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The Islamic Development Bank (IsDB) awarded together with Bosna Bank International (BBI) four projects within the innovation competition - Transformers Roadshow. The competition was launched by IsDB to promote ideas that will accelerate the achievement of one or more United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals.

The winners received a prize of $ 3.000,00 and the opportunity to present their projects at the third Transformers Summit in Senegal. The awards went to Aida Hajdarpašić-Saračević and Edin Hamzić “Genomics for the diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorders for the creation of Artistic Diagnostic Services for Developmental Disorders, including Autism Spectrum Disorders”, project „From Lab Test to Diagnosis” an application that will analyze blood findings authored by Anes Jogunčić, Esmeralda Tabaković, Semira Galijašević, Tamara Jovović-Sadiković and Zana Tafi, and to Dijana Memišević, Nermin Hadžić, Salem Rašljanin and Zlatko Memišević for their project “Osnovna.ba - the Facebook for Education”, an innovative and interactive online learning platform for education in BiH which is dedicated for primary school pupils.

The project Microbiologically Clean Water for People, Animals, Environment and Food Production, presented by Abdulah Gagić, Ajla Ališah and Maja Varatanović from Sarajevo received a special prize.

The competitors were welcomed at the Dom Mladih - Skenderija Centre in Sarajevo, in conjunction with the Sarajevo Halal Fair (SHF) 2019 by the Mayor of Sarajevo Abdulah Saka, Dr. Hayat Sindi, Senior Adviser to the IsDB President for Science and Innovation and Amer Bukvić, CEO of Bosna Bank International.  

Shortlisted candidates had the chance to present their innovative ideas to the evaluation committee comprised of representatives of the public and the private sector, chaired by Dr. Hayat Sindi.

“It is great honour for the Islamic Development Bank to host the 6th Transformers Roadshow here in Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina in cooperation with the fantastic BBI team. It is an immense pleasure for me to see so many brilliant innovators from this country. When we started the Fund for science, technology and innovation, our plan was to support science, technology and innovative solutions, and to empower people to move their own economic and social development. We do so by enabling them the necessary infrastructure and empower them through training, mentorship, finances and other resources that will help them to increase their business and, by doing so, help the societies they live in. We are impressed by the new insights we received during the presentations of the Transformers Roadshow finalists in Sarajevo and we are honoured for the opportunity to help and empower those who will contribute to changes in Bosnia and Herzegovina and the region through innovation and technology. I would like to congratulate the winners and encourage all others with good ideas to apply for the Fond for Innovation, Technology and Innovation that will be opened for all those interested from April 2020” - said Dr. Hayat Sindi, Senior Adviser to the IsDB President for Science and Innovation.

Amer Bukvić, CEO of BBI, said that the Transfomers Roadshow, organized in partnership with the IsDB, represents a continuation of joint efforts to promote and encourage innovation and entrepreneurship in B&H.

"Young people are the future and they will build this country with their ideas, entrepreneurial spirit, courage and determination. With the Start-up Challenge that we launched as part of the Sarajevo Business Forum, Transformers Roadshow is an opportunity for young people to learn how to do it. 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 accomplish great things you must have persistence, courage, and a willingness to learn lifelong learning. IsDB and BBI are ready to support their talents and ideas,” said Bukvić.

Fifteen innovative projects were presented during the final of the Event, after reviewing applications in accordance with criteria set for the competition.

The Transformers Roadshow is initiated in July 2018, with the aim to support the strategic focus of the Islamic Development Bank's capacity building and human capital development. Previous competitions were held in Kazakhstan, Bangladesh, Niger, Pakistan and Uzbekistan.

The competition attracted over 100 entrepreneurs, scientists, and innovator from all parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina. All projects that were presented at the competition are in line with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, while comprising other factors, such as innovation, contribution to society, practicality impact, and scalability.