Public call open
INNOVATION ACADEMY: From Potential to Business Opportunities
Have an innovative idea? Discover your next step
The Innovation Fund is launching Innovation Academy, a new pilot programme providing individuals, teams, startups and companies with educational and expert support to develop innovative solutions, strengthen their market potential and identify suitable sources of financing.
After 15 years of supporting the development of innovation in Serbia, the Fund is expanding its activities by introducing an educational component focused on acquiring knowledge, developing skills and building the capacity to implement innovative ideas and projects.
Applications for Innovation Academy are now open, and interested candidates can apply for the programme's initial phase, Navigator. Participants will have the opportunity to assess the potential of their ideas, improve their business models, gain a better understanding of market needs and define the next steps in developing their projects.
The programme is implemented in cooperation with NALED and TECNALIA through training, practical work, mentoring and expert consultations. It is open to applicants with innovative ideas and projects at various stages of development, from initial ideas and concept validation, through prototype and minimum viable product (MVP) development, to preparation for commercialisation and further growth.
Two Programme Phases: Navigator and Skillup
Innovation Academy is delivered through two interconnected phases, Navigator and Skillup, designed to address participants' different needs.
Navigator is the initial phase, introducing participants to available support programmes, funding sources and opportunities for further developing their ideas and projects. Its aim is to help participants identify the next steps and forms of support best suited to their needs.
Skillup is the advanced phase, intended for participants selected through an evaluation process. Through workshops, mentoring and expert consultations, participants work on improving their innovative solutions, developing business models, conducting market validation and strengthening their readiness for negotiations and cooperation with potential partners and investors.
Progression from Navigator to Skillup is not automatic. It depends on evaluation results, established selection criteria and the programme's available capacity.
Applications for Innovation Academy
Applications must be submitted through the online application form by 12:00 noon on 16 November 2026, in accordance with the conditions set out in the public call. Detailed information on participation, selection criteria and programme implementation is available in the accompanying documentation on the Fund's website. For additional information, interested applicants may contact the Fund at iakademija@inovacionifond.rs.