.30
POPRI Award Ceremony
Moderated by Evi Basta and Eva Omahen

Announcement of best business ideas of High-school students and University students & award ceremony.
Amadria Park Hotel, Conference Centre of Hotel Ivan, Hoteli Solaris 86, 22000 Šibenik > Conference hall: Šibenik V

17.30 bus to the Residence

23rd May 2023                        Networking for future;

18.00                           event will be moderated by Dino Subašić

 

The networking event is a pre-event to the 2-day official EUSAIR POPRI youth events in Sarajevo, organized jointly with the Embassy of the Republic of Slovenia to Bosnia and Herzegovina and RTV Slovenia. The event is the opportunity to meet, network and deliver statements by young participants and others.

 

Residence of H.E. Ambassador of Republic of Slovenia to BH

Gabelina 19, Sarajevo

 

21.00 to hotel Grand

 

 

EUSAIR POPRI youth venue, 24&25 May 2023:

Hotel Holiday, Zmaja od Bosne 4, Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina- NERETVA

Events on 24th and 25th May will be moderated by Ms Jamila Milović-Halilović.

11.15 - bus to hotel Holiday

24th May, 2023                       Youth business model competition

12:00 - 16:30

 

EUSAIR POPRI competition is an opportunity for young participants to introduce 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.

 

 

12.00 – 12.15   Short introduction from the moderator (3 min)

 

Short welcome speech by Drago Gverić, CEO of ICBL,BiH (3 min)

 

Short introduction by young POPRI ambassador, Aleksandar Kovač, E-Klinika

 

 

12.15 – 13.15                Presentation of business ideas - High- school students of EUSAIR countries

/Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Greece, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, San Marino, Slovenia/

 

13.15 – 14.00               Lunch Break

 

14.00 – 15.30              Presentation of business ideas – University students of EUSAIR countries

/Albania, Greece, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Italy, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Serbia, San Marino, Slovenia/

 

 

18.30-21:30                 Networking event - Cocktail/finger food for all EUSAIR Forum

participants in the Botanical garden of National Museum

 

? bus to hotel Grand

9.00 bus to hotel Holiday

 

25th May 2023                        Students meet entrepreneurs

9:30 – 11:00

 

The best way to learn is to meet and to hear stories from experienced businessmen. Young people have the opportunity to meet Erna Šošević and Dragan Vlačić, both successful entrepreneurs. They will both share knowledge and experience in the field of entrepreneurship because we know that success stories can be an inspiration to young people.

Erna Šošević is a founder and CEO at Bizbook d.o.o.│Advisory Board Member for Women Entrepreneurship for UN Women B&H│Chapter Lead Sarajevo for SoGal Foundation NY | Startup Advisor | Lecturer

Dragan Vlačić is an experienced engineering manager and software engineer with a demonstrated history of working in the information technology and services industry. Skilled in Kotlin, Java, C++, JS, PHP, HTML, SQL, Android Development, Management, Cisco Systems Products and more. Strong education professional with a Master's Degree focused in Information Technologies.

 

9:30     Short introduction by moderator

 

Short welcome speech by Midhat Džemić, Head of Section, EU Funds NC for Bosnia and Herzegovina in the EUSAIR, Directorate for European Integration of Council of Ministers of Bosnia and Herzegovina (3 min)

 

Short welcome speech by Eva Kos, EUSAIR Facility Point, Lead Project Manager,, Ministry of Cohesion and Regional Development Republic of Slovenia (3 min)

 

Discussion with Erna Šošević and with Dragan Vlačić

 

 

11:00-11:15                   Coffee Break

 

 

11:15 - 12:00                 AWARD CEREMONY - Young POPRI award

 

Inspiring speech by Slawomir Tokarski, Director for the European Territorial Cooperation, Macro-regions, Interreg and programmes Implementation I, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy / European Commission (5 min)

 

Short speech by Drago Gverić, CEO of ICBL,BiH (2 min)

 

Short speech by Tanja Kožuh, CEO Primorski tehnološki park, Slovenia (2 min)

 

Short intervention by Sanjin Vlastelica, Head of Division for European Macro-regions, Ministry  of Foreign and European Affairs of the Republic of Croatia

 

 

 

 

 

Announcement of best business ideas of High-school students and University students & award ceremony.

 

12:00                           Closure of the event and networking

 

13:30 - 15.00               Lunch Break

 

15.00 bus to hotel Grand

 

VRSTNI RED PITCHEV (10.30 – 13.00)

Kategorija: Osnovnošolci
Lokacija: Gimnazija Nova Gorica, gledališka dvorana
1. Računko
2. Soba pobega "Laboratorij 797"
3. Toplotni trak za menstrualne krče
4. PRINAZA
5.  Cvetka
6. Eko sveča ZOJA
7. EPC
8. Paličnjak
9. GO2GETHER
10. Steznik za medenico
11. Smart-bin
12 MOJ TVOJ NAŠ PLANET
Kategorija: Dijaki
Lokacija: Glasbena šola Nova Gorica
1. HIT-HOT
2. Belly Belt
3. Schoollnfo4u
4. Razkužila z navdihom
5.  Safe-ice
6. Usopp’s Arrow Lube (UsuppAL)
7. Koze na leasing
8. Grovey
9. BacTerra
10. SLEEP DEEP
11. Catch me
12 Gaser Juice
Kategorija: Študentje in mladi do 29.leta
Lokacija: Gimnazija Nova Gorica, plesna dvorana
1. PIXEL - Robot za čiščenje fugirne mase
2. OnStage
3. Domač Okus
4. Gobnik
5.  LA KEKS
6. Kunčje klobase in pečenice
7. ECOGAN
8. Sportbot
9. Startna-lucka
10. Word Me
11. Shake it
12 180- stopinjsko-stojalo
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