Berlin, May 2025 – At the heart of Europe’s tech landscape, the prestigious GITEX Europe trade fair (21‑23 May) marked a historic milestone for Bosnia & Herzegovina. For the first time, BiH had its own national pavilion, creating direct access to international markets, investors, and tech partners.
Powered by the SEDEP programme, funded by the Government of Germany, the EU, and the Government of Switzerland, and supported through the Ecosystem Connectors initiative, the BiH pavilion showcased five innovative startups — Valens, ZenDev, E387, Sarajevo VRX Immersive Museum, and Emaq — alongside five leading ecosystem organizations: Elevate, Fondacija 787, IMPAKT, SSST, and FabLab Sarajevo.
“The delegation at GITEX Europe 2025 marked a significant leap forward for Bosnia & Herzegovina’s startup ecosystem,” said Slaviša Jovanović, advisor at GIZ.
“For the first time, BiH startups and support organizations were presented together on one of Europe’s premier tech investment platforms, gaining visibility, forging strategic partnerships, and demonstrating competitiveness in EU markets.”
Empowering Through Knowledge and Networks
Participants engaged in a carefully designed programme — from investment-readiness workshops and pitch training to structured networking with key players in Europe’s startup scene. Visits to innovation hubs such as MotionLab and CIC Berlin showcased real-world models that connect technology, business, and community.
Beyond institutional support, local partners, particularly Sarajevo School of Science and Technology (SSST) and Fondacija 787, played pivotal roles in mentoring, strategic leadership, and programme implementation through SEDEP.
SSST – Academic Innovator on an International Stage
As the only university from BiH at GITEX Europe, SSST positioned itself at the intersection of education, research, and entrepreneurship. Through its active participation in all phases of Ecosystem Connectors, the SSST team engaged directly with European deep-tech partners, investors, and innovation networks — reinforcing its role as a regional bridge to international opportunities.
“Our presence in Berlin enabled us to position Sarajevo as a hub connecting European innovation centres,” said Dr. Nedim Čelebić, Vice‑Dean for Research and Associate Professor at SSST. “GITEX Europe allowed us to test our international readiness through sandbox projects, joint AI programmes, and research partnerships. Berlin wasn’t just an exhibition, it reaffirmed that we have the knowledge, teams, and vision to step into the global network. For me personally, it confirmed that a professor from Sarajevo can stand shoulder‑to‑shoulder with Europe’s innovation elite.”
Fondacija 787 – Building the Infrastructure for the Future
For Fondacija 787, participating in GITEX Europe and the Ecosystem Connectors programme meant gaining direct insight into top-tier startup ecosystems — not only their products, but also the support structures behind them.
“This was a pivotal experience for Fondacija 787, enabling us to connect with Balkan startups, observe global innovations firsthand, and understand how a networked entrepreneurial ecosystem operates,” said Amela Brčaninović, Project Manager at Fondacija 787. “It also illuminated the core elements we need at home to build a resilient and dynamic scene.”
Their participation included collaboration with the BLP initiative, identifying sustainable models that connect NGOs, private firms, and investors — a framework that can guide local ecosystem development.
A New Era for Bosnian Innovation
The visit to Berlin was more than a showcase — it was affirmation that BiH has valuable contributions to offer the global tech community. GITEX was a milestone for the local startup scene, opening doors to international growth, investment, and scaling opportunities.
Through SEDEP, implemented by GIZ with support from Germany, the EU, and Switzerland, the initiative demonstrates how international collaboration with local stakeholders can generate tangible impact on the ground.
Continuing Strategic Support Through SEDEP and DigiGreen
Participation in GITEX Europe 2025 is part of a broader digital and green transformation strategy for BiH, led by SEDEP. The programme continuously strengthens the startup ecosystem, support organizations, and systems that connect local innovators to European markets.
A central resource is the DigiGreen platform — an online hub at www.digigreen.ba offering access to opportunities, educational content, and growth resources. Through DigiGreen, BiH startups can access calls for proposals, developmental tools, and international partnerships, along with regional best practices and direct support for EU integration.
This success story was developed within the Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion Programme (SEDEP) in Bosnia and Herzegovina, jointly financed by the European Union, the Government of Switzerland and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and implemented by GIZ.
