We are thrilled to share the exciting news that our students have ranked among the top six teams at an international competition in Zagreb with their entrepreneurial idea!
At the Faculty of Management of the University of Primorska, we believe in the power of knowledge, creativity, and courage. We are especially proud of our students who dare to think differently, who recognize opportunities where others may not, and who are able to turn their ideas into tangible solutions. Their success at this international competition is the result of their hard work and innovative thinking, and it also clearly reflects the quality of our academic program, which fosters an entrepreneurial mindset, collaboration, and the development of practical skills. This achievement confirms that UP FM students are not merely passive listeners, but active creators of the future.
Below, you can read the personal story written by the students themselves, describing their journey from idea to the final stage of the competition. Perhaps their story will inspire and encourage someone else to take the first step on their entrepreneurial journey.
'' In the second semester of our second year at the Faculty of Management, University of Primorska, we had the opportunity to attend a truly inspiring course that challenged us to think like real entrepreneurs. This subject, led by our dedicated professor Jana Hojnik, encouraged us to develop our own innovative business ideas—ones that address real-world problems in today’s complex environment.
As part of the coursework, we were introduced to a unique opportunity: an international competition in the field of entrepreneurship and innovation organized by the Digital Incubator in Zagreb. This opportunity came to our attention thanks to Professor Hojnik, who not only informed us about the competition but also arranged for a representative from the Digital Incubator to present the competition in detail during one of our classes. The presentation was highly motivating and sparked our team’s interest in participating. Inspired by the entrepreneurial spirit of the competition, my colleagues and I decided to take on the challenge and submit our own business idea.
As students majoring in management, we wanted our idea to be both relevant to our field and impactful for our generation. After much brainstorming and collaboration, we proposed a smart financial planning application tailored specifically for students. Our concept integrated artificial intelligence to help students effectively manage their budgets, track expenses, and receive personalized financial advice. What made our proposal stand out was the possibility of integrating the application directly into the Raiffeisen Bank mobile app, offering a modern banking experience for young users.
Under the expert guidance of our mentor and through the structure provided in our lectures, we were able to fully develop our idea using the Business Model Canvas framework. This allowed us to examine all key elements of our business idea, from customer segments to revenue streams, ensuring a comprehensive and viable proposal. With a strong foundation, we submitted our application, hoping to make it past the first round.
To our surprise, our team was selected among the top six finalists out of more than 2,500 participants—a moment we will never forget. We were overwhelmed with joy and excitement when we received the news, and we immediately began preparing for the final phase of the competition.
The finals were set to be held either on-site in Zagreb or virtually. Unfortunately, due to scheduling and logistical issues, we were unable to attend in person and decided to participate online. Despite not being physically present, the experience was extraordinary. We had the chance to witness innovative presentations from other passionate teams working on exciting solutions in the field of finance. Every idea we heard tackled relevant and real-world issues, and it was inspiring to be surrounded—even virtually—by individuals who shared our passion for innovation and creative problem-solving.
In addition to presenting our project, we volunteered to take part in an additional challenge presented by the organizers. The task was to write a response to a complex issue: "If you had the power to redesign the educational system, what changes would you make?" We had 40 minutes to brainstorm, plan, and write our ideas on a single A4 sheet of paper. After completing the task, we submitted our handwritten response by taking a photo and sending it to the competition supervisor.
Although we ultimately placed 5th in the competition and did not secure a spot in the top three or win a cash prize, we consider the entire journey to be an invaluable experience. From developing our idea, working as a team, and presenting on a larger stage, to listening to the visions of other ambitious young innovators, every part of the process helped us grow both personally and professionally.
We believe that this experience also reflects positively on the Faculty of Management at the University of Primorska. The knowledge, guidance, and opportunities provided by our professors empowered us to compete on an international level, where we proved that our education equips us with the skills, confidence, and mindset needed to stand alongside the best. This is a clear testament to the quality of our academic program and the commitment of our faculty.
We would wholeheartedly encourage every student to participate in similar competitions. It’s not just about winning—it’s about pushing your limits, being creative, learning from others, and enjoying the process. The hard work, the late-night brainstorming sessions, the feedback from mentors, and the excitement of sharing your ideas with the world are all part of an experience that we will carry with us into our future careers.
For us, this was not just a university assignment—it was an unforgettable opportunity to step into the real world of entrepreneurship and innovation.''
Team “Power Rangers” with the idea “RAIGEN”
Jana Popovska, Stefanija Sikijovska, Anastasija Naumcheska, Antonio Naumcheski, Nikita Vajdeska and Violeta Grcheva.
