Mr. Redis Bala (Albania)

Mr. Bala is a seasoned entrepreneur with broad experience in healthcare technologies and a specialization in Foreign Direct Investments. As Co-founder and Technical Manager of Medical Distribution sh.p.k., Redis successfully introduced new healthcare technologies in Albania, expanded this market and negotiated complex sales and partnerships with private hospital chains and clinics in his country. Mr. Bala is motivated to contribute to the improvement of the healthcare services, diagnostics, and treatments in Albania's healthcare system through the introduction of new technologies and through open source communities.

Mr. Suren Mkhitaryan (Armenia)

Mr. Mkhitaryan is the President and Founder of an NGO that focuses on Social Entrepreneurship called CODE Social Entrepreneurship HUB. Suren has over 10 years of experience in the field of social enterprise as well as in civil society, entrepreneurship education, and formal and nonformal education. Suren is also a freelance trainer, the author of manuals, methodological guides, online courses, and research in the social entrepreneurship field.

Mr. Konstantin Struempf (Austria)

Konstantin Struempf is the Co-founder and CTO of Independo GmbH, a start-up that specializes in developing technologies for individuals with learning difficulties. He is committed to fostering inclusion through accessible digital solutions and cooperates with well-established associations in Austria. Konstantin has a strong background in full-stack development, multiple coding languages, technologies, and wants to ne engaged in promoting digital inclusivity and accessibility during the YTILI program.

Ms. Nadine Schratzberger (Austria)

Nadine Schratzberger, founder of the sustainable sportswear brand MONTREET, focuses on innovative design, circular economy and zero-waste practices in fashion. She co-founded the Austrian chapter of global NGO Fashion Revolution, received the "BESTES OUTDOOR PIECE 2021" award from PETAs Germany, and was nominated for the "MIT Innovator Under 35" in 2022.

Mrs. Kifayat Talibzada (Azerbaijan)

Kifayat Talibzada runs a social enterprise in rural Azerbaijan, empowering women and boosting the local economy through handcrafted goods. She won the Gender Equality Prize 2022 by the French and German Embassies in Azerbaijan. During the YTILI Program, she aims to learn about empowering women through social enterprises, leveraging digital marketing, and supporting artisans via Fair Trade in the U.S.

Mr. Denis Ivanov (Bulgaria)

Denis Ivanov is the founder and CEO of VODORASLO, awarded for innovation in 2023 a biotechnology company specializing in innovative air quality solutions using microalgae. With expertise in project management, design thinking, and business strategy, he mentors young entrepreneurs and aims to enhance his knowledge of biomaterials during the YTILI Program.

Ms. Minela Zerdo-Puljic (Bosnia & Herzegovina)

Minela Zerdo-Puljic is the Founder and CEO of OKRUGLA Kocka, a consulting firm supporting startups and individuals with business development, strategic direction, and financial stability. With extensive IT and marketing experience, she envisions creating a Balkan Silicon Valley and, during the YTILI Program, aims to enhance her consultancy skills, marketing strategies, and learning the U.S. startup ecosystem.

Ms. Wafaa Hammich Haddu (Belgium)

Wafaa Hammich is the CEO of Com'for it!, a PR company that empowers non-profits, startups, and companies by highlighting their impactful projects through strategic press engagement. With eight years of experience as Spokesperson and Communication Manager for the City of Brussels, she was named one of Belgium's 40 under 40 in 2023. Wafaa serves as a curator at TEDxBrussels, where she curates and promotes innovative ideas and speakers.

Mr. Stefan Vedrina (Croatia)

Stefan Vedrina is the co-founder and CTO of HIROMA Studio/Design, specializing in virtual and augmented reality experiences, with five years of expertise in AR/VR and video game development. Leading AR projects for tourist boards and museums, he also educates pre-schoolers in game development through "Moopies". Stefan aims to learn about brand building and marketing in the U.S. EdTech and gaming arena during the YTILI Program, as well as strategies for global expansion.

Mr. Marios Pafitis (Cyprus)

With an MSc in Web & Smart Systems and in Computer Science- AI, Marios Pafitis research contributed to the early diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease through MRI images. Marios co-founded MammoCheck Ltd, startup aimed at reducing late-stage breast cancer diagnoses that received 1st place in Startups4Peace and the Rising Star Award in the DAAS-AI competition. He also leads projects at CYENS Centre of Excellence's flagship project and another startup combating food waste. During the YTILI Program he is seeking insights into U.S. MedTech operations, clinical trials, regulatory compliance, and AI applications for social impact.

Mr. Matej Keka (Czech Republic)

Matej advises NGOs in the Czech Republic on fundraising strategies and is a founder and leader of Speechless Reconciliation, a social enterprise promoting dialogue through youth workshops. Mr. Keka directs strategy, manages program design, builds partnerships, and ensures financial sustainability through grants and campaigns.

Ms. Nermen Ghoniem (Denmark)

Nermen Ghoniem, a top AI talent featured in #HyperightNordic100, combines expertise in AI and UX from roles at Microsoft, LEGO, and Jabra. Founder of Hello Ada for promoting girls' STEM education and co-founder of Even Founders supporting female entrepreneurs in the Nordic region, Nermen was nominated as one of Europe's top 100 influential women in the startup and venture capital sector. During her YTILI fellowship in the U.S. Ms. Ghoniem seeks insights into educational technologies, AI ethics, and digital transformation strategies.

Ms. Helene-Terese Jurgenson (Estonia)

Helene-Terese Jürgenson is a dynamic project manager at Estonia's Ministry of Climate, leading innovative e-construction projects and fostering sustainable practices and innovative public services. She demonstrates entrepreneurial leadership as a co-founder of an SME in design and landscape architecture, and former member of the Estonian Innovation Leaders Club specializing in corporate-scale up matchmaking, fostering business & network growth. During the YTILI Fellowship, Helene-Terese aims to enhance leadership and public sector innovation skills, understand B2G dynamics, and promote female leadership in male-dominated industries while fostering international cooperation in business and public sectors.

Ms. Kiia Inari Riuttula (Finland)

Kiia Riuttula, founder of Viral Media, excels in social media management and advertising campaigns, emphasizing inclusivity and impact. As chairwoman of Helsinki Young Entrepreneurs and member of Women Entrepreneurs of Finland, she advocates for women in business. During the YTILI Fellowship, Kiia aims to explore sustainable and inclusive strategies in U.S. social media campaigns, focusing on diversity, equity, and environmental responsibility, while seeking opportunities for young women entrepreneurs in funding, mentorship, and networking.

Mrs. Armandine Laure Nkondock (France)

Armandine Nkondock founded ARCHIMAID to revolutionize housing equity in France's rental market through digital solutions. Supported by the Les Premières incubator and La French Tech in Bordeaux, ARCHIMAID`s mission is to foster meaningful advancements at the crossroads of technology and social impact. As French PropTech Ambassador in Nouvelle Aquitaine, she drives territorial development and seeks to explore cutting-edge digital innovations in PropTech during the YTILI Program, focusing on enhancing property management efficiency.

Ms. Rena Ajalova (Georgia)

Rena Ajalova is an experienced entrepreneur and educator. With support from the USAID project "YES-Georgia". Rena co-founded the Lingua Education Center which provides English, Georgian and German languages courses, training on entrepreneurship and business proposal writing, and assists students with university enrollment. During the YTILI Program, she aims to explore educational technology, innovative teaching methods, and business development opportunities to enhance youth education in languages and entrepreneurship.

Mrs. Nana Shedania (Georgia)

Born in Abkhazia, Nana Shedania supports trauma-affected individuals, focusing on family engagement and community dynamics. She has led the NGO "Youth for Samegrelo Development" since 2015 and co-founded MegoBar, the first youth social bar in Samegrelo, in 2017. As co-founder and project coordinator, she manages MegoBar's projects and events. During the YTILI Fellowship, Nana aims to learn about social innovation and financial management of social enterprises in the U.S. and adopt new approaches to community mobilization and empowerment.

Mr. Paulos Mesghina (Germany)

Paulos Mesghina is CEO of Voiceagents, a pioneering voice agency and startup specializing in voice interface design and Alexa skills, honored as an Alexa Champion in 2023. As an active member of the Impact Hub community and a mentor at CareerFoundry. Paulos focuses on leadership in tech and AI, scaling products, attracting investments, and interested in experience oof innovative tech firms or software agencies during the YTILI Program.

Mr. Christos Stefanatos (Greece)

Christos Stefanatos co-founded EV Loader, a tech startup managing software for real estate owners to oversee and monetize EV charging stations across SE Europe. With significant private investments, he oversees the software feature roadmap and commercial operations, focusing on smart EV charging and grid flexibility.

Mrs. Georgia Lignou (Greece)

Georgia Lignou, a Solution Innovation Manager at Uni Systems, a leading IT firm in Greece. Georgia specializes in smart city projects with a focus on sustainability and citizen engagement, collaborates with municipalities and industry leaders to improve urban services. Active in the Pleiades IoT Innovation Cluster and FIWARE foundation, she also is a public speaker and radio producer, a mentor with "Women on Top," empowering women in their progression of smart city initiatives and sustainability in urban development.

Ms. Krisztina Kornis (Hungary)

Krisztina Kornis, an entrepreneur and physiotherapist, is the founder of PlyoTech, a healthtech startup focused on AI-driven rehabilitation solutions, and owner of KK Physio, a studio offering advanced therapeutic techniques. As a founding member of the Hungarian Sports Rehabilitation Association, she aims to enhance sports rehab standards in Hungary, and during the YTILI Program, she seeks to advance her knowledge in motion analysis, IT integration, and health tech business management.

Mrs. Bernadett Polya (Hungary)

Bernadett Pólya, a Hungarian food entrepreneur and start-up coach, founded Four Bites Catering, specializing in sustainable, visually stunning bite-sized meals for events, promoting the Farm to Fork concept. Passionate about innovative educational methods, she also coaches young entrepreneurs and is a certified Design Thinking facilitator and lecturer at MOME, the Art and Design University of Budapest. She collaborates with clients across various sectors to develop educational and innovation programs.

Mr. Jakob Wayne Vikingur Robertson (Iceland)

Jakob Wayne Vikingur Robertson, co-founder and CEO of Arctic Pies, winner of festivals, revitalizes Icelandic food culture with award-winning meat and vegan pies. He has expanded the Cricket Association of Iceland and volunteers with local search and rescue. During the fellowship, Jakob aims to develop a sustainable business model and gain expertise in food production and franchising.

Ms. Maggie Rebekah Popova (Ireland)

Becky Popova, co-founder and COO of Everywhere English, specializes in B2B connections, English-learning solutions and professional skills developments for employees in specific areas of business. With over eight years of startup experience in Ireland, she has secured government funding for her projects. During the fellowship, Becky aims to understand local customer bases, assist non-native English speakers, and gain insights into US investors and the current investment climate for her company's upcoming seed funding round.

Mr. Marco Filippi (Italy)

Marco, founder of Volvero, a tech startup for electric vehicle rentals, oversees staff, finances, and business growth with a focus on accessibility. With a background in technology and business management, he aims to enhance his leadership skills and learn about green tech innovations during the YTILI Program.

Ms. Vildane Maliqi (Kosovo)

Vildane Maliqi, co-founder of the Lab of Activism and Progressive Society (LAPS), works on projects empowering marginalized communities in Kosovo, focusing on educational improvements in rural areas. During the YTILI fellowship, she aims to study local government strategies for educational infrastructure, community involvement, and support for women leading social ventures in rural areas.

Mr. Martins Kokalis (Latvia)

Martins Kokalis, a Latvian business and management consultant, has over a decade of experience in public economic institutions and is the founder of AUPE, a consultancy for SMEs and public institutions focused on business growth and investment. During the YTILI Fellowship, he aims to explore strategies for developing SMEs and startups in the health food industry, focusing on growth, scaling, and creating new market demand.

Mr. Simonas Valadkevicius (Lithuania)

Simonas Valadkevicius, founder and CEO of Lavastream, develops geothermal energy solutions in Lithuania and Poland, aiming to revolutionize the electricity market. During his U.S. fellowship, he plans to network with energy transformation experts, learn scaling strategies for startups, and understand capital allocation in new technologies and infrastructure replacement.

Ms. Justine Bezzina (Malta)

Justine Bezzina, IT Project Manager and Founder of WagsUnite app, combines her love for dogs with technology to enhance dog socialization and and dog-friendly locations globally. During the YTILI Program, she aims to boost community building, explore revenue streams, access diverse investments, and learn from similar startups in social networking.

Mr. Afanasi Chihaioglo (Moldova)

Afanasi Chihaioglo, CEO of Proton Energy Solutions and a leader in Moldova's renewable energy sector, innovates with energy forecasting software and fosters industry dialogue through Moldova's first online forum for renewables. During the YTILI program, he aims to explore electricity exchange platforms, optimize grid balancing, and refine portfolio management strategies for wind and solar farms.

Ms. Sanja Gardasevic (Montenegro)

Sanja Gardasevic, CEO of Alicorn and co-founder of ZUNO, a game-based learning SaaS platform, is a leader in Montenegro's digital marketing and tech sectors. recognized as the Best Executive of a Micro-Company in Montenegro by the Association of Montenegrin Managers in 2021, Sanja is also a Head of the Board at ICT Cortex and through roles at Spark.me and Digitalizuj.me, she supports tech community growth. During the YTILI Fellowship, Sanja aims to develop SaaS products, refine go-to-market strategies, and connect with global tech companies to scale products.

Ms. Elena Kostoska (North Macedonia)

Elena Kostoska, an experienced operational manager and entrepreneur, founded Master LinkedIn, educating over 500 students initially and lecturing at Skala School. With a background in digital project management at Yoko Co and Superside, she mentors freelancers through Impact Foundation. During the YTILI program, Elena aims to explore leading tech education hubs in the US, learn from global organizations in employee education, and delve into AI in education and B2B SaaS.

Ms. Eveline Debora Nuta (Norway)

Eveline is an entrepreneur and software engineer who founded Kollabrix, an EdTech startup enhancing educational experiences. In 2024, she won the NATO Youth Summit Challenge and became a global speaker, engaging youth with a comic book on cybersecurity and AI. Her startup won the Ignite-Innovation-Space-Competition and was a top 25 innovation at the 2023 UNLEASH Global Innovation Lab. Eveline volunteers as an ambassador for UNLEASH, inspiring youth to lead projects for the UN Sustainable Development Goals. During the YTILI program, Eveline aims to forge partnerships with U.S. educational institutions and tech companies, navigate regulatory requirements, and integrate innovative technologies to advance Kollabrix in digital education.

Dr. Michał Lutek (Poland)

Michal Lutek is a seasoned manager in public policy and regulatory affairs, specializing in digital technology and regulated sectors (aviation, transportation, electronic communications). He runs his own firm and leads the Tworzymy Foundation, focusing on career development for youth. During the YTILI Program, Michal aims to explore U.S. public affairs practices, stakeholder engagement, and policy advising in aviation, space, and digital industries.

Ms. Nikoletta Buczek (Poland)

Nikoletta is a co-founder of two medical startups: NABIO Medical Technologies, working on technology for personalized radiotherapy, and CombatCare, a dual-use technology for hemorrhage control. Nikoletta is also Innovation Manager at the Institute of Mother and Child and he coordinator of the Mother and Child Startup Challenge, the first competition in Poland organized by a public hospital aimed at building relationships with the startup ecosystem. Recognized in Forbes 30 under 30, she aims to explore government and hospital collaborations and medical startup development in the U.S. during the YTILI Program.

Ms. Catia Daniela Pinheiro Manso (Portugal)

Catia Pinheiro Manso is an experienced CEO of a business and marketing agency CMarketing - Cravo do Mato focusing on business development and digital marketing across Europe. During the YTILI Fellowship, she aims to learn from U.S. consultancy and marketing agencies in the tech sector, understand evolving B2B and B2C marketing trends, and explore strategies for promoting emerging technologies like AI, blockchain, and IoT.

Ms. Miruna Elena Caluschi (Romania)

Miruna-Elena Caluschi is the Social Media Director and co-founder of Raroona Digital Creatives, a boutique agency in Romania specializing in social media strategies and personal brand consultancy. She volunteers with Rotaract Club Bucuresti Cismigiu and is passionate about women's rights, education, and the environment. During the YTILI Fellowship, Miruna aims to collaborate with digital marketing agencies, notably focusing on healthcare social media campaigns and patient education initiatives.

Mr. Stanoje Rnic (Serbia)

Stanoje Rnić is an expert in digital forensics and CEO of Archibald, specializing in cybercrime investigation through DNS analysis, blockchain forensics, and darknet monitoring. He is also the organizer of the globally recognized first interntaional Blockchain Forensics Forum in Southeast Europe and a co-founder of the Serbian Digital Forensics Initiative, focusing on AI and blockchain abuse awareness and training for law enforcement. During the YTILI Program, Stanoje aims to learn U.S. approaches to combating cybercrime, understand regulatory frameworks, and foster collaboration between the U.S. and Serbia.

Mr. Vladislav Pavlov (Serbia)

Vladislav Pavlov, a young entrepreneur, founded Furtherance Network in Serbia after gaining experience in enterprise sales at a B2B startup in Germany. His consultancy specializes in helping startups and SMEs secure clients, partners, and investors across South-East Europe. During the YTILI Program, Vladislav aims to gain insights into overseeing programs for startups at VC firms, accelerators, and universities in the U.S.

Mr. Andraz Zvonar (Slovenia)

Andraz Zvonar is the founder and CEO of Katalist, a 500 Startups portfolio company specializing in AI-driven video production automation. With a background in engineering and product leadership, he has built digital solutions for global brands like Nike and Spotify. At KatalistAI, Andraz oversees company strategy, sales, marketing, financing, and team management. During the YTILI Program, he aims to explore the U.S. startup ecosystem in AI, advertising, and video production, and foster connections between funders and Central European startups.

Mr. Jakub Suster (Slovakia)

Jakub Suster has dedicated his career to strategic and political communication, focusing on combating disinformation with AI. Starting at New School Communications in Bratislava, he launched Elfovia.sk, a project mobilizing against online disinformation, which led to co-founding elv.ai. As CEO, Jakub shapes strategy, pursues business opportunities, and ensures ethical AI use for content moderation. Mr. Suster regularly speaks at AI and disinformation conferences, and is active in the European Democracy Youth Network and the European Parliament community together.eu.

Mr. Francisco Jose Ruiz Garcia (Spain)

Francisco Ruiz is the founder and CEO of entradium.com, a leading online ticketing platform in Spain, processing over 8.7 million tickets for 30,000+ events. Based primarily in Spain, they expanded business to Ireland, and worked in Latin America. Since 2021, Fran also runs his own entrepreneurship newsletter, where he regularly sends out free tips and tricks to help anyone, regardless of their age and education, to start their own business. His YTILI Fellowship goals include learning successful economically and socially business models, focusing on international growth and web platform development.

Dr. Stefan Cirovic (Sweden)

Stefan Cirovic, a biomedical scientist and co-founder of APTUSENS AB, specializes in managing biomedical projects and developing novel devices. With expertise in electrochemistry and biomedical science, he mentors researchers at Malmö University and leads Swapyme, a non-profit aiming to integrate biomedical science into products for disadvantaged communities. During the YTILI Fellowship, Stefan aims to explore technological advancements in medtech and biomed sectors, focusing on product development for societal needs.

Mr. Bilal Balci (Türkiye)

As Director of Development and Operations at Bucked Games, Ms. Bilal Balci managed startup operations using agile methodology, designing educational mobile games reaching over 1 million users. His team designed a game for TechCamp 2023 and presented at GamesforChange in New York. Co-founder of Orange Wolf, focused on multiplayer mobile games, Bilal aims through the YTILI Program to understand U.S. mobile game development practices, and compare business strategies between Turkish and U.S. tech companies.

Mr. Sergii Klimov (Ukraine)

Mr. Sergii Klimov has been a prominent figure in popularizing Ukrainian wines since 2014, organizing events like the Kyiv Food and Wine Festival and establishing wine bars. He's a media creator with Uwines, developed the Uwines Ambassadors game, and authored "The Untold Story of Ukrainian Winemaking". As head of development and marketing at Wines of Ukraine, he seeks through the YTILI program to collaborate with U.S. wine associations, enhance global recognition for Ukrainian wines, explore wine tourism, marketing strategies, and integrate technological advancements in winemaking processes.

Mrs. Danielle du Plooy (United Kingdom)

Mrs. Danielle du Plooy is the founder of Uppertunity, a social enterprise and charity aimed at empowering adults with additional needs through lifelong learning. As a creative psychotherapist and entrepreneur, she leads strategic growth, mentors adults with additional needs, and develops team-building programs. Through the YTILI Program, Danielle aims to collaborate with social enterprises and community organizations to enhance support for marginalized groups, and optimize partnerships with consultancy services and private ventures.

Mr. Treasure Oyelade (United Kingdom)

Mr. Treasure Oyelade serves as Head of Operations at Motivez, focusing on empowering underserved youth in STEM fields. With a background in engineering and experience in strategy, program management, fundraising, and governance, he has secured significant grant funding and formed partnerships with various organizations. During the YTILI Program, Treasure aims to explore strategies in social enterprise operations, community development startups, mobilizing local communities for social action, and fostering collaborations among organizations for greater impact.