Serbia's startup ecosystem is growing as an innovation hotspot, witnessing a surge in entrepreneurial activity. With a rich history of entrepreneurial spirit and a growing ecosystem, Serbia offers startups with prospects to succeed. The availability of startup incubators and accelerator programs has also played an increasingly crucial role in nurturing and supporting these ventures. These organizations offer extensive assistance to innovative entrepreneurs to develop unique ideas and turn them into profitable enterprises. This article contains a comprehensive list of Serbia's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation' or 'launch' stages, so you can find a program that is suitable for you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN SERBIA
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Serbia
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Serbia:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Multiple Sectors
Impact Hub Belgrade is a thriving community and coworking space in Belgrade, Serbia. It is a center for innovation and entrepreneurship with the purpose of inspiring, connecting, and enabling individuals and organizations to make a positive impact. The facility provides a dynamic atmosphere for like-minded individuals, entrepreneurs, and freelancers to work, discuss ideas, and cooperate on initiatives that make a difference.
Members at Impact Hub Belgrade have access to a variety of services and amenities designed to help them develop and succeed, including impact-focused hackathons, co-creation sessions, and a series of workshops, boot camps, and networking events.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Science and Technology
The GIST Network, established by the U.S. Department of State's Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative, is a worldwide platform that empowers science and technology innovators from over 130 countries. Their objective is to improve entrepreneurial ecosystems and assist young innovators in turning their ideas into profitable businesses. GIST offers training, guidance, and connections to prospective entrepreneurs through its diverse programs and projects.
GIST Network provide education and training to entrepreneurs through online programs and collaborations with startup incubators. Through its Business Incubation program, GIST enables cross-market access and cooperation by bringing overseas innovators together with American enterprises.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Social Impact
RISE (Regional Incubator for Social Entrepreneurs) is an initiative aimed at increasing access to social entrepreneurship among Western Balkan youth. RISE encourages young social entrepreneurs to collaborate, exchange ideas, and learn from one another. RISE is supported by a number of organizations and executed by a number of partners who assist young people in making a positive social or environmental impact via entrepreneurship.
Through their regional program, the initiative targets a variety of issues confronting young people in the region, such as youth unemployment, brain drain, a lack of regional collaboration, and environmental and social concerns. It also supports local incubators and strives to incubate social enterprises, giving young change-makers a platform to turn their impactful ideas into sustainable ventures.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The Business Technology Incubator of Technical Faculties Belgrade (BITF) is a well-known non-profit organization that was the first and largest business technology incubator in Serbia. It was founded as a collaboration between the University of Belgrade's four technical faculties. BITF acts as a one-stop shop for entrepreneurs and startups, providing a wide range of support and resources in order to stimulate creativity and technology breakthroughs in the region.
BITF nurtures aspiring entrepreneurs by providing access to cutting-edge facilities, mentorship programs, business development services, and networking opportunities. BITF's extensive support system assists entrepreneurs in accelerating their growth and turning their ideas into profitable enterprises.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
The EIT Digital Venture Program is a program that assists early-stage entrepreneurial teams from the Baltics, Eastern Europe, and Southern Europe in bringing their innovative ideas to market. Since its inception six years ago, the program has aided over 200 entrepreneurs and 124 start-ups, some of which have received funding and garnered remarkable clientele.
Selected teams participate in an intense eight-week pre-acceleration program where they receive assistance and mentoring on designing their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), forming their start-up, and obtaining funding as part of the program. Teams get the chance to showcase their business solutions to potential investors and clients at the end of the program, establishing important networking possibilities.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Serbia
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and accelerators in Serbia:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Katapult Accelerator is Serbia's foremost startup acceleration program, well-known for its dedication to the development of emerging Serbian entrepreneurs. Startups who participate in the Katapult Accelerator program receive access to a variety of support that help their overall success. The program offers companies a one-of-a-kind opportunity to get mentoring from accomplished entrepreneurs, developers, and industry experts, providing them with vital insights and direction.
Katapult has established itself as a useful resource for businesses trying to grow and prosper in the competitive business world, with an emphasis on providing capital, mentorship, peer learning, and investor exposure. As part of the SAIGE (Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship Project), Katapult plays an important role in improving Serbia's startup ecosystem.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Music
The Hub for the Exchange of Music Innovation, commonly known as The Hub, is a dynamic and collaborative platform that acts as a meeting place for musicians, industry experts, and aficionados alike. It is intended to stimulate creativity and innovation in the music business by providing a one-of-a-kind platform for artists to interact, collaborate, and exchange ideas.
Participants at The Hub can gain access to cutting-edge recording studios, rehearsal areas, and production facilities outfitted with the latest technology and equipment. Furthermore, the HEMI Incubator provides mentoring programs, workshops, and networking events that link participants with industry experts and individuals who may provide assistance and support. The Hub also provides participants with access to funding possibilities, assisting them in obtaining the resources they need to convert their ideas into profitable companies.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: B2B
NINJA (Next INnovation with JApan) is a unique accelerator program aimed to support entrepreneurs in the early stages of growth. Launched by the "Digital Serbia" Initiative and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the program intends to accelerate the growth of game-changing enterprises.
The NINJA Accelerator Program provides a comprehensive and personalized strategy consisting of seven obligatory theme modules, as well as supplementary training, mentoring, and special activities. Throughout the program, companies have the chance to interact with experienced mentors and industry professionals who can help them on their growth path. Startups will have the opportunity to market themselves to potential investors at the conclusion of the three months, opening the path for future investment rounds. This program focuses on B2B firms with demonstrated growth and a market presence outside of the Western Balkans. If you are a startup wanting to expand and prepare for investment, NINJA can give you with the essential support and resources to propel your firm forward.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
Elevator Lab is a fintech partnership program launched by Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), one of Central and Eastern Europe's largest banking organizations. The initiative seeks to find and cooperate with emerging fintech businesses in order to build cutting-edge financial solutions. Elevator Lab allows companies to collaborate closely with RBI and receive access to its vast network of customers, expertise, and resources.
Through the program, Elevator Lab allows startups to participate in a variety of challenges, including digital banking, payments, and regulatory technologies. The program provides a venue for businesses to demonstrate their ideas and acquire exposure to potential investors and clients. RBI also provides funding, coaching, and assistance to selected companies, allowing them to accelerate their growth and scale their business.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Serbia
Serbia has a wealth of skilled employees and comparatively lower costs, making it an appealing site for businesses. With the support of incubators, accelerators, and government initiatives, the Serbian startup ecosystem is poised for further growth and success in the future.