Josip Vlah: RIT Croatia alum shaping the future of AI and Web3
Josip Vlah, who graduated from RIT Croatia's Web and Mobile Computing program in 2021, has quickly made a name for himself in the fast-paced world of technology. From an early love for augmented reality to becoming a partner at a top AI agency, Josip's story shows what happens when you're curious, keep learning, and aren't afraid to try new things.
Starting strong at RIT Croatia
Even before RIT Croatia, Josip was keen on figuring out how systems work. The Web and Mobile Computing program greatly helped shape this interest, introducing him to all sorts of new technologies. "That mix of curiosity, passion, and structured learning laid the foundation for where I am today," Josip shared. He especially enjoyed courses related to front-end development and design, finding them creatively freeing.
One of his most memorable projects was a Snapchat filter shown at the Imagine RIT Festival. Inspired by Vincent Van Gogh, he created a filter that used AI to put "The Starry Night" into the real world. "It merged art, technology, and creativity," he said, highlighting his early knack for mixing art with tech to get people involved.
Climbing the ranks in tech
After graduating, Josip started Definition8, a creative agency focused on Augmented Reality and AI. While they had great partnerships with big brands, most projects were short-lived, making it tough to grow. This led him to dive deeper into Web3, eventually joining RZLT as their fifth employee. Starting as a community moderator, Josip's hard work and "long nights and steep learning curves" quickly led him to become a partner.
Today, RZLT.IO is a global leader, working with major startups and companies like DFINITY and Telegram, running campaigns that reach millions daily. Josip says his tech background helps him connect "creative execution and deep tech," which is key when marketing complex projects for tech-heavy clients.
“RZLT's success comes from being an "AI-native agency" and always trying new things. Everyone is expected to test new tools, create hypotheses around them... and run short-term experiments to validate those ideas," Josip explained. This approach is vital for staying ahead in a rapidly changing field.
Outside of RZLT, Josip co-founded ICP HUB Bulgaria to promote the Internet Computer Protocol. This platform hosts workshops, hackathons, and supports startups building on ICP, aiming to bring both big companies and individual creators into the ecosystem. It's now a leading program in the Balkan region for Web3 tech.
What's next: AI tools and constant learning
Josip is excited about agentic coding platforms, which let users build entire apps using simple language commands. He thinks this is how much of the internet will be built soon, and RZLT is already using these tools. Upcoming collaborations with top AI companies for workshops and hackathons also show his dedication to AI, education, and community.
For students today, Josip's advice is simple: "Curiosity is everything." He encourages them to explore new tools, build their projects, and especially focus on the AI landscape, calling it a "goldmine." He also stresses the importance of knowing a bit about different areas, pointing to his journey from design and coding to marketing. "When you understand both the creative and technical side, you’re able to deliver more innovative solutions," he shared.
His final words for recent grads looking to make their mark in tech perfectly sum up his journey: "Be proactive and curious. The best ideas and results come from exploration, whether you're starting your own company or joining one. Suggest new ideas, test them, and never stop learning. Tech is a massive playground. The more you play, the better you get."
