EIT Community Hub Serbia Officially Launched in Belgrade

The European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) has officially launched the EIT Community Hub Serbia, marking a new milestone in connecting Serbia’s dynamic innovation ecosystem with Europe’s leading network for innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth. 

Strengthening Serbia’s Role in Europe’s Innovation Landscape 

At the official launch event, which took place today in Belgrade, government representatives, including Marija Gnjatović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, alongside Plamena Halacheva, Deputy Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the Republic of Serbia, joined innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers to highlight Serbia’s growing role in shaping Europe’s innovation map. The Hub positions Serbia as an important regional centre for talent, expertise, and investment, opening new opportunities for local actors to engage in EIT programmes and explore synergies across the Western Balkans. 

By connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers, this new hub marks an important step towards a more inclusive and vibrant innovation ecosystem in Serbia. One that empowers Serbian talents to grow, collaborate, and connect with Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem. We are here to support you to turn your ideas into innovations for a more competitive and sustainable European future. 

Martin Kern, EIT Director

Closing Europe’s Innovation Gap 

Since 2014, the EIT Regional Innovation Scheme (EIT RIS) has worked to bridge Europe’s innovation gap – and Serbia stands out as a success story. Between 2021 and 2024, Serbian organisations received €6.5 million in EIT support. This funding helped to create or scale over 100 startups, bring nine innovations to market, and deliver education and skills programmes reaching more than 8 700 learners. 

Success Stories from Serbia 

Among these achievements is ElevenEs, a Subotica-based spin-off that developed a sustainable battery technology and attracted €550 million in investment with the support of InnoEnergy (formerly EIT InnoEnergy). Another inspiring example is Neo Pill, a female-led startup born from the EIT Jumpstarter programme, now winning awards across Europe.

Expanding Opportunities in Education and Deep Tech 

Beyond entrepreneurship, Serbian universities and research institutions are also becoming active members of the EIT Community. Thirty-two institutions have already taken part in the EIT Higher Education Initiative, a programme that strengthens the innovation capacity of universities, while nearly 4 000 Serbian learners have joined the Deep Tech Talent Initiative. 

A One-Stop Shop for Innovation 

Led by Ana Ilić, the new EIT Community Hub Serbia will serve as a one-stop shop connecting innovators, universities, companies, and public authorities to EIT programmes, funding opportunities, and networks. By the end of 2025, there will be 24 EIT Community Hubs across Europe – and Serbia is now proudly part of this growing network, contributing to a shared European innovation future. 

Part of Europe’s Largest Innovation Ecosystem 

The launch follows the successful opening of the EIT Community Hub Greece, reinforcing the EIT’s commitment to empowering local ecosystems and creating new pathways for innovators across Europe. 

As part of Europe’s largest innovation ecosystem, the EIT brings together over 2 420 partners across 70+ hubs, has supported more than 9 900 ventures and has helped launch over 2 400 new products and services to market.