Meet Manuel Wedra, a valued member of Impact Hub! We’re excited to showcase his journey in driving change and making an impact with sustainable digital solutions.

Can you introduce yourself and tell us more about the impact you want to achieve with your work?

Hi there, I’m Manuel. My passion for understanding systems, processes, and entrepreneurship began in high school. I’ve always been captivated by different cultures and foreign countries. That’s why, during my finance and banking studies in Slovenia, I took part in an exchange programme in Germany, which further ignited my desire for international experiences.

After gaining valuable knowledge and work experience in Germany, I continued my journey in Switzerland. There, I immersed myself in the corporate world, expanding my expertise in finance, process optimisation, strategies, and IT systems. Despite facing some challenges along the way, I learnt that determination and perseverance can lead to remarkable achievements. Eager for new opportunities, I pursued an executive study programme in corporate banking and finance at the University of Zurich.

During my studies, I delved deep into the connection between sustainability and profitability. Through my master’s thesis, I confirmed that sustainable financial strategies are not only vital for our future but also more profitable than traditional investment approaches. However, despite my successful career abroad, I missed the warmth of my homeland, its culture, cuisine, and creative environment.

Motivated by this longing, I decided to establish WepiK with a business partner in Slovenia. At WepiK, we specialise in developing modular software solutions and information systems for businesses and dentists. We also provide comprehensive support in tender acquisition, management, process optimisation, and sustainable digital transformations.

Our goal is to inspire both local and international companies to embrace sustainable digital transformation and to help them achieve long-term operational stability, reduce risks, minimise their environmental impact, enhance profitability, improve data transparency, elevate product and service quality, and streamline work processes for their employees.

Our vision is to facilitate the transition to a more sustainable digital economy. We strongly believe in the power of collaboration, recognising that only by working together can we effectively tackle challenges and ensure a prosperous future for current and future generations.

How does being a member of Impact Hub Ljubljana align with this vision?

Being a member of Impact Hub Ljubljana perfectly aligns with our vision because Impact Hub is dedicated to supporting companies and ideas that prioritise making a positive impact on the community and the planet. 

This way, the business actively seeks to foster a positive impact rather than promoting profit-driven endeavours that may create additional problems.

Have you engaged in any collaborations with fellow Impact Hub members recently, and how has it benefitted your work?

While we have established potential collaborations with other Impact Hub members, we are still in the early stages and haven’t yet materialised any joint projects. 

However, the possibilities are wide open, and we believe that these connections will bring valuable opportunities for growth and innovation.

Are there any exciting projects you are currently working on that you would like to share with our community?

We are currently involved in beta testing a digital HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) system designed for hotels. This system follows a systematic preventive approach to food safety, ensuring the highest standards in this crucial area. 

Additionally, we are continuously enhancing our software solutions for dentists and companies, incorporating various functionalities that optimise their procedures and improve overall efficiency. We are excited to bring these innovative projects to our community and make a positive impact in these industries!

What advice would you give to individuals who aspire to make a meaningful impact but are unsure of how or where to begin?

If you find yourself in this position, I recommend delving into the most pressing challenges that your local community and the world face in terms of environmental sustainability and overall quality of life. Take the time to reflect on areas where you possess relevant experience or have a genuine interest in investing your time and efforts.

Once you’ve identified potential areas of focus, conduct thorough research into existing solutions and determine whether there is a market demand for them. It’s possible that the market may not yet recognise the need for a particular solution, but this presents an opportunity to educate stakeholders and foster their understanding and interest. Keep in mind that pursuing such endeavours often leads to substantial investments and a longer-term commitment.

Alternatively, consider joining forces with a company, association, or supportive organisation that shares your vision, such as Impact Hub. Collaborating with like-minded individuals and leveraging their expertise can provide invaluable support as you embark on your journey to address the identified problem. Good luck!