From Bosnia to Abu Dhabi: Emina Hodžić Represents BiH at MILSET Expo-Sciences International 2025

We supported Emina Hodžić by purchasing her a plane ticket to attend the MILSET Expo-Sciences International 2025 in Abu Dhabi – a prestigious global platform where young innovators from around 45 countries gathered to share their groundbreaking projects and ideas.

Emina, a talented young scientist and member of the Bosnian delegation, represented our country with her innovative project MyndSyte, an affordable eye-tracking communication tool designed for people with physical disabilities. Her participation in this international event, held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, marked another milestone in her journey as a young researcher committed to making technology accessible to all.

An Unforgettable Experience on the Global Stage

For Emina, being invited to participate in ESI 2025 felt like a validation of years of dedication and hard work. "It felt amazing – like all of my hard work had paid off," she shared. "Standing there, representing Bosnia and Herzegovina on a global stage, was both an honor and a responsibility."

Abu Dhabi itself left a lasting impression. The city's futuristic yet calm atmosphere, its cleanliness, and its incredible diversity created the perfect backdrop for international collaboration. "I loved how you can walk through a mall and hear five different languages in five minutes," Emina noted, capturing the spirit of global connection that defined her experience.

Selected for NASA's Young Citizens Conference

Among the many memorable moments, one stood out: Emina's selection to join the Young Citizens Conference (YCC), a special program organized by NASA during the Expo. The focus on sustainability in space opened entirely new perspectives for her. "We talked about sustainability in space, something I'd never even thought about before," she explained.

The conference also featured a Cultural Event that allowed Emina to experience traditions from around the world. Even cultures she had encountered during her UWC experience felt fresh when presented through different stories, music, and traditions. "Seeing how many incredible ideas came from students my age was truly inspiring," she reflected.

Preparation Through Ignite and International Competitions

Emina's path to Abu Dhabi was paved by previous experiences that shaped her skills and confidence. The Ignite program played a crucial role in developing her soft skills. During a weekend session in Sarajevo, she learned how to refine her communication and presentation abilities – skills that proved invaluable on the international stage.

Her participation in competitions like the InfoMatrix Olympiad in Romania and the BOSEPO Olympiad taught her how to handle pressure and present projects to diverse audiences. However, ESI 2025 offered something different. "It wasn't a competition; it was about sharing our ideas with the world. It was about collaboration," Emina emphasized. This shift allowed her to form deeper connections, exchange knowledge, and learn new approaches without the stress of competing for medals.

MyndSyte: Technology with a Purpose

The inspiration behind MyndSyte came from Emina's personal observations and a deep sense of empathy. Growing up, she became aware of the unnecessary challenges people with physical disabilities face daily. A documentary about a boy living with ALS sparked a realization: while figures like Stephen Hawking had access to advanced assistive technology, most people with similar conditions don't.

"That's when I decided to design something that could change that – an affordable and accessible communication tool based on eye movement," Emina explained. Though still under development, MyndSyte represents her commitment to giving more people a voice, especially those who currently don't have one. The interest and support the project has already generated continue to motivate her refinement efforts.

A Message to Young People in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Emina's advice to aspiring young innovators in BiH is both realistic and encouraging: "Never underestimate the power of persistence." She acknowledges that young people in Bosnia and Herzegovina often have to work twice as hard to reach opportunities that students elsewhere take for granted. But this challenge also makes their successes more meaningful.

"We have talent and creativity, but what we often lack are resources," she said. "Don't wait for the perfect opportunity; create your own. Reach out, apply, network, fail, and try again. Each experience adds up. What matters most is not where you start, but how determined you are to keep going."

The Critical Role of Support

Emina was candid about the importance of support in making her participation possible. "Without the support from the BH Futures Foundation, I wouldn't have been able to attend ESI 2025," she stated. While these events are prestigious, the reality is that travel and accommodation costs are not covered by organizers. Thanks to the Foundation's funding, Emina could fully focus on representing her country and her project without financial worry.

Looking Ahead: Building an Inclusive Future

As Emina continues her academic journey, she's currently applying to universities with plans to double major in Economics and Computer Science. Her experience in Abu Dhabi confirmed the direction she wants to pursue: research on how technology can improve lives through innovation and inclusivity.

In the coming months, she plans to continue developing MyndSyte and test it with users – a critical step in transforming her vision into a tool that can genuinely change lives.

Emina Hodžić's journey from Bosnia and Herzegovina to the international stage exemplifies the potential of our young people when given the opportunity to shine. At BH Futures Foundation, we're proud to support talented individuals like Emina as they work to create a better, more inclusive future for all.