StarTech at Vienna Up

 WHAT IS STARTECH 

StarTech is a three-year project for supporting innovation and digital transformation within Serbian economy, implemented by NALED in cooperation with the Government of Serbia and financed by Philip Morris in Serbia.

The project aims to accelerate the growth of Serbian businesses and foster transformation from a traditional to a digital economy by providing support in terms of grants and expertise, improving the conditions for innovative entrepreneurship and promoting Serbian innovative businesses. 

 Direct financial and expert support to private businesses 

Serbian SMEs and start-up teams can apply for grants ranging from 15.000$ to 100.000$ to invest in digital transformation of their business, and R&D of innovative products and services. The three annual open calls will support around 100 beneficiaries, awarding grants in total value of around 3,000,000$. 

Grantees - Facts & Figures

• The first open call was published in 2021, generating more than 200 innovative project ideas.
• The Grants Committee selected 29 best projects to receive grants worth 1.000.000$ in total.
• The projects presented creative ideas for eco-friendly packaging, a sensor for monitoring babies’ body temperature, supplements for people with diabetes, technologies for reducing safety risk on oil platforms, various AI tools determining market value of vehicles, or help with the selection of job candidates etc.
• 16 awarded projects are led by, or include women in their project teams, 6 projects are led by youth, and 5 are export-oriented

 Reforms encouraging a stimulating environment for innovations 

The project encourages dialogue and coordination of initiatives within the public and private sector with the aim of improving the overall innovation ecosystem, through a Innovative Public Policy Lab formed within NALED. The Lab provides analytical grounds for planning reforms and creating the conditions for accelerate economic growth and fostering creative potential in the country. 

 VIENNA UP 2022 PARTICIPANTS