The event “Open Dialogue on Startups in BiH – Why Are There So Few?” was organized by BH Telecom, core partner of the (E)DIH FusionX, as a side event of the CMBEBIH 2025 conference. Hosted at the BH Telecom showroom in Sarajevo, the gathering brought together representatives of academia, startup hubs and incubators, investors and startup teams to openly discuss the challenges and opportunities of the startup scene in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
BH Telecom supported the event through its BH TechLab innovation platform, while FusionX positioned the dialogue within a broader European perspective of digital and green transformation.
The discussion highlighted structural barriers that limit the growth of startups in BiH, but also emphasized the potential of stronger connections between science, industry, institutions and investors. By linking these stakeholders, FusionX Hub aims to accelerate the creation of sustainable vertical startup ecosystems, better prepare young teams for European markets, and strengthen Bosnia and Herzegovina’s position on the map of innovation.
BH Telecom, through its BH TechLab platform, shared its experience of supporting startups over the past five years, developing new investment models, and co-creating products with young teams. Guests from the regional startup ecosystem, including experts from Croatia and representatives of Techstars, underlined the importance of connecting local founders with global mentors, investors, and proven methodologies. Sarajevo’s recent inclusion in the Techstars Startup Community was highlighted as a milestone that gives BiH international visibility and credibility.
Organizing this event further reinforced FusionX Hub’s role as a bridge between research, business and institutions. It also confirmed the Hub’s mission to foster entrepreneurship and innovation, ensuring that SMEs and startups in BiH have access to expertise, resources and European-level opportunities for growth.