First Serbia-Switzerland Innovation Forum Opens at the Palace of Serbia

In her opening remarks, Minister Dr. Begović expressed her delight at the participation of experts from both Serbia and Switzerland, who had gathered to exchange knowledge and ideas aimed at advancing global innovation and the startup ecosystem.

A key milestone of the Forum was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Swiss pharmaceutical giant Novartis, aimed at enhancing collaboration with research and development institutions within the BIO4 Campus. Dr. Begović highlighted the importance of this partnership, stating that the Memorandum reflects “a strong commitment by both parties to fostering cooperation and improving synergy between industry, scientific institutes, university faculties, and organizations.” She also underscored Novartis’s significant investment in research and development, which amounts to €11 billion—approximately a quarter of its total revenue.

H.E. Jacques Ducrest congratulated the Serbian hosts on organizing the Forum and praised Serbia’s dedication to fostering innovation and developing its startup ecosystem. “It is extremely important for governments, academia, and the private sector to collaborate and maintain a developed dialogue. Serbia excels in this regard,” he stated.

H.E. Anne Lugon-Moulin welcomed attendees and applauded Minister Begović for the successful organization of the Forum. “Serbia and Switzerland have enjoyed exceptional cooperation, and we are committed to intensifying this partnership, particularly in the fields of startups and innovation,” said the Swiss Ambassador.

The Forum marks a significant step forward in strengthening ties between Serbia and Switzerland, fostering innovation-driven collaboration that will benefit both nations in advancing science, technology, and the global startup ecosystem.