In the twilight of Yugoslavia’s dissolution and the dawning independence of Macedonia, two ambitious minds, Ivica and Rozalija, found themselves inadvertently laying the foundation for what would become a pivotal enterprise in their homeland. It was the late 1980s and early 1990s, a period marked by upheaval and transformation, not just politically but in every stratum of societal infrastructure, including education.

Rozalija, a diligent student at the University of Cyril and Methodius in Skopje, was on the cusp of completing her studies in biochemistry. However, she faced a significant hurdle: the university’s laboratory was inadequately stocked with essential supplies needed for her final experiment—a prerequisite to her graduation. The local biochemical lab in Strumica was offering a coveted position that perfectly aligned with her career aspirations, and the application deadline was fast approaching.

Determined not to let this opportunity slip through her fingers, Rozalija enlisted the help of Ivica, her longtime boyfriend and an equally driven entrepreneur-to-be. Together, they embarked on a quest that extended beyond the borders of their nascent country to Turkey and Bulgaria. This was no small feat given the logistical challenges and economic instability of the time, but their determination paid off. They managed to procure the necessary laboratory products, consumables, and chemicals.

Returning triumphantly, they delivered the goods to Rozalija’s professor, ensuring not only the completion of her experiment but also solidifying their reputation as reliable problem-solvers. Unfortunately, despite her academic success, Rozalija missed the application deadline for the job at the local lab—a heartbreaking setback.

Yet, as often happens, one door’s closure led to another’s opening. The professor, impressed with their initiative and resourcefulness, inquired if they could procure additional laboratory products. Macedonia was in a transitional period; regulations were scant, and public institutions were desperately striving to maintain standards and continuity. Ivica and Rozalija’s timely intervention had not gone unnoticed.

Word spread quickly among the academic community, and soon other professors and institutions began requesting their services. What began as a frantic scramble to secure a job evolved into a burgeoning enterprise. Ivica and Rozalija recognized the broader impact they could have. By 1992, amidst the backdrop of a country reinventing itself, BIEL Engineering was born—named thoughtfully to signify a beacon of innovation and support in a time of national need.

BIEL Engineering would go on to become a cornerstone in the development of scientific and medical infrastructure in Macedonia, driven by the vision and tenacity of its founders, whose journey started almost accidentally but was fueled by a profound commitment to their nation’s progress and well-being.