Master of Computer Engineering and Bachelor of Mathematics Anja Hula, who works as the Director of the Data and Analytics Department at Infobip, has been named Engineer of the Year 2025 at a ceremonial event in Zagreb. The jury recognized Anja Hula among ten finalists as the ‘president of the generation,’ and her life story was evaluated as the best example for young people to resist stereotypes, discover their talents, and find a career path in the STEM field.
Anja Hula was born in 1990 in Pula and currently lives in Vodnjan. She inherited her passion for computers from her father, an enthusiast who introduced her to the world of technology. That spark turned into a love for engineering – she graduated in computer science from FER in Zagreb while simultaneously completing her undergraduate studies in mathematics at PMF. She began her career in her fourth year of studies as an intern at Infobip, the first Croatian unicorn that has grown from a startup into a global IT giant. Infobip quickly recognized her leadership skills, and she led a team of 150 engineers worldwide. She is an active member of the FER alumni board and a mentoring program for students.
– The Engineer of the Year award means a lot to me as it comes as a confirmation of a path that has not always been easy, but it has been mine. This recognition motivates me to continue and serves as a reminder of how important it is for women in IT to be visible. If my experience helps someone step into the engineering world more easily – that is the most valuable thing to me. It is crucial to have curiosity, be open to learning, not be afraid to ask questions, and be ready for teamwork. It is important to remain open to every challenge, every opportunity, and every learning experience. Believe in yourself, even when others do not yet see your potential. That is what makes the difference – said Hula.
Ten Finalists
Applications for the competition came from all over Croatia, and the finalists were engineers from various fields, from electrical engineering and mechanical engineering to construction and geology, as well as bioprocess and chemical engineering. However, the focus of the selection for Engineer of the Year is not only on career achievements but also on the potential of the finalists to be role models and inspiration for young girls. The main motivation for the selection is not competition but encouragement for young generations to choose engineering professions for their future careers to contribute to the development of Croatian society.
This year’s generation of finalists alongside Anja Hula includes:
- Ivana Akmadžić, Development Support Provider for Sales, AD Plastik
- Ines Barbir, Director of the Business Applications Sector, Konzum plus
- Nikolina Bralić, Mining Specialist, CEMEX Croatia
- Ivana Cukor Kirinić, Development Engineer for High Voltage Electrical Wiring, Yazaki Europe, Zagreb Branch
- Marija Drašković, Data Management Manager, Pliva Croatia
- Karmen Kostanić Jurić, Project Manager, E.ON Croatia
- Tea Mitrović, Head of the Application Development Department, Orqa
- Valentina Rožić, Production Process Manager, Franck
- Dijana Vrsaljko, Lead Materials Researcher, KONČAR – Institute for Electrical Engineering
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