Alumnus Jakov Kukin's  startup wins 1st place at EIT Jumpstarter Competition

Jakov Kukin (International Business alumnus, Class 2024), recently achieved a remarkable milestone by winning 1st place at the EIT Jumpstarter competition with his startup, Total Energy, in the Raw Materials category. “Competing at EIT Jumpstarter was an incredible experience,” says Jakov. “When we were called on stage, we were in complete disbelief. We plan to use the prize money to incorporate and invest in further developing our project. I have met a lot of new people and have discovered inspiring projects.”

The EIT Jumpstarter program is one of Europe’s leading pre-acceleration initiatives, designed to help innovators transform bold ideas into successful startups. To date, the program has trained over 1,100 participants, launched 124 startups, and contributed to creating 2,100 new jobs. With a mission to foster innovation and entrepreneurship in this part of Europe, the program equips participants with the skills to turn their ideas into viable business models.

This year, out of 600 applications, 180 innovators were selected to participate in the program. After months of intensive training, the top 49 teams advanced to the Grand Final, held in Budapest on November 28. Divided into eight categories ranging from food to energy, these teams pitched their ideas to a jury in a dynamic live competition. Among them was Total Energy, co-founded by Jakov, which secured 1st place in the Raw Materials category.

Nearly three years ago, Jakov and his best friend Stjepan Dolić founded Total Energy, focusing on developing and licensing production lines for perovskite solar cells. They aim to create durable and industry-optimized solar cells and bring them to a market-competitive level. Reflecting on their journey, Jakov shared insights into the EIT Jumpstarter program, structured into four phases: ideation, pitch refinement, business plan development, and the Grand Final. Each phase helped the team improve their project through mentorship, weekly tasks, and hands-on consultancy. “The process was a fantastic learning experience and helped us improve at every stage, leading us to the Grand Finale and winning 1st place,” Jakov noted.

Preparing for Success: Learning, Practice, and the Value of Education

Over the past year, Jakov and his team participated in numerous pitching sessions and educational programs focused on crafting and delivering effective presentations. Jakov explained how these initiatives provided them with practical skills and insights, helping to refine their pitch and clearly communicate their vision.

Reflecting on his academic foundation, Jakov emphasized the role of education in shaping his entrepreneurial skills. “RIT Croatia’s focus on experiential learning, teamwork, and critical thinking gave me the tools to tackle real-world challenges,” he said. The combination of academic knowledge and practical experience positioned him for success in the competitive startup landscape. “However, there’s still much to learn and experience as we continue to grow and develop,” he added.

Future Plans: Building Partnerships and Scaling Innovation

Looking ahead, Total Energy has ambitious plans. Jakov and Stjepan aim to invest their prize money into further developing their project, with goals that include securing a patent, scaling production, and commercializing their technology. They also intend to establish partnerships with major industry players to accelerate their impact in the renewable energy market.

As an institution, we are incredibly proud of Jakov’s accomplishments and the example he sets for current and future students, demonstrating how innovative ideas and determination can drive real-world change.