Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2026: Building Skills, Friendships and Future Innovators

From July 5–11, 2026, the sixth edition of the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2026 brought together 23 talented young participants from Macedonia and the Macedonian diaspora, including those from the United States, Serbia, Malta, the UAE, and Germany, for an inspiring week of robotics, coding, teamwork, creativity, and cultural connection by Lake Ohrid.

Organized by Macedonia2025, under the auspices of the President of Macedonia, H.E. Gordana Siljanovska-Davkova, the Camp offered participants a unique opportunity to strengthen their STEM skills, build new friendships and reconnect with Macedonia through learning, innovation and shared experiences.

Throughout the week, participants took part in dynamic hands-on sessions led by the Center for Technology, Robotics and Innovation (CTRI), where they built and programmed robots, explored motion, sensors, precision, automation and problem-solving, and competed in fun team challenges such as Robo Sumo, Spinner, Smart Sorting, Robo Soccer, and robotics missions focused on sustainability, inclusion, communication and accessibility.

The Camp also included sessions with BrainsterNext, where participants explored Fable Robotics, basic programming concepts and design thinking, moving from ideas toward prototypes and group projects. A special highlight was the visit to KOSTAL Macedonia, where participants gained hands-on insight into how technology and engineering are applied in the production of automobile parts in a real industrial environment.

Beyond technology, the Camp created space for friendship, teamwork and cultural discovery. Participants enjoyed a walk through the old part of Ohrid, a UNESCO-listed city, creative Macedonian crafts workshops, including the making of “Friendship Medals,” beach and pool activities, movie nights, World Cup Football nights, collective games, laughter and unforgettable camp moments.

The Camp concluded with a special closing ceremony in the presence of the President of Macedonia, Macedonia2025 Board members, distinguished guests and professionals from the diaspora. Participants proudly presented their robots, projects and missions, showcasing everything they had learned throughout the week. The President awarded certificates for successful completion of the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2026.

Watch the highlights from this inspiring week in Ohrid: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A2wX1aeXGLc 

It Takes a Community to Build Future Innovators

Behind every robot built, every challenge solved, every new friendship and every smile at the Ohrid Hi-Tech Excellence Camp 2026 stands a community of people and organizations who chose to invest in the next generation.

Because of their support, 23 talented young participants from Macedonia and the Macedonian diaspora spent a week learning robotics, coding, engineering, teamwork and innovation - while creating lifelong friendships and strengthening their connection with Macedonia.

A special thank you goes to Vanja Josifovski, whose generous contribution made it possible for even more children - especially those from socially vulnerable families - to take part in this life-changing experience.

We are equally grateful to our corporate partners and supporters: Triglav Osiguruvanje AD Skopje, Vitaminka Prilep, KOSTAL Macedonia, Alkaloid AD Skopje, Pelisterka, Fructal Macedonia and Forest Bar.

We also extend our sincere appreciation to all individual donors who chose to support our mission and educational programs.

Your generosity goes far beyond sponsoring a camp. You are opening doors to opportunity, inspiring curiosity and helping young people believe that they can become the engineers, innovators, scientists and leaders of tomorrow.

Thank you for believing in our youth. Together, we are building a stronger future for Macedonia.