The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) hosted a TEKNOFEST 2026 presentation on Monday, February 16, 2026, welcoming numerous primary and secondary school students from different parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, accompanied by their teachers, as well as guests from industry and academia.
The event opened with a welcoming address by Prof. Dr. Ali Osman Kuşakcı, Rector of IUS, who highlighted the importance of nurturing young minds and empowering them to shape the future through innovation. Emphasizing the spirit of discovery, the Rector noted that curiosity drives invention, solves real-world problems, and shapes the future, adding that technology is no longer only a subject we study - it is the language of tomorrow. He also underlined how fields such as artificial intelligence, robotics, sustainable energy solutions, and smart applications are transforming the way we live, learn, and connect.
Rector Kuşakcı expressed sincere appreciation to school principals and teachers for supporting students, and thanked the young participants for their enthusiasm and engagement. He further announced that IUS will be organizing a Summer School on Artificial Intelligence in cooperation with the T3 Foundation, recognizing the Foundation’s strong expertise in the field. Concluding his remarks, the Rector officially declared TEKNOFEST 2026 open, inviting everyone to celebrate technology, creativity, and a bright future ahead.
TEKNOFEST 2026 is the world’s largest aerospace and technology festival, bringing together competitors through 52 competitions and 127 sub-categories, and offering young people the opportunity to turn ideas into projects, develop innovations, and gain valuable experience in the field of technology. Opportunities and benefits for competitors include covered transportation, accommodation, and food costs, as well as internship opportunities, education programs, TEKNOFEST Career, the TEKNOFEST Startup Program, and field visits/technical trips. TEKNOFEST 2026 will take place in Şanlıurfa (Türkiye) from September 30 to October 4, 2026, at GAP Airport, with significant awards and financial support.
The main presentation was delivered by Mr. Muhamed Can Veysel, a T3 Foundation representative from Montenegro, who provided a clear overview of TEKNOFEST and the value of joining this international platform of innovation. His talk was informative, encouraging, and supportive, motivating students to consider participating and to believe in the potential of their ideas and teamwork.
Following the presentation, a lively Q&A session allowed students and teachers to ask practical questions and gain additional guidance. The program also featured the presence of last year’s representatives of Bosnia and Herzegovina at TEKNOFEST, who shared their first-hand experiences - offering students a realistic look into preparation, teamwork, and what it feels like to compete on such a major stage.
By bringing together youth, educators, and professionals, the TEKNOFEST 2026 presentation at IUS served as an energizing reminder that innovation begins with curiosity - and that the next big idea can start in a classroom, a lab, or a student team ready to create.
