The Largest Competition in Creative Problem Solving is Coming Soon

The Institute for Innovation is hosting the Digital Innovation Incubator powered by Hrvatski Telekom for the fifth consecutive year, the largest competition in creative problem solving for students in Croatia and Europe.

In a world marked by rapid technological development, a fast-paced lifestyle, and high uncertainty, skills such as creative problem solving are becoming more important than ever. The increasingly accessible artificial intelligence in business performs numerous logical operations and operational tasks significantly more efficiently than humans. However, in the context of strategic and creative thinking, it still cannot match human capabilities, but with proper use, it can provide great value and support in the creative problem-solving process.

For those who want to be competitive in the job market, creative problem solving with the help of AI tools is undoubtedly a skill of the future that needs to be actively developed and trained. For this reason, this year’s edition of the Digital Innovation Incubator, titled ‘Human vs AI’, will teach participants how to use artificial intelligence tools to develop solutions that are innovative, new, and meaningful—while simultaneously developing their own innovativeness and creativity.

Elementary and high school students will have the opportunity to develop innovative solutions in areas that interest them the most, while university students have 6 attractive industries at their disposal in which they will solve set innovation tasks. Each of the industries is represented by prominent companies that recognize the importance of investing in young potential: Hrvatski Telekom – ICT industry, Raiffeisen Bank – financial industry, E.ON – energy industry, NOVA TV – media industry, Školska knjiga – publishing industry, Poliklinika sinteza – healthcare industry.

To ensure that all participants receive the necessary foundation for working on creative solutions, they will have access to numerous online educational materials that focus on different perspectives on innovation, creativity, and the process of creating market value. Additionally, participants will have the opportunity to learn how to properly approach and use AI tools for creative problem solving—to maximize their potential.

The best will qualify for the grand finale where the top three teams in the categories of elementary and high schools, as well as in each of the industries, will be awarded. Students will have the opportunity to present their innovative solutions to experts from companies and the academic world. Furthermore, in the competition for the grand prize, students will solve a task live, and the three best student teams will be awarded three thousand, two thousand, and one thousand euros. Of course, this year will also see the announcement of the best ‘Mentor Innovator‘ and the award for ‘School for Innovation‘, highlighting those who create an innovative environment for students, encourage a research spirit, and apply a multidisciplinary approach to learning. The grand finale concludes with a conference program and the ceremonial announcement of the winners.

The Digital Innovation Incubator powered by Hrvatski Telekom is not just a competition—it is a community where young people explore, collaborate, share ideas and knowledge, support each other, solve real problems, and develop key skills for the challenges that the future holds. Whether you are a student looking to test yourself in new challenges or a visionary university student, the Incubator provides a space where your ideas can achieve further progress and development.

For more information and applications, which are open until April 6, 2025, visit the official website of the Incubator.