As many as 96 innovative projects received funding through the Innovation Fund, provided by the European Union. The total of EUR 26 million were allocated to them, and the awarding ceremony was organized as part of the European Opportunity Week.

The presentation of awards to the best innovators emphasized the importance of the joint investments of Serbia and the European Union in the development of innovations, highlights the specific contribution of innovative companies to the economic growth of Serbia and shows the achievements of the Innovation Fund, which were made possible by the partnership between Serbia and the EU. That is why each of these individual 96 stories is important.

On this occasion, the EU Ambassador to Serbia, Emanuele Giaufret and the Minister of Science, Jelena Begović congratulated the awardees.

Ambassador Giaufret pointed out that the importance of creativity, innovation and commercialization of science cannot be overestimated in the modern world. They are important because they contribute to the transformation of the economy towards knowledge, green and digital principles. “

“We invest not only in technology and innovation, but also in minds and ideas. And with the financial resources provided by the EU, these ideas can progress and grow, leaving an impact not only in Serbia but beyond – in the EU and around the world. The products we see being developed here are fantastic, ranging from medical innovations and smartphone applications to IT solutions, energy efficiency and innovations that help protect the environment – the spectrum is wide and fascinating”, said the Ambassador.

He cited some of the successful examples of the EU support for the development and innovation sector in Serbia – Biosense Institute, Horizon Europe Programme, Katapult Accelerator… He also announced that even more great examples will be supported through the new Growth Plan mechanism.

All this would not be possible without strong institutions such as the Innovation Fund and the Science Fund, and without the permanent support of the Government, as well as the enthusiasm of Minister Begović, concluded Giaufret.

The Minister of Science, Jelena Begović, expressed her great pleasure and honour to be among the successful innovators.

 

“I think this ceremony is the result of our joint activities. Both you as the innovators, and the EU, which has been supporting the development of entrepreneurship and innovation in Serbia since day one. Only when we work together can we make something good. Serbia aspires to develop its scientific ecosystem in cooperation with the best, the EU has been the most important partner since the beginning of that process. This is a good quality partnership”, said the Minister, adding:

“Today you received the awards and, more importantly, you received funds – more than EUR 26 million were spent in the best possible way, which is to develop 96 ideas. This is the best way for the Serbian economy to experience development. Without innovation, we will not be able to fight global challenges and find solutions to them”, she said.

Several award winners presented their innovations. Nikola Temirović demonstrated the invention of his start-up “ECO Hive”, an innovative device for ecological removal of bee mites, as an example of best practice.

Also, visitors, as well as passers-by, had the opportunity to see some other examples of good practice. Two exhibits were displayed in front of the European House, during the entire first day of the European Opportunity Week – innovative products of the companies “Mojo AI Media Technologies” and “Dirigent Acoustics”, which are supported by the EU funds.

The goal of the European Union’s financial support to Serbian micro, small and medium-sized enterprises is to increase the competitiveness of the national economy and prepare it for the regional and EU markets. This should result in the creation of jobs and sustainable economic growth, as well as an increase in the living standard of citizens. EU-funded support in this area amounted to more than EUR 250 million.

The European Opportunity Week, second in a row, is being held this year from September 23-27. The first four days will cover the topics of business and innovation, culture, civil sector, media, education, youth and sports, local development, and the activities will take place in the European House in Belgrade. On the last day, panels on local development, territorial cooperation and green transition, as well as formal ceremonies and networking, will take place in Niš, at the “Tami” Hotel.

Find the detailed agenda and other details of the European Opportunity Week on the following website: https://eumogucnosti.rs/evropska-nedelja-mogucnosti/

During this event, you will have the opportunity to hear all about the most important European programs, projects and funds that are available in Serbia. Opportunities are numerous and include public calls, grants, loans, youth opportunities, student exchanges, competitions, skills development and free training.