The International University of Sarajevo (IUS) had the privilege of welcoming Mrs. Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır, Chairperson of the Board of Directors and General Manager of the T3 Foundation, as a distinguished participant and speaker at the Science, Technology and Innovation Summit: Opportunities for Cooperation between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Her participation added significant value to the Summit, bringing an inspiring and forward-looking perspective on the role of youth in shaping innovation, advancing technology, and contributing to the development of stronger knowledge-based societies. Through her presentation, Mrs. Kuzucu Hıdır introduced the audience to the visionary journey of the T3 Foundation, demonstrating how a strategic and inclusive approach to science and technology education can help transform curiosity into innovation.
In her address, she highlighted the importance of engaging young people from an early age in science, technology, and creative problem-solving. She emphasized that sustainable innovation ecosystems are built by investing in future generations through accessible education, practical learning opportunities, entrepreneurial support, and continuous mentoring. Her presentation illustrated how these elements, when combined with long-term vision and institutional commitment, can nurture future scientists, engineers, innovators, and entrepreneurs.
Mrs. Kuzucu Hıdır also presented several of the T3 Foundation’s flagship initiatives, including Bilim Türkiye, DENEYAP Maker Labs, TEKNOFEST, and the T3 Startup ecosystem. These initiatives were introduced as successful examples of how free and inclusive educational models can empower young people, encourage experimentation and innovation, and support the transformation of ideas into tangible projects and globally competitive technologies.
Particular attention was given to the importance of maker culture and hands-on learning environments in helping young people discover their talents, develop practical skills, and build confidence in their ability to contribute to technological progress. In addition, her presentation underlined the value of entrepreneurship support structures that guide promising ideas from early development to real-world impact.
Her contribution to the Summit offered participants an exceptional opportunity to reflect on how strong innovation ecosystems are created not only through infrastructure and investment, but also through youth engagement, interdisciplinary collaboration, and a shared vision for the future. By directly engaging with the audience, Mrs. Kuzucu Hıdır encouraged meaningful discussion on how similar models of education, innovation, and entrepreneurship could serve as a foundation for strengthening cooperation between Türkiye and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The session also reinforced the broader message of the Summit: that partnerships between institutions, educators, innovators, and policymakers are essential for fostering sustainable technological development and opening new opportunities for young people in both countries.
The International University of Sarajevo extends its sincere appreciation to Mrs. Elvan Kuzucu Hıdır for her valuable contribution to the Summit and for sharing an inspiring model of youth-centered innovation. Her participation offered important insights into the power of vision, collaboration, and education in shaping the innovators of tomorrow.
