Summit Tuzla Canton'26
2nd European Innovation Summit — SYSTEMEU Project
🇧🇦 TUZLA CANTON
Bosnia & Herzegovina
Dates
June 22–25, 2026
Programme
June 22–25 (4 days)
Language
English
Format
Summit & Immersion
Flights, hotels, venues and maps — Travel guide below.
A 4-day immersive summit bringing together startup founders, policymakers, ecosystem builders, investors, and academic leaders from across Europe.
Meals & evenings: 22 (19:00) — Welcome Dinner & Cocktail at WINT · 23 — lunch Don Papa (12:30), evening at Pannonian Lakes (19:00) · 24 — networking lunch & evening reception at Hotel Salis · 25 — closing lunch at Hotel Salis (12:30).
Click / tap to enlarge · SystemEU Summit Tuzla Canton 2026
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Participant Arrivals
Delegates arrive in Tuzla. Check-in at recommended hotels. Closest airports: Tuzla International Airport or Sarajevo International Airport (~121 km).
Ecosystem Immersion
Presentation of key actors within the Tuzla Canton innovation ecosystem and their development, research and innovation capacities. The session will provide insight into the activities, projects and potential of relevant institutions and organisations, with consideration of future cooperation opportunities with European partners.
Programme
Welcome Coffee & Registration
Arrival and registration of participants, informal networking and introductory exchanges; media interviews and press statements with selected speakers.
Opening Welcome Speeches
Zijad Lugavić – Mayor of Tuzla
Edin Duraković – Minister of Economy of Tuzla Canton
Maja Ibričić – Project Manager, Industrial HUB Tuzla
Industrial HUB Tuzla Presentation
Showcasing the Hub's role as a key regional innovation actor supporting digitalisation, innovation and competitiveness of SMEs — services, ongoing initiatives, infrastructure and collaboration opportunities.
Ecosystem Showcase
Centre for Development and Support Tuzla — Edin Zahirović, Director
BIT Centre Tuzla — Robert Martić, Director
TRAG Tuzla Development Agency — Amra Hamzić, Director
UKC University Clinical Centre Tuzla — Representative TBD
University of Tuzla — Representative TBD
Lunch & Networking
Joint lunch for participants from all five partner regions (Bavaria, Norte, Castilla y León, North-West Romania and Tuzla Canton), dedicated to informal networking and exchange of experiences.
Restoran Don Papa — Trg slobode, TuzlaInnovation Academy
An interactive programme focused on knowledge exchange, presentation of good practices and the development of new ideas for interregional cooperation. Through joint activities, participants identify potential areas of collaboration and contribute to the further development of innovation ecosystems.
Programme
Open Call for Interregional Innovation Projects
Presentation of the upcoming SYSTEMEU FSTP Open Call — funding opportunity, application process, eligibility criteria and practical guidance for consortium building and project preparation.
Regional Ecosystem Presentations: Understanding the Valleys
Interactive roundtable with representatives of the five SYSTEMEU regions presenting their innovation ecosystems — key stakeholders, support structures, strategic assets, funding opportunities and market dynamics.
Coffee Break
Refreshments and informal networking opportunity.
Collaborative Exercise
Facilitated thematic working sessions in Energy, Health and Mobility. Collaborative SWOT exercise to map ecosystem complementarities, explore synergies and identify areas for future cooperation and joint project development.
Presentation of Key Findings & Wrap-Up
Each thematic group presents main conclusions including identified collaboration opportunities, complementary capacities across regions and priority areas for future interregional initiatives.
Official Opening Ceremony
High-level inauguration of the SystemEU Summit 2026, bringing together representatives of the five partner regions alongside European institutions, national and regional authorities, academia, startups and innovation ecosystem stakeholders.
Programme
Welcome & Registration
Reception and registration of participants; media interviews and press statements prior to the official opening.
Opening Welcome Speeches
Moritz Hoffmann – SystemEU Project Manager
Edin Duraković – Minister of Economy of Tuzla Canton
Nataša Duka – Head of the European Union Regional Office
Irfan Halilagić – Prime Minister of Tuzla Canton
Thematic Panel Sessions
Interactive international panel discussions on health, energy and mobility, bringing together experts, policymakers, researchers and industry representatives to exchange experiences and discuss future innovation trends.
Panels
🚗 Mobility Panel: Shaping the Future of Mobility
Smart, Sustainable and Citizen-Centred Solutions
Zijad Lugavić – Mayor, City of Tuzla 🇧🇦
Diego del Pozo – Engineer, DG for Industry, Castilla y León 🇪🇸
Alexandru Mihai Bara – Research Engineer, EMARC 🇷🇴
Alexandre Lucas – Senior Researcher, INESCTEC 🇵🇹
Sophia Vögler – Co-Founder, Ampway GmbH 🇩🇪
Moderator: Michael Hauck – Project Manager, SCE/OpenHubs 🇩🇪
🏥 Health Panel: Advancing Healthcare Through Innovation
Innovation and Digital Transformation in Healthcare
Denis Husić – CEO, Health Insurance Fund, Tuzla Canton 🇧🇦
David Cañadas – Founder, COBY (AI companion startup) 🇩🇪
David Lucio – ITCL Technology Centre 🇪🇸
João Carlos Sousa – Associate Professor, Univ. of Minho 🇵🇹
Bianca Iulia Simion – CMO, Lumen 🇷🇴
Moderator: Erna Kusturica – Assistant Minister, Ministry of Economy of Tuzla Canton 🇧🇦
⚡ Energy Panel: Energy as a Driver of Industrial Competitiveness
Sustainability and Digital Transformation
Alan Topčić – Dean, Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, Univ. of Tuzla 🇧🇦
Luis Ángel González Bueno – Head, Industrial Promotion, Junta de Castilla y León 🇪🇸
Nivedita Mahida-Königsdörfer – Scientific Officer, BayFOR 🇩🇪
Alexandre Lucas – Senior Researcher, INESCTEC 🇵🇹
Cristian Gheorghe – Business Development CEE, Prysmian 🇷🇴
Moderator: Oana Buzatu – Project Coordinator, Cluster of Education 🇷🇴
Networking Lunch
Networking lunch bringing together speakers, panelists, project partners and Summit participants — an opportunity to continue discussions, exchange ideas and establish new connections.
Hotel Salis — Soli 4, TuzlaFuture Projects Forum — Pitches & FSTP Open Call
Interactive session combining project idea pitches with the presentation of the upcoming SYSTEMEU FSTP Open Call. Participants showcase innovative project concepts, connect with potential partners from across the SYSTEMEU regions and explore opportunities for future interregional collaboration in health, energy and mobility.
Morning Coffee & Networking
An informal networking session bringing together participants, speakers and guests ahead of the second day of the Summit, fostering new connections and collaboration opportunities across the SYSTEMEU community.
Hotel Salis — Soli 4, TuzlaThematic Panel Sessions
Discussion on startup ecosystems, investment trends, funding opportunities and cross-border growth strategies. Exploring innovation ecosystems, technology transfer, entrepreneurship support and collaborative innovation.
Panels
🚀 Startups & Investors Panel: From Idea to Scale
Building Investment-Ready Startups in Europe
Mirela Omerović – Momentum Consulting Tuzla 🇧🇦
Daniel Rasel – Investment Associate, SCE Freiraum Ventures 🇩🇪
Hugo López – Startup Rapture Games / VISSIONN 🇪🇸
Oana Buzatu – Project Coordinator, Cluster of Education C-EDU 🇷🇴
TBD 🇵🇹
Moderator: Tanja Knöller – Ecosystem Lead, Munich Innovation Ecosystem GmbH 🇩🇪
💡 Innovation Panel: Building Stronger Innovation Ecosystems
For Europe's Future
Tanja Madžarević – Owner, Ingenia 🇧🇦
Prof. Dr. Laura Bechthold – TU Ingolstadt / Bavarian Foresight Institute 🇩🇪
Alexandre Mendes – Executive Director, Startup Braga 🇵🇹
Emilio Santiago Corchado – Professor, Univ. Salamanca & CEO, Startup OLÉ 🇪🇸
Octaviana Marincaș – Director, Ministry of Economy, Digitalisation & Entrepreneurship 🇷🇴
Moderator: Natalie Fischer – Project Manager, SCE Strascheg Center for Entrepreneurship 🇩🇪
Co-Creation Session: From Pitches to Partnerships
Interactive discussion bringing together project promoters, stakeholders and potential partners to explore collaboration opportunities, consortium building and future project development pathways. The session concludes with the presentation of audience voting results and the announcement of the highest-rated project idea.
Closing Lunch & Summit Conclusion
Networking lunch and formal closing of the Summit, celebrating dialogue, collaboration and innovation across European regions.
Hotel Salis — Soli 4, TuzlaWelcome to Tuzla, one of Bosnia & Herzegovina's most dynamic industrial, university and business hubs. The SYSTEMEU Summit'26 is the second edition of our high-level European innovation summit and runs from June 22 to June 25, 2026 — with the official Summit days on 23–25 June.
This guide is tailored for delegates travelling from the European Union — and especially from Germany, Spain, Portugal and Romania — to make sure the whole consortium arrives on time, comfortably, and in the most economical way.
Please plan your arrival for Monday, June 22 (afternoon) — the programme officially opens with the Welcome Cocktail at WINT — Cocktail Bar that evening. The Summit's thematic pillars are Healthcare, Energy and Mobility.
Meals & social programme (June 22–25):
The full 4-day programme (June 22–25) — with sessions, speakers, workshops and networking blocks — lives in the WorkShop Agendaabove this guide. Use the button below to jump to that widget.
Tuzla has its own airport — Tuzla International (TZL), served almost exclusively by Wizz Air — but the most efficient route depends on where you are flying from. For most EU delegates, Sarajevo International (SJJ) is the best-connected option, followed by a ~3 h ground transfer (see Section 03). Below are the recommended routes for the four core consortium countries.
Search & book your flightsUse these tools to find your personal best connection to Tuzla (TZL) or Sarajevo (SJJ)
💡 On FlightConnections.com you can click on any airport (e.g. TZL or SJJ) to see all direct and connecting routes available from your city. On Skyscanner use "Everywhere" as destination to spot the cheapest one-stop options. Both tools are free and independent.
FastestDirect flights to Tuzla (TZL)
Wizz Air operates seasonal direct flights from Berlin Brandenburg (BER), Dortmund (DTM), Hamburg (HAM) and Memmingen (FMM, “Munich West”) to TZL — typically 2–4 weekly each (verify dates on wizzair.com/timetable). Flight time ≈ 1 h 40 m.
AlternativeVia Sarajevo (SJJ)
From Munich (MUC) or Frankfurt (FRA), Lufthansa flies daily to SJJ (~1 h 45 m). From Vienna (VIE), Austrian Airlines operates the same route. Continue by ~3 h bus to Tuzla via Centrotrans / Trans Turist Tuzla.
RecommendedMadrid / Barcelona → Sarajevo (SJJ)
1-stop options from MAD / BCN to SJJ (no non-stop service):
• Via Vienna — Austrian Airlines · total ≈ 7 h
• Via Munich / Frankfurt — Lufthansa · total ≈ 7–8 h
• Via Istanbul — Turkish Airlines · total ≈ 8–9 h (often the cheapest)
• Via Rome — ITA Airways · total ≈ 8 h
Budget comboRyanair → Memmingen / Dortmund + Wizz Air → TZL
Ryanair flies daily from Madrid, Barcelona, Valencia, Málaga and Sevilla to Memmingen (FMM) and from several Spanish cities to Dortmund (DTM). Both airports have direct Wizz Air flights to TZL. Allow a 4–6 h layover at the German hub since they are separate tickets (no through-checked baggage).
RecommendedLisbon / Porto → Sarajevo (SJJ)
No direct service to either Bosnian airport. Best 1-stop routes from LIS / OPO to SJJ:
• Via Frankfurt / Munich — Lufthansa with TAP Air Portugal code-share · ≈ 8 h
• Via Vienna — Austrian Airlines · ≈ 8–9 h
• Via Istanbul — Turkish Airlines · ≈ 9–10 h (often best price from Portugal)
• Via Rome — ITA Airways · ≈ 9 h
RecommendedBucharest (OTP) → Sarajevo (SJJ)
1-stop options from Bucharest Otopeni (OTP) to SJJ:
• Via Vienna — Austrian Airlines · total ≈ 5 h
• Via Istanbul — Turkish Airlines · total ≈ 6 h
Wizz Air routeCluj / Timișoara / Bucharest → German hub → TZL
Wizz Air operates flights from Cluj-Napoca (CLJ), Timișoara (TSR) and Bucharest Băneasa (BBU) to Memmingen (FMM) or Dortmund (DTM), both with direct Wizz Air service to TZL. Build a 5–8 h layover as the two legs are separate tickets.
Local tipFrom Cluj-Napoca direct to SJJ?
No direct flight exists between CLJ and SJJ. The most efficient option from Cluj is connecting via Vienna with Austrian Airlines (often the most reliable 1-stop). Alternatively, fly Wizz Air Cluj → Dortmund/Memmingen → Tuzla.
The main Summit venue is Hotel Salis (Tuzla, B&H). Here is how to get there from each entry point, depending on the airport you fly into.
Closest airport — about 8 km from Tuzla city centre. No public bus stop at the terminal.
Taxi (recommended)
Fixed-tariff taxis are available at the terminal and will drop you directly at Hotel Salis. The fastest, most reliable option — even better in small groups.
Local bus (budget option)
Walk ~800 m (≈ 10 min) to Dubrave Gornje and take Line 11 towards Tuzla. The bus runs roughly every 2 hours — the driver only accepts exact cash in BAM. From the central stop, Hotel Salis is a short taxi or 15-minute walk away.
Pre-booked transfer
You can arrange a private transfer with your accommodation in advance — most listed hotels can organise pickup from TZL upon request.
Bigger hub with more EU connections. Approx. 121 km from Tuzla.
Step 1 · Airport → Sarajevo Bus Station
From SJJ take a taxi or airport shuttle to the Sarajevo Bus Station (Autobuska stanica) — the city's main intercity hub for departures to Tuzla. Open in Google Maps.
Step 2 · Bus Sarajevo → Tuzla
Regular departures (2–5 daily) operated by Centrotrans, Trans Turist Tuzla and Nomago. Live timetables at sarajevo.autobuskastanica.com. Schedules and online tickets via GetByBus / Traveling.com or FlixBus (where available).
Step 3 · Tuzla Bus Station → Hotel Salis
Short taxi ride from Tuzla bus station to Hotel Salis. The hotel can also pre-arrange pickup.
Alternative · Direct private transfer
Private SJJ → Tuzla transfers are available and cost-effective when split between 3–4 attendees. Recommended for late arrivals or large luggage.
📍 Hotel Salis address: Soli 4, 75000 Tuzla, B&H · Open in Google Maps · hotelsalis.ba · +387 35 560 000
The Summit unfolds across several iconic locations in and around Tuzla — from WINT Cocktail Bar and the DIH Industrial HUB to the modern Hotel Salis and Pannonica Salt Lakes. Below is the venue for every block of the official programme. For the full sessions schedule please refer to the 4-Day Programme above. Meals: WINT — Cocktail Bar (22 night), Don Papa (23 lunch), Pannonica dinner party (23 eve), Hotel Salis lunch & special dinner (24), Hotel Salis closing lunch (25).
All four hotels below are within easy reach of the main Summit venue. Hotel Salis is the most convenient (it is the Summit venue itself). Book early — Tuzla fills up quickly during the Summit week. The Avg. / night figures below are typical mid-week rates for a Deluxe Double / Standard Double in June 2026; prices rise as the date approaches.
Hotel Salis ⭐ Main Summit venue
Contemporary business hotel with modern industrial design and natural surroundings. Rooms: Deluxe Double/Twin, Deluxe Apartment, Superior Apartment. On-site restaurant and bar.
Avg. ≈ 95–140 € / night
Grand Hotel Tuzla
Historic landmark hotel in the city centre, right on Freedom Square. One of Tuzla's most recognised hotels with conference facilities and restaurant.
Avg. ≈ 60–85 € / night
Hotel Vertigos
Boutique hotel in the heart of downtown Tuzla, close to all Summit venues and the main pedestrian area.
Avg. ≈ 55–80 € / night
Hotel Mellain
Modern luxury hotel in the city centre: 128 rooms, 16 suites, wellness & spa, pool, sauna, gym and a conference hall for up to 440 people.
Avg. ≈ 80–115 € / nightTuzla is the largest city in northeastern Bosnia & Herzegovina — the economic and cultural capital of the canton, home to the country's oldest salt-mining tradition, an internationally recognised university, and a thriving café and arts scene. If you can spare half a day before or after the Summit, here are the spots not to miss.
Landmark · Summit networking venue
Pannonica Salt Lakes
Unique salt-water lakes in the city centre — Tuzla's most iconic landmark, where the Summit networking evening and dinner party take place (June 23).
Open in Google Maps
Nightlife · Welcome Cocktail venue (June 22)
WINT — Cocktail Bar
Stylish lounge and cocktail bar in the city centre (ZAVNOBiH 13) — the venue for the Summit Welcome Cocktail and first networking of the week (June 22, night).
Open in Google Maps
City life
Freedom Square (Trg Slobode)
Vibrant main square ringed by cafés, restaurants and historical buildings — the social heart of Tuzla and ideal for an evening stroll.
Open in Google Maps
Innovation · Ecosystem Immersion (June 23 AM)
DIH Industrial HUB Tuzla
Bosnia & Herzegovina's digital innovation hub for industrial robotics and automation — the sole venue of the June 23 ecosystem immersion.
Open in Google Maps
Old town
Kapija
Historic pedestrian gateway and memorial — the symbolic centre of Tuzla's old town, now a lively social hub with cafés and terraces.
Open in Google Maps
Nature
Skakavac Waterfall & surroundings
Nearby natural escape with hiking trails and viewpoints — ideal for a half-day excursion before or after the Summit.
Open in Google MapsBosnia & Herzegovina is not a member of the EU or the Schengen Area. Entry rules differ from those in other European countries. This section summarises the most relevant information for delegates arriving from the SYSTEMEU consortium countries. Always confirm with your national embassy or the B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs before travelling.
🇪🇺 EU Citizens (DE, ES, PT, RO) No visa required
🛂 At the Airport (TZL or SJJ) Know before you go
⚠️ Non-EU Delegates & Special Cases Verify in advance
🏥 Health & Travel Insurance Recommended
⚠️ Important — always verify before you travel: The information above is a helpful summary for SYSTEMEU delegates. Entry rules, visa policies and border procedures can change at short notice.
Always confirm requirements with your national embassy or the B&H Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Check at least 2–4 weeks before departure to avoid any problems at the airport or border crossing.
Currency · Convertible Mark (BAM / KM)
Fixed rate 1 EUR ≈ 1.95583 KM. ATMs are widely available in the city centre; major hotels and restaurants accept cards.
SIM card & internet
Local prepaid SIMs cost ≈ 2–5 €; bundles like 15 GB / 10 days for ~20 KM. Sold at airport, kiosks and shops. Wi-Fi is widely available and stable at venues and hotels.
Local transport
Taxis are abundant and inexpensive (start ≈ 3 KM, ~1–2 KM/km). Ride-hailing apps are limited — booking via hotel reception is reliable.
Arrival recommendation
Plan to arrive by Monday, June 22 (afternoon). The official programme opens with the Welcome Cocktail at WINT — Cocktail Bar that evening. Summit meals: Don Papa (23 lunch), Pannonica Salt Lakes (23 dinner party), Hotel Salis (24 lunch & special dinner, 25 lunch).
Click any venue to update the map. Use Open in Google Maps for directions from your location.
Evening
Morning – Afternoon · Ecosystem route
Midday
Afternoon
Evening
The project has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement No 101161224
Co-Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.
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