Third Edition of the MoStart Conference: New SUMIT building inaugurated, the digital heart of the University of Mostar

The MoStart Conference, one of the leading regional events connecting education, science, and technology, was officially opened for the third time in Mostar with the inauguration of the new Center for Information Technologies – SUMIT building.

This modern facility, located on the Rodoč campus, symbolizes the digital future and represents a major strategic infrastructure step for the University of Mostar.

The Rector of the University of Mostar, Prof. Dr. Zoran Tomić, emphasized that the MoStart Conference brings together more than 1,000 participants over three thematic days – focusing on education, information technologies, and science.

"MoStart is not just a conference; it is a platform for knowledge, dialogue, and collaboration. The SUMIT building, as a technologically advanced space, embodies our vision of the University as a modern, European, and digital institution. This multifunctional building becomes a new development hub – a space for meetings, creativity, and innovation. It is not just architecture; it is an idea, a symbol, and a guarantor of the future," concluded Rector Tomić.

Following the Rector, Prof. Dr. Tomislav Volarić, Assistant Rector for Information Technologies and Innovation and President of the MoStart Organizing Committee, addressed the attendees, highlighting the core idea behind the project.

"Digital transformation is not driven by technology, but by strategy. SUMIT is not merely infrastructure; it is the vision of an integrated, inclusive, and advanced educational space. The MoStart Conference confirms this, connecting teachers, scientists, experts, and partners who are jointly creating the education of the future. Thanks to the support of our partners, free access was enabled for all educators because the digital future must be accessible to everyone," Volarić said.

During the ceremony, distinguished guests also addressed the audience, including the Prime Minister of Herzegovina-Neretva Canton, Marija Buhač. "We live in a time where only through knowledge and the application of modern technologies can we build sustainable competitiveness in a demanding market. SUMIT represents a key element of the digital transformation of our canton and the entire region. This building, these people, this vision – they are the foundations of the future," Buhač added.

Deputy Director of CARNET, Ivan Šabić, expressed satisfaction with the long-standing partnership with the University of Mostar. "The University of Mostar and SUMIT have, in a short time, established themselves as central hubs for experts who envision and develop new solutions for the educational system. I am particularly pleased that the focus is on applying artificial intelligence and digital tools in education. Our collaboration has already brought concrete results and innovative services, and this is just the beginning," Šabić said.

The honor of officially opening the MoStart Conference was given to Darijana Filipović, a representative of the House of Representatives of the Parliamentary Assembly of Bosnia and Herzegovina. "The University of Mostar is a driving force of scientific and educational thought, actively building bridges between science, scientific excellence, digitalization, the economy, and politics, thus achieving its strategic goals and contributing to societal development," Filipović stated. She also emphasized her pride in the fact that the University of Mostar and SUMIT have, for the third consecutive year, jointly organized this important conference, confirming their commitment to development and innovation.

The opening ceremony concluded with the panel "How Science and IT Save the Day?" featuring representatives from Bug.hr, HT ERONET, EPHZHB, and Aircash, discussing the role of technology in society’s everyday challenges.

This year’s conference brings together over 1,000 participants, dozens of lectures, workshops, and panels under the theme Innovative Technologies in Education: Gamification, Mobile Learning, and Augmented Reality. The program includes renowned technology companies such as Aircash, Sofascore, Rimac Technology, and Infobip. According to Prof. Dr. Daniel Vasić, the Scientific Day will feature contributions from over 130 authors, with the most successful papers to be published in the prestigious CCIS series by Springer.

The first day of the conference gathered more than 200 teachers and experts. The program included the presentation of the Školarac application, the e-Diary system, and a series of interactive and practical workshops.

"The program was dynamic and practical, ranging from technical sessions to discussions on artificial intelligence in education. The active participation of all attendees shows how important this platform is for the development of the teaching community," said Josip Doko from the Conference Organizing Committee.

In the Interactive Zone, school projects from across the region were showcased, including sections like school bands, podcasts, English Clubs, and IT teams. Panels raised key questions about the application of AI, gamification, and the digitalization of public administration.

MoStart has reaffirmed its role as the leading regional conference for education and technology. The new SUMIT building, strong messages of collaboration, and openness to digital challenges position the University of Mostar as a leader in the digital transformation of higher education in the region.