The MoStart Conference gathered more than a thousand participants at the University of Mostar

The third edition of the MoStart Conference gathered more than 1,000 participants from the region and around the world, confirming its status as one of the leading regional platforms connecting education, science, and technology. Officially opened in the newly built building of the Center for Information Technologies SUMIT, the conference, through its three thematic days – Education Day, IT Day, and Science Day – showcased key trends and innovations of the digital society.

"One of the indicators of the conference's success, among others, is the numbers. This year, we brought together more than 150 speakers and 135 schools, supported by 25 sponsors and 9 partners. I would particularly like to highlight the contribution of 40 program committee members from 9 countries, who enabled over 120 scientific reviews with their work. We are proud that, thanks to our partners, all schoolteachers, university professors, and students had free access to the conference, as we believe the digital future must be accessible to everyone. MoStart is not just a conference – it demonstrates that Mostar and the region have the knowledge, vision, and capacity to make global strides in education and technology," emphasized Prof. Dr. Tomislav Volarić, President of the Organizing Committee.

Education Day

The first day, dedicated to education, gathered more than 200 teachers and experts. Applications such as Školarac and e-Dnevnik were presented, and the Interactive Zone provided a platform for showcasing school projects and clubs that promote creativity, collaboration, and real-world application of knowledge. Panels and lectures opened important discussions on the role of artificial intelligence (AI), gamification in education, and the digitalization of public administration. Special attention was given to the challenges and benefits of implementing AI in educational processes, with an emphasis on ethical, pedagogical, and societal aspects. This year’s Education Day program was enriched with practical workshops intended for teachers.

IT Day

The second day’s lectures covered topics such as security challenges in the automotive industry under the influence of AI, while panels like "Pivot or Perish" discussed the IT sector’s adaptation to global challenges. The "Startup Stars" segment gathered young entrepreneurs who presented projects with global ambitions, highlighting the importance of innovation, entrepreneurial spirit, and openness to new markets.

Science Day

Science Day reinforced MoStart’s role in connecting scientists and industry, with over 40 submitted papers and more than 130 authors. The focus was on artificial intelligence, the digital transformation of education, and interdisciplinary STEM approaches. Special highlights included solutions for computer vision, early detection of cyberbullying, and the development of teachers’ digital competencies. Based on expert evaluation, the top 10 papers from each thematic area were selected for publication in a volume of the prestigious "Communications in Computer and Information Science (CCIS)" series published by Springer.

This year’s MoStart once again confirmed that the University of Mostar and SUMIT have the potential to become significant points on Europe’s technological map. Over three days of dynamic lectures, workshops, panels, and scientific presentations, participants gained insights into contemporary trends, innovative solutions, and the future directions of education and technology. With the vision of an inclusive, open, and digital society, the MoStart Conference remains a key platform for knowledge exchange, the creation of new partnerships, and the joint shaping of the future.