The Serbian European Digital Innovation Hub on AI – S4AI_HUB, as part of its activities, announces the first public call for participation in the Launcher program designed for early-stage startups. The program is created to help teams validate their ideas, develop sustainable business models, and lay the groundwork for further growth, with expert support and funding of up to 1,150,000 RSD per team.
Launcher is the first startup accelerator based in Niš, offering participants
- Structured education and hands-on training focused on idea validation and market testing
- Mentorship and expert support
- Financial support for solution development, validation, and participation in an international startup conference
- Pre-incubation and six months of free membership at the Science Technology Park Nis
- Networking with industry partners and access to the S4AI network
The program is part of a broader national framework for digital innovation and is co-financed by the European Union.
Applications are open to:
- Informal teams with at least two members
- Micro companies (LLCs), registered in Serbia, up to 10 years old, with majority Serbian ownership
Eligible applicants must offer innovative technological solutions (hardware and/or software) with potential for growth and commercialization. The program is particularly aimed at teams in TRL 2–5 and CRL 2–5 development stages.
Who cannot apply?
- Teams that have already received more than €50,000 in product development funding
- Companies majority-owned by other companies
- Teams whose activities negatively impact the environment or lack commercial potential
- Solutions in the fields of tobacco industry, weaponry, gambling, and similar sectors
Selection process:
The application deadline is May 16, 2025, at midnight, via the website: www.launcher.rs.
More Information:
Detailed conditions, criteria, and program phases can be found in the Participant Guide, available on the website launcher.rs. For additional questions, contact: info@launcher.rs. The full public call can be viewed HERE.
The Launcher program represents a unique opportunity for startups to develop innovations that respond to the challenges of modern industry and digital transformation, with the support of the national S4AI Hub.