Archives: Актуелности

Towards the end of the year, a joint gathering of all startups that participated in various international conferences during the year as part of the “STARTUP QUEST: Going Global” program was organized at the Science and Technology Park Niš. This meeting was designed as a space for an open exchange of experiences, ideas, and recommendations, with the aim of assessing the effects of the program and drawing concrete lessons for future cycles.

During the meeting, startups shared their impressions of the How to Web, Web Summit, and Slush conferences, talking about the key differences in the event format, audience type, and opportunities that each conference offers. Special emphasis was placed on the contacts made with investors, corporate partners, potential clients, and other startups, as well as on the real opportunities that arose from these contacts, whether it be in the form of further discussions, pilot projects, or planned partnerships.

The exchange of experiences was also focused on practical aspects of the presentation – from preparation and positioning at the event itself, through the ways of leading conversations and networking, to the importance of timely follow-ups after conferences. Startups shared specific advice and recommendations on what worked, what they would do differently next time, and how to make the most of their presence at such global events.

The gathering further contributed to strengthening the community within the Startup Quest program, connecting teams that had different experiences and focuses, but a common goal – entering the international market and further growth. The conclusions and recommendations from this meeting represent a valuable input for improving future support programs, as well as for an even more systematic preparation of startups for their appearance on the global stage.

*The STARTUP QUEST: Going Global program, under the auspices of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, was implemented by the Science and Technology Park Niš in cooperation with the Startup Center Niš and the Regional Innovation Center Zubin Potok.

 

Today, the President of the National Assembly of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, visited the construction works on the new building of the Science and Technology Park Niš, which have entered the final phase, and the completion of the works is expected at the end of January 2026.

During the tour, the President of the National Assembly emphasized that the Republic of Serbia has a special focus on the development of scientific and research institutes, emphasizing that one of the key centers of this development will be the Science and Technology Park Niš, after the completion of the second phase of construction. As she stated, strengthening cooperation between cities such as Niš, Kragujevac, where an innovation district is being largely established, and Kruševac, which will have its own Regional Industrial Technology Park next year, is of exceptional importance for balanced regional development and better connection of scientific, research, and innovation capacities across the country.
The expansion of the Science and Technology Park Niš capacities will create conditions for the work of more than 70 companies, which will employ over 1,500 highly educated experts. The new complex will include three institutes and six modern laboratories, which will further strengthen the research and development infrastructure of southern Serbia. In the coming period, the Science and Technology Park Niš will, in close cooperation with academia and researchers, work on the identification of key laboratories, the competencies of the faculty, researchers, and mentors, as well as on defining specific niches with the greatest development potential. On this basis, the formation of virtual centers of excellence is planned, which will connect knowledge, science, and industry.

This strengthening of the capacity and functional role of the Science and Technology Park Niš represents one of the key steps towards the realization of the TehNis concept – a comprehensive innovation district that positions Niš as a regional center for science, technology, and innovation. TehNis will encompass more than 70,000m² of modern space intended for research, development and high-tech entrepreneurship, with a special focus on three areas of national importance: cyber-security, artificial intelligence, and renewable energy sources.
By investing in modern research infrastructure, connecting academia and the economy, as well as creating conditions for the stay and return of top experts, Niš is systematically positioning itself as one of the carriers of technological and economic development in Serbia. By implementing the second phase of construction and further developing the TehNis concept, lasting and sustainable foundations are being created for regional development, international competitiveness, and long-term growth based on knowledge and innovation.

On Thursday, November 13, the results of a pilot action implemented within the framework of the international project Be Ready, aimed at improving urban greenery and applying innovative tools for sustainable urban development, were presented at the Europe House in Niš.

The pilot action included four key activities:

• greening central city locations,
• forming a new line of trees near the Puppet Theatre,
• regular maintenance of existing plantings,
• an innovative seedling donation campaign.

Green canopies were installed at King Milan Square and five tall deciduous trees were planted, while a new line of seven evergreen seedlings was formed near the Puppet Theatre.

Two digital innovations developed within the project attracted particular attention – a Web GIS application for planning and monitoring greening, and an improved mobile application called Eko Lovac, which allows citizens to gain insight into the state of urban greenery and more easily report necessary interventions.

A panel discussion was also held as part of the event, with the participation of representatives of the City Administration for Local Economic Development and Investments, the Science and Technology Park Niš, the Public Utility Company Medijana, and representatives of the private sector. The importance of cooperation between institutions, public enterprises, and the innovation ecosystem in developing sustainable solutions for the city of Niš was emphasized.

Under the auspices of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, the Science and Technology Park Niš, in cooperation with the Startup Center Niš and the Regional Innovation Center Zubin Potok, successfully implemented the program “STARTUP QUEST: Going Global”, designed to support the internationalization of promising startups from Serbia.

As part of the program, ten selected startups received comprehensive professional, financial, and logistical support for participation in three leading international technology conferences – How to Web in Bucharest, Web Summit in Lisbon and Slush in Helsinki. During their participation at the Web Summit in Lisbon, the startups were also presented at the national stand of the Republic of Serbia, organized by the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, which further contributed to their visibility and institutional support for their appearance on the global market. By participating in these globally relevant events, startups were given the opportunity to directly present themselves to investors, corporations, technology leaders, and representatives of the startup ecosystem from different countries, which significantly improved their international visibility and recognition.

Through the Startup Quest program, participants made numerous business contacts and started conversations with potential partners, clients and mentors, while exchanging knowledge and experiences with startup communities across Europe and the world. Attending international conferences provided them with better insight into contemporary market trends, investor expectations, and best practices in the development of innovative technological solutions, which is an important step in the further development of their products and business models.

The program’s special contribution is reflected in strengthening presentation skills, business positioning and preparation for entering international markets, thereby empowering startups for the next stages of growth, scaling and attracting investments. The “STARTUP QUEST: Going Global” program has thus achieved its main goal – to facilitate access to global markets for promising startups from Serbia, connect them with relevant actors of the international innovation ecosystem, and lay the foundations for their sustainable long-term development.

The public call for participation in the S4AI Hub program, “Innovation Camp for Digital Transformation”, for which micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as small mid-cap companies, can apply, remains open until December 1. The program allows participants, with the support of an expert team, to identify challenges in digitalization, define project ideas and develop a working version of a solution for digital transformation.

Companies that want to improve their business by applying artificial intelligence and Industry 5.0 technologies, registered in the Republic of Serbia with up to 499 employees, annual turnover of up to 100 million euros or balance sheet of up to 86 million euros are eligible to participate. The program is free of charge for selected companies and includes professional support, consulting and mentoring in the development of innovative digital solutions. The goal is for companies to gain a clearer insight into their own digital maturity and identify opportunities to improve competitiveness through digital transformation.

Applications are submitted electronically via the online form, which is available HERE.

The new deadline for submitting applications is December 1, 2025, or until the available funds are used up.

For additional information, please contact us by email: info@s4ai.rs