European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), an independent body of the European Union, has opened its first EIT Hub in Belgrade, marking Serbia’s formal entry into a network of 24 European countries working together to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable development.

New EIT Hub Belgrade will give Serbian entrepreneurs, researchers, and academics direct access to EIT’s support programs for idea development, networking, and funding opportunities.

The Hub was presented during the BioTech Future Forum, where Plamena Halačeva, Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia, highlighted the importance of this milestone, calling it “a long-awaited turning point in strengthening Serbia’s role as a growing innovation hub in Southeast Europe and on the EU innovation map”.

“This center will play a key role in unlocking Serbia’s innovation potential. By combining resources, networks, and expertise, it will strengthen Serbia’s innovation ecosystem and support its transition toward a knowledge-based economy. With €90 million already supporting research, technology, and startups, the EU will continue to back reforms that make Serbia more competitive in Europe and beyond”, said Halačeva.

Deputy Head of the EU Delegation to Serbia,

Over the years, the EIT has supported more than 10,000 innovative ideas, helped launch around 2,450 new products and services, and trained over 1.3 million learners. Today, EIT-backed companies and startups have a combined market value of approximately €71 billion.

“By connecting innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers, this Hub is an important step toward a more inclusive and dynamic innovation ecosystem in Serbia. It will empower Serbian talent to grow, collaborate, and connect with Europe’s largest innovation network. We are here to help turn your ideas into innovations for a more competitive and sustainable European future”, said Martin Kern, Director of EIT.

The EIT operates through nine Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) that bring together organizations from across Europe to address key challenges such as climate change, digitalization, food and agriculture, health, energy, manufacturing, raw materials, urban mobility, and culture.

In addition to mentoring, networking with international investors, and market support, EIT also offers master’s and doctoral programs and professional training courses, fostering the development of innovation, management, and entrepreneurship skills, as well as researcher and student mobility.

In Serbia, EIT’s programs will be implemented in cooperation with NALED.

Those interested in learning more about EIT opportunities can contact the EIT Community Hub Serbia via email at serbia@eitcommunity.eu or follow its LinkedIn page – EIT Community Hub Serbia.

The official opening of the EIT Hub was held as part of the BioTech Future Forum, organized by the Government of Serbia and the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in cooperation with the Office for IT and eGovernment, the Ministry of Science, NALED, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the BIO4 Campus.