From encouraging the recycling of cans and plastic bottles, to promoting circularity in supply chains and tracking port waste. All this is possible thanks to blockchain technology and, of course, to the ideas of this entrepreneur and her team. After more than 20 years linked to innovation and technological research projects, Denisa Gibovic (Sarajevo, 1975) is now the director and founder of Blue Room Innovation, a company that develops applications based on blockchain and dedicated to sustainability initiatives.

TB: What is the purpose of your project?

DG: We want to be part of the circular economy revolution, using technology to build a more sustainable world. Our purpose is to accompany people in the transformation of their businesses towards sustainability.

TB: What is the current state of the project and where do you see it in two years’ time?

DG: After going through the creation of the first MVPs of our main technological solutions (RECICLOS, CircularTrust or CircularPort), this year we are at a point where the priority is to continue testing in real environments, piloting cases and learning how we can create more value for our clients. In two years we will be in full growth and we hope to be able to reach new industries with blockchain solutions that allow them to move quickly and agilely towards their sustainable development goals.

TB: A good idea you have had.

DG: Creating Blue Room Innovation. I am very happy to be able to lead a company with such a challenging and important purpose, both for us and for the next generations.

TB: What is the biggest challenge you have faced?

DG: Although it is something that very few people know, I was born in Bosnia and Herzegovina, spent my childhood in Sarajevo and my adolescence as a war refugee. I remember that time as a great challenge, as I could not feel the freedom that we all hope for at that vital moment in our development.

TB: The best advice you’ve ever been given.

DG: I was very impressed by the advice of a former partner. His “never ever give up” is always with me and motivates me on difficult days.

TB: A professional reference that inspires you.

DG: One of my greatest references is Alfons Cornella, for his restless mind and his approach to innovation processes.He has inspired us and contributed a lot – and I’m sure he will continue to do so – during the creation of our projects.

TB: A technology that will shape the future.

DG: Blockchain technology is the new revolution. A commitment to transparency, security and trust that will soon be available to everyone. That is what we are here for.

TB: In-person or remote?

DG: Meeting and sharing day-to-day life in person is essential if we are not to lose the more human side of relationships. Glances during a meeting, coffee conversations or brainstorming on a whiteboard are not the same on a screen. However, society is moving forward and teleworking is a reality that brings other advantages. Flexibility in this sense is important and adapting the organisation to offer this opportunity is a good option.

TB: A startup or company.

DG: Boston Consulting Group (BCG) is a great reference when it comes to innovation and sustainability consulting. For us, who work with innovative digital instruments such as the digital product passport, it is a source of knowledge and inspiration.

TB: What do you do to disconnect?

DG: My moments of relaxation are sacred. I like to read, practice yoga regularly and enjoy walking on the beach and in the mountains.

TB: A book to recommend.

DG: “The Wild Palms” is a novel by William Faulkner that explores the desire for freedom and love in complex situations. The novel has a fragmented narrative structure and examines human relationships, sacrifices in the pursuit of freedom and fleeting happiness.

TB: A series, film or song that defines your moment in life.

DG: Ibrahim Maalouf, born in Beirut in 1980 and based in Paris because of the war in Lebanon, is a contemporary jazz musician known for fusing diverse styles, including soul, pop, hip-hop and Arabic music. “True Story”, from the 2013 album “Illusions”, is a track that, like a rollercoaster, slowly rises to its instrumental peak, then returns again to the catchy leitmotif and rises again at the end. Spectacular.

TB: One recipe, one restaurant.

DG: I recommend the restaurant “Unagi” in Palamós. It is a Japanese restaurant, located a few streets away from the beach and the port, where I go very often. If you are fans of sushi and Japanese food you will not be disappointed.

TB: A place in the world.

DG: Mount Fuji and its natural and cultural environment fascinate me.

TB: Where would you invest 100k?

DG: I would organise a charity gala to raise a scholarship fund for underprivileged children.

TB: If you weren’t an entrepreneur…

DG: If I wasn’t an entrepreneur, I think I’d be going round in circles until I finally ended up becoming one. It sounds a bit redundant, but I can’t imagine my life any other way.

TB: What is Tech Barcelona for you?

DG: I see Tech Barcelona as a great ecosystem to meet, connect and grow professionally and personally. I believe in the power of connection and collaboration to think big and offer the world the best solutions to its problems.