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PRESTIGIOUS "BUTTERFLY INNOVATION AWARD" ARRIVES IN BANJA LUKA

Students from Banja Luka—Daniel Menićanin, Jelena Radanović, and Nikola Račić—achieved remarkable success by winning the prestigious Butterfly Innovation Award in the Youth category, earning the title of the winning team from Bosnia and Herzegovina.

PRESTIGIOUS "BUTTERFLY INNOVATION AWARD" ARRIVES IN BANJA LUKA

This award, presented by the Regional Cooperation Council (RCC), recognizes the most innovative projects by young talents from six Western Balkan countries.

The team, known as PressCoders, impressed an international jury from the European Union with their innovation—PressBrake Software—an adaptable solution that automates outdated hydraulic presses in the metalworking industry.

This software significantly enhances the efficiency and productivity of industrial operations, offering a modern technological solution that contributes to digitalization and sustainable development.

The competition was part of the third Regional Butterfly Innovation Forum, held in Podgorica, which brought together leading innovators, researchers, and policymakers.

This year, the forum attracted 87 project submissions, with particular praise given to the participation of women, who made up 52% of individual applicants and 45% of team members.

“Tonight, we celebrate visionaries who inspire us with their creativity and determination,” stated Elda Kalaja, Head of the RCC Secretary-General’s Office. Meanwhile, Filip Ivanović, Montenegro’s Deputy Prime Minister, emphasized the importance of innovation as a driver of growth and regional transformation.

For Daniel and Jelena, this recognition carries special significance.

“This award is not only a confirmation of our work but also a motivation to continue creating innovative solutions that advance industry and improve lives,” said Daniel. Jelena added, “This moment shows that it is possible to overcome all obstacles with teamwork, belief in an idea, and community support,” the students from Banja Luka emphasized.

The success of the PressCoders team highlights the quality and potential of young innovators from Bosnia and Herzegovina. Their achievement is not just a personal milestone but also a significant contribution to promoting Banja Luka as a city of talent, innovation, and technological advancement.