The Innovation Fund has launched new support programmes for creative businesses

The Fund used the ceremony to announce a new grant package of 26 million euros for the development of new products, services, and/or technologies of innovative companies, as well as to present 114 new innovative projects that were previously supported with 20 million euros, emphasising the importance of Serbia's and the European Union's joint investment.

Starting today, innovative enterprises in Serbia can apply for grants under the Fund's latest public call, which is valued 10.3 million euros. The public call is aimed at micro, small, and medium-sized businesses, as well as consortia made up of private businesses and scientific research organisations. Applications for innovative projects can be submitted through the Fund's portal until September 15, 2023, at 12 p.m.

The Fund, which is part of the assistance programmes (Early Development Programme, Innovation Co-financing Programme, and Science and Business Cooperation Programme), awards funds of up to 120,000 euros and up to 500,000 euros per individual project, depending on the programme.

The day dedicated to innovation as part of the "EU Week of Opportunities" began with information sessions on the Fund's support programme and a panel discussion on the future of research, development, and innovation. This was followed by the Forum Theatre "Innovation=Meeting Challenges", which, through an interactive exhibition, conveyed the experience of young entrepreneurs on their road from idea to realisation, with the support of the Fund. The dynamic dramatic play is organised with the goal of stimulating and encouraging creative thinking on overcoming difficulties on the route to developing an innovative firm from the bottom up.