Innovation and history: Winning ideas for the future of Dubrovnik's Tram

As part of the Dubrovnik Tram Elevator Speech competition, students from the Dubrovnik campus of RIT Croatia showcased their incredible talent, creativity, and ability to develop innovative solutions focused on the sustainability of the city’s historic tram—one of Dubrovnik’s most iconic symbols. Organized with the support of current tram owners, the competition allowed students to present their visions in an elevator speech format, earning not only monetary prizes sponsored by the tram owners but also an invaluable experience.

Winning Team: Restoring Dubrovnik’s Tram with a Vision for Sustainability

First place went to Domenica Vukić and Lukrecija Novaković, whose concept centered on connecting the historical value of the tram with innovative and financially sustainable solutions. Their inspiration stemmed from their deep Dubrovnik roots and childhood memories of stories about the city’s old tram.

“Since childhood, we’ve heard stories about the tram as a symbol of our city. When we learned about the restoration and competition, we saw it as a chance to contribute,” the winners shared. Their idea focused on year-round tram use, with special attention to seasonality and adapting to the needs of locals and tourists.

A visit to the tram during its restoration phase was pivotal to their concept. “Seeing the tram in person helped us understand its technical possibilities and limitations. That moment inspired us to create a solution that blends history with practicality,” they added.

With the guidance of professors at RIT Croatia, the duo worked intensively on developing a business model and designing realistic cost and revenue projections. They highlighted teamwork and an emotional connection to the project as critical to their success.

Second Place: Lea Gugić and Antonela Rodić

Lea Gugić and Antonela Rodić secured second place with their idea that innovatively integrated the tram into Dubrovnik’s cultural and tourism offering, emphasizing sustainability and adaptability.

Third Place: Mario Prce and Relja Vuković on Bridging Local and Tourist Worlds

The third-place winners, Mario Prce and Relja Vuković, impressed the judges with their vision of uniting the interests of the local community and tourists.

“The biggest challenge was adapting our idea to satisfy both worlds that make Dubrovnik what it is—locals and tourists. We wanted to create a concept that connects tradition with modernity while remaining appealing and sustainable,” said Mario and Relja.

Participating in the competition provided them with valuable lessons on effectively communicating their message to an audience and aligning creative ideas with the time constraints of a presentation. “The competition was exceptionally well-organized, and the support from tourism professors was invaluable. It allowed us to bring our project to the highest possible standard,” they concluded.

Support and Future Collaboration

Maro Majstorović, Dubrovnik tram project coordinator, expressed his excitement over the ideas presented. “The students demonstrated an incredible level of creativity and professionalism. The winning team stood out for their ability to combine innovation with practicality, which is key to the project’s success.”

Majstorović emphasized the importance of continuing collaboration with RIT Croatia on similar initiatives, highlighting their potential to positively impact the local community and economy.

A Message to Young People: Get Involved and Create Change

All participants, from the winners to the finalists, shared a unified message for young people: participating in such projects is an opportunity for personal and professional growth.

“We believe this is the perfect opportunity to step out of your comfort zone, hone your skills, and create something of broader benefit. We encourage all students to take on the challenge and join similar initiatives,” Mario and Relja urged.

The Dubrovnik Tram Elevator Speech competition not only revived a symbol of the city but also demonstrated how young minds can play a vital role in shaping Dubrovnik’s sustainable future.