YESSS 2026 Successfully Concluded – Sandžak Youth Entrepreneurship Summer School

The University of Novi Pazar successfully organized YESSS 2026 – Youth Entrepreneurship Sandžak Summer School, a seven-day entrepreneurship summer school that brought together young people from Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro at the Academician Muamer Zukorlić Endowment of Knowledge in Barakovci.

The program was organized in collaboration between the University of Novi Pazar and Syracuse University from New York State (USA), aiming to foster an entrepreneurial spirit, innovative thinking, and business skills among youth. Throughout the week, participants developed their own business ideas through lectures, workshops, mentorship sessions, and team activities, while gaining new knowledge and establishing valuable friendships and professional connections.

The program was further enriched by guest lectures from Ismihana Bihorac-Leković, Adnan Bihorac, and Muamer Hajdarpašić, who shared the challenges and opportunities of modern entrepreneurship, inspiring the participants through their real-world experience and personal journeys.

The closing event featured final venture pitch presentations before an expert panel of judges, which included the Rector of the University of Novi Pazar, Prof. Dr. Suad Bećirović, Ismihana Bihorac-Leković, and Assistant Prof. Dr. Amela Ljajić.

First place went to Naida Mašović from Sjenica, second place was awarded to Hamza Plojović from Novi Pazar, while third place was shared by Amina Mrguda from Novi Pazar and Hamza Tatarević from Bihać.

Special recognitions were awarded to Džemila Tihić from the United States (Dreamer and Doer Award) and Davud Ugljanin from Novi Pazar (Sandžak Entrepreneur Spirit Award).

YESSS 2026 once again underscored the importance of investing in youth, entrepreneurship, and international cooperation, with high hopes that this summer school will become one of the University of Novi Pazar's signature flagship traditions.