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The final competition in the Innovation - Transformers Roadshow  hosted by the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) start today, during the third day of Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF) 2019. The competition was inaugurated by Abdulah Skaka, Mayor of Sarajevo, dr. Sindi Hayat, Jury Member and Advisor to the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) and Amer Bukvic, CEO of Bosna Bank International.

The majority shareholder of Bosna Bank International d.d. Sarajevo, IsDB, decided to give the opportunity and reward the best innovators and entrepreneurs from the countries of the region. The aim of the competition is to identify innovators, scientists and entrepreneurs with ideas that can support one or more of the United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals, connect them with those who can impart relevant knowledge and support, including funding, and who can offer them new business opportunities or simply strategic advice.

"This is a significant project for Sarajevo. The city government invests a lot in educating young people especially in the field of innovation and promoting innovation, and will continue to do so in the future. I believe that such a project that is being realized today will show all the creativity of young people and all that B&H has," said Abdullah Skaka, Mayor of Sarajevo.

Dr. Hayat Sindi, a member of the jury and Adviser to the President of the Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) for Science, Technology and Innovation, said it was a great honor to be in Sarajevo and to discover the true talents in B&H. She also presented activities under the IsDB Engage Platform and Transform Fund worth US $ 500 million.

“Every year, in early April, a public invitation is open for everyone to apply for, regardless of the part of the world they come from and regardless of the area of the project. The focus is on hunger eradication, health, education, clean water, clean energy and industry and innovation. Today we want to encourage you to sign up for the next public invitation. We will be there for you, we will give you advisory support, because if you succeed, we will succeed. We are your partners. Today's winners will have the opportunity to attend education and meet innovators from around the world," said Dr. Sindy.

Amer Bukvic, CEO of BBI Bank, emphasized the great importance of this competition, not only for Sarajevo but for the whole region.

"This region is full of successful people in various fields that are known around the world. Whether you look in the fields of sports, science and leadership, you will recognize names from this region. A good idea is just a small segment to success. To achieve great things you must have four basic characteristics - perseverance, courage, dedication to lifelong learning and what is very important for IsDB and BBI Bank is that we seek talent in all parts, do not neglect rural areas and give support through such projects to all young people with good ideas," Bukvic said.

The opportunity to present in the finals was given to 15 innovative projects that met the conditions and criteria of this competition. The top three projects, judged by an expert jury, will receive a cash prize of $ 3,000 each, and the opportunity to compete in the Senegal World Innovation Competition.