Jelena Jurišić (Photo: Zlatko Prkačin)
ZAGREB, 12 May 2026 – Jelena Jurišić, Chief Technology Officer at Ericsson Nikola Tesla, has been named Engineer of the Year 2026 at a ceremony held during the German-Croatian Economic Forum in Zagreb.
Jurišić, a graduate engineer in electrical engineering and computing, received the award among ten finalists whose professional and personal stories were recognised for inspiring young girls to pursue careers in STEM fields.
The organisers said that four juries involved in the selection process identified Jurišić as a standout role model for younger generations, highlighting her contribution to technology and engineering, as well as her ability to challenge stereotypes and encourage more girls to enter STEM professions.
Jelena Jurišić (Photo: Zlatko Prkačin)
Speaking after receiving the award, Jurišić said the recognition reflected a journey that began in childhood through a curiosity about how things work and a lasting passion for technology.
She also stressed that careers in STEM are defined by curiosity, dedication and courage rather than gender, age or social expectations, encouraging young girls to consider engineering as a future profession.
Jelena Jurišić and Siniša Krajnović (Photo: Zlatko Prkačin)
This year’s competition attracted applications from across Croatia and from a wide range of industries, including energy, digital technologies, telecommunications, automotive manufacturing, food production and advanced technology development.
Organisers said the initiative focuses not only on professional achievements, but also on the candidates’ ability to serve as role models and contribute to innovation, technology and society. The project aims to encourage younger generations to choose engineering careers and support the long-term development of Croatia’s economy and society.
Alongside Jurišić, this year’s finalists were:
• Maja Bračić, AI/ML engineer at Hrvatski Telekom
• Ivana Čuljak Arnautović, chartered geodesy engineer at SupraNet
• Petra Golubić, production department manager at Podravka
• Tajana Hrbud, vehicle validation and verification manager at Verne
• Vlatka Kos Grabar Robina, senior researcher at the Energy Institute Hrvoje Požar
• Ana Krmpotić, software engineer at dSpace
• Leila Luttenberger Marić, head of research at KONČAR Digital
• Sanja Svilković, head of business excellence at Dalekovod
• Marija Todorić, data scientist at Mireo
Timo Pleyer, director of the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, said the initiative highlights the growing contribution of women engineers across Croatia and aims to strengthen interest in engineering among younger generations.
Medeja Lončar, president of the management board of Siemens Hrvatska and director of Siemens Slovenia, said investment in people is as important as investment in technology, adding that the project demonstrates that STEM careers are open to everyone.
The finalists with Medeja Lončar (Photo: Zlatko Prkačin)
The “Engineer of the Year” initiative is organised by the German-Croatian Chamber of Industry and Commerce, together with Siemens Croatia and co-organiser Mediade, with support from a number of leading Croatian companies and the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computing, University of Zagreb.