The modern workforce requires a modern mindset. It is no longer sufficient to have only strong technical abilities or expertise in a single subject area. Today’s environment demands individuals who can think across disciplines, adapt to new challenges, and translate ideas into practical solutions. As a result, there is an increasing need for transferable professional skills such as leadership, effective teamwork, digital literacy, and an entrepreneurial mindset.

IEEE Innovation Nation is a program designed to provide participants with the opportunity to develop these skills while working on the creation of an innovative product, service, or program. The program is grounded in the principles of Disciplined Entrepreneurship, a structured framework for building viable ventures, and combines academic rigor with practical, hands-on experience.

During this 12-week program, participants aged 18–26 are formed into multidisciplinary teams and guided through the process of developing a solution aligned with a clearly defined problem and target user group. Teams begin by identifying and validating real-world challenges through user research and engagement. Based on these insights, they design and develop a solution, with a strong emphasis on building a minimum viable product within the program timeline.

Each team is supported by a dedicated mentor who works closely with them throughout the program. In addition to product development, teams explore the broader context of their solution by developing a business model that considers value proposition, market fit, development timelines and financial aspects. The aim is to ensure that proposed solutions are both innovative and grounded in real-world applicability.

The program culminates with a final showcase event held as part of the Futures Leaders Summit, where teams present their work to a panel of judges, industry representatives, and the wider community. This setting provides participants with increased visibility and the opportunity to communicate their ideas, demonstrate their progress, and receive feedback that may support further development beyond the program.

To add depth and relevance, participants are exposed to a range of experts in innovation and entrepreneurship. This includes guest lectures, interactive workshops, and ongoing mentorship, providing insight into contemporary practices and real-world experiences in building and scaling solutions.

Undertaking this program can be of significant value to individuals seeking to expand their capabilities and explore new opportunities. While outcomes may vary, participants gain exposure to new ways of thinking, collaborative environments, and the practical realities of developing solutions in a dynamic context.

By participating in Innovation Nation you will:

• Meet and collaborate with individuals from diverse backgrounds

• Expand your personal and professional network

• Be exposed to new ways of thinking and problem-solving

• Work in multidisciplinary teams on real-world challenges

• Develop and apply professional and entrepreneurial skills

• Design and build a solution that can be further developed beyond the program

You can read a short description of all of the activities that constitute the program below. Activities that happen on a particular week are marked on the above schedule.

Workshops (W): Online interactive workshops with team based activities focused on a single topic in the program curriculum. When: on Saturdays at 10 AM, on weeks marked with W. Duration: 3 hours

Drop-in sessions (DS): Optional online sessions for teams that want to ask for more information, guidance, or help. When: on Saturdays at 10 AM or on Wednesdays at 6 PM, on weeks marked with DS. Duration: 2 hours

Industry Guest Lecture (L): An online webinar style talk delivered by industry professionals on a variety of topics. When: every Wednesday (or Monday if required), starting between 6 PM and 8 PM. You will be informed of the exact time each week. Duration: 1.5 hours

Pitch Practice Sessions (PPS): Bi-weekly, short online sessions designed to help teams continuously refine their pitching skills. These sessions provide a low-stakes environment where participants can present their ideas, receive structured feedback, and improve their storytelling, clarity, and delivery in preparation for later stages of the program.

Rehearsal Pitch (RP): An online, full-length pitch simulation held prior to the final event. Teams present their developed ideas as if in a real competition setting, allowing them to test their narrative, timing, and overall readiness, while receiving final feedback for improvement.

Final Pitch (FP): The culminating pitch event held at the Futures Leaders Summit. Teams present their solutions in front of a panel of judges, industry representatives, and a broader audience. This is the final opportunity to showcase their work, demonstrate progress, and communicate the value of their solution.

Face to Face: Live events held for a duration of 1-2 days. When: opening event and orientation session in October and final pitch in December 2026.

Continuous mentorship: Each team will be assigned a mentor after the fifth week of the program. The mentor will be a part of the team and is there to help guide them

Expert mentorship: After the fifth week, teams will have an opportunity to schedule short meetings with a variety of industry experts with years of professional experience in their fields. All teams are expected to schedule and attend 1 to 3 meetings with expert mentors each week.

• Up to 24 fully funded program places, each covering a program valued at 5,300 BAM per participant, providing access to a high-quality entrepreneurship and innovation learning experience. 

• Education within a cutting-edge innovation program, designed to strengthen your ability to identify opportunities, design solutions, and bring ideas to life. The experience contributes to your professional development and supports your readiness for future career opportunities.

• Access to a network of local and international experts, enabling participants to build meaningful professional connections and gain exposure to diverse perspectives.

• Comprehensive program experience, including: 

• 10 industry expert lectures

• 10 hands-on workshops led by academics, professionals, and program alumni

• 2 live events (with covered accommodation and travel expenses)

• 30+ hours of dedicated mentorship from startup coaches in total for all teams

• Official certificate of completion, awarded by IEEE and BH Futures Foundation upon successful completion of the program.

• Recognition as an “IEEE Innovation Nation Fellow”, connecting participants to a global professional network spanning over 180 countries.

• Opportunity for further investment, where selected teams may be considered by angel investors and venture capital representatives following the final showcase, based on the maturity and potential of their solutions.

You are eligible to enter if you meet the following requirements at the time of entry:

Participants

• We are looking for passionate students & young professionals who are committed to learning how to become an innovator and entrepreneur. While you may have a team in mind, you can apply as an individual. When applying as a team, all team members need to fill out individual applications and they will be reviewed separately. It could happen that not all team members are selected as program participants, so be sure to write a good application.

• You will work in teams during the 12-week course. 

• If you do not have a team, please do not worry. All program participants will be arranged into teams at the start of the program.

•  If you already have a team of people you would like to work with, please let us know and we will try to fulfill your requests during team formation. The maximum team size will be 4 people. We strongly encourage interdisciplinarity.

Participant eligibility criteria:

1. Young adults (18 – 26 year old);

2. Bosnia and Herzegovina as the primary place of residence;

3. Available for at least a total of 10 hours per week to participate in the program;

4. Basic conversational knowledge of English language;

5. Please note: It is highly recommended that you have access to a reliable internet connection and a personal computer, as well as a working web camera and headphones, as the vast majority of educational activities are online-based.

Participants are expected to:

• Attend all weekly workshops, coaching sessions, and other program activities, and maintain regular communication with the program administrators. Any absence must be communicated to the organizers in advance and supported by an adequate justification. As activities are held on Saturday mornings, medical reasons are considered the only valid grounds for missing a session. In case of absence, your team is expected to ensure continuity and help you catch up on any missed content or activities

• Show initiative in organizing and attending coaching sessions.

• Complete assignments they receive by the assigned deadlines.

• Take on the sole responsibility for the cooperation and teamwork within their team. 

• In no event will IEEE IN organizers officiate in any dispute regarding the conduct or cooperation of any Team or its members.

• To receive a certificate of completion, participants must attend at least 80% of scheduled workshops and coaching sessions and present the final project/prototype. 

During the program:

• The organizers will be ejecting individuals/teams who are not actively participating in order to ensure that professional staff and startup coaches are not being unnecessarily burdened.

• All participants will be given access to our Futures e-Academy, as such you must adhere to the platform usage policy. Any breaches result in direct program expulsion.

• The following will not be tolerated in any form:

•  Interruptions and disruptions to teaching staff;

•  Discrimination on the basis of nationality, ethnicity, religion, sex etc.;

•  Cheating or unethical behavior;

•  Bullying, intimidation or verbal assaults

• All participants must adhere to the values of organizing partners

We will not accept any entries that may contain any inappropriate, offensive or illegal content.

“The Innovation Nation program has connected me to other young people in our country who are seeking knowledge, experience and have innovative ideas. It has also introduced me to so many successful Bosnian entrepreneurs who are located all over the world. Knowledge and information are best ways to empower the youth of our country and prevent the braindrain. I am incredibly proud to have taken part in this program and look forward to developing my craft and ideas alongside my colleagues. BH Futures Foundation is a true change-maker in our society and has empowered so many to set high goals to build innovative products right here in our country. Thank you and please keep up the great work.“ - E.H.

“If I need to describe this program in one word it would be 'challenging'. This is definitely meant for those who love to challenge themselves. It takes hard work and dedication to be able to complete the program but the experience and knowledge you come out with is unmeasurable. It definitely wasn't easy and you should really know how to organize your time. Definitely apply but be sure you are ready for it. Be aware of the opportunity you are given!“ - A.M

“I loved Innovation Nation. It introduced me to amazing and enthusiastic people, which I'm very glad to keep in touch in the future. Mentoring was my favourite part, since we got the opportunity to talk to true experts in their field. IN also reminded me that there is so much power and willingness to learn and make things better in B&H youth.“ - N.Z.

“It's like a perfect simulator for creating your own start-up. You learn so much that by the end, even if you don't win anything, you value the chance of experiencing it all. You feel like a winner anyway because you now know where to improve and you value that knowledge above any kind of financial reward.“ - E.Dž.

“Right now there's a lot of negativity in the media, which is why we need constant reminders of what we can do united by common goals and mutual benefit. There's a real poverty mindset among our disillusioned youth, which is why it is so important that we gather a learning hub where we can all share accomplishments, questions, answers, success stories, dreams.. all related to entrepreneurship and innovation. Luckily, such a place exists as the Innovation Nation Bosnia and Herzegovina program. It's where I grew the confidence to one day have my own startup, to truly own my hard work and its rewards, to be inspired by others and thankful for them, and most of all: the conscientiousness to help my community. I think the most positive impact on me are the very others that so selflessly gave their time, attention, efforts, and financial resources. I think a big addition to everyone's character is to go where you can witness people helping people and working together towards the same goal. Oh, and you get to learn about starting your own business some day, while doing it all hands-on, just like an authentic startup experience.“ - HV

“IEEE IN helped me understand why innovations are needed in our country, and the lenghts people go to, to achieve greatness. For anyone who wants to take that extra step forward in their business life, this program is for them.“ - E.S.

“IEEE IN is such a unique experience. It is not at all an easy journey, but it is definitely a worthwhile journey. Once you graduate as a Fellow, you will feel the special bond shared between all the present and past fellows, because we go through this together and in the end, we celebrate together. Don't miss a chance to develop your entrepreneurial mindset because this program has everything you might need!“ - T.H.

Over the previous editions of Innovation Nation, we've had the privilege of partnering with a number of outstanding organizations, including IEEE, GIST,  the MIT Legatum Center, ZenDev, Mozaik Startup Studio, 387labs, and SETEC.

This year, Innovation Nation is brought to you by:

IEEE

IEEE is the world’s largest technical professional organization dedicated to advancing technology for the benefit of humanity. IEEE and its members inspire a global community to innovate for a better tomorrow through its more than 400,000 members in over 160 countries, and its highly cited publications, conferences, technology standards, and professional and educational activities. IEEE is the trusted “voice” for engineering, computing, and technology information around the globe.

BHFF

The Bosnia & Herzegovina Futures Foundation (BHFF) was established in 2015 with a vision to transform the lives of talented youth and break down ethnic barriers in Bosnia and Herzegovina through the power of technology and education. BHFF is a non-profit organisation with staff and volunteers in dozens of countries around the world. They share a common goal of providing education and technology access to students currently studying or commencing undergraduate studies in any field of engineering, manufacturing, computer sciences or information technology.