Кatapult 2025: Startups Ready for Global Challenges


22.01.2025

The Кatapult Acceleration Program continues to shape the future of Serbia's startup ecosystem. Over three cohorts, the program has supported 60 startups, collectively achieving a market valuation of $255 million and attracting more than $25 million in private investments.

In this latest cohort, the independent selection committee of the Innovation Fund has selected 19 innovative startups. Through a three-month program, they will gain access to mentorship, education, financial support, and opportunities to connect with investors. This will enable them to accelerate development, achieve sustainable growth, and prepare for global competitiveness.

Supported by the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, the European Union, and the World Bank, Кatapult is a key mechanism for strengthening Serbia's startup ecosystem. A total of EUR 3 million in grants, allocated from the national budget through the line Ministry, is dedicated to startups under this public call to advance innovative solutions, enhance production capacities, and enter international markets.

This cohort brings innovative solutions beyond technological advancements, and encompasses socially responsible innovations. Noteworthy are startups focusing on sustainability and smart technologies, including reducing carbon footprints, advancing recycling processes, and adopting renewable energy sources. Simultaneously, some startups aim to improve quality of life through innovative approaches in education, healthcare, and the creation of new forms of entertainment.

Katapult is a catalyst for change in Serbia's startup ecosystem, benefiting not only startups but also domestic and international investors by creating a dynamic space for collaboration and growth. By fostering a sustainable environment, the program unlocks new opportunities for all participants, providing them with resources and support to prepare for global challenges.

Financing for Katapult is provided by the Republic of Serbia (Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation), through EUR 7.7 million World Bank loan with implementation support, and the European Union, through EUR 10 million grant. The program is part of the "Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship Project," dedicated to strengthening innovative entrepreneurship and scientific research.

 

List of Selected Startups

Cosmic Buildings

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Robotics

Category: Scale-upCosmic develops mobile micro-factories that use robotics, AI, and modular construction systems to produce net-zero homes 10 times faster and at 30% lower costs. Their initial product is a premium sustainable home available in four sizes, suitable as an auxiliary dwelling unit, primary family residence, or modular units for entire neighborhoods.

 

Digital Asset Technologies

Location: Belgrade

Industry: FinTech

Category: Scale-up

Veli is a regulated European platform offering cryptocurrency index-like investment strategies. Financial advisors can manage clients’ crypto portfolios efficiently in one place.

 

Softech Integration

Location:

Industry: ICT

Category: Scale-up

Softech creates scalable software solutions that help brands and distributors increase sales, optimize inventory, and enhance profitability across the sales chain.

 

DEEPMARK

Location:

Industry: Artificial Intelligence

Category: Ideation

DeepMark specializes in advanced watermarking solutions for GenAI companies, ensuring content authenticity and ownership verification.

 

Beyond42

Location: Belgrade

Industry: ICT/3D Animation

Category: Scale-up
Beyond42 is a prop-tech startup offering a platform for creating digital twins of monumental buildings, enabling virtual events and improved business processes.

 

Shosha Games

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Gaming

Category: Ideation

Shosha Games is a video game studio focusing on original titles, third-party collaborations, and educational workshops in regional communities.

 

AIN

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Blockchain

Category: Ideation

AIN develops blockchain and AI projects, including the successful NFT-TiX initiative, and collaborates with the TON Foundation on app and infrastructure development.

 

Tricoman Studios

Location: Novi Sad

Industry: ICT/Interactive Media

Category: Ideation

Tricoman Studios develops premium video games and animated series based on the fantasy franchise "Godforged."

 

Safety Real Time

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Software Development

Category: Scale-up

Safety Real Time offers software solutions for transportation companies, improving safety standards and fleet management in real time.

 

Institute Beautiful Minds J&D

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Mental Health and Wellness Services

Category: Scale-up

Beautiful Minds J&D is a pioneer in mental health prevention in Serbia, providing innovative tools and programs for personal development and psychological support.

 

SmartRun

Location:

Industry: Artificial Intelligence

Category: Ideation

SmartRun develops personalized training plans tailored to users' health data, offering effective and customized fitness solutions.

 

Spona Global

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Big Data and Analytics

Category: Scale-up

Spona generates client contact databases for sales teams and entrepreneurs, leveraging advanced data analytics to enhance sales efficiency.

 

Myty

Location: Belgrade

Industry: ICT

Category: Ideation

Myty revolutionizes interior design with a platform that allows users to virtually create, customize, and personalize spaces using cutting-edge technology.

 

Super Prostor

Location: Sombor

Industry: ICT/Software Development

Category: Scale-up

Super Prostor connects investors, architects, and professionals in the construction industry through a digital platform for seamless project planning and execution.

 

Code Me Up

Location: Belgrade

Industry: Integrated Systems

Category: Ideation

Code Me Up specializes in software development for digital television, Android TV, and Smart TV systems, offering advanced IoT solutions for enhancing user experiences.

 

Treesury

Location: Belgrade

Industry: AgriTech

Category: Ideation

Treesury enables collective investments in carbon-negative agriculture through tokenized plants, sharing profits equally with investors while improving access to finance and markets for farmers.

 

Keleraba

Location: Pančevo

Industry: AgriTech

Category: Scale-up

Keleraba develops vertical gardens for growing multiple crops with up to 10 times space efficiency, 90% less resource use, and sustainable practices.

 

Natiive Tech Solutions

Location: Belgrade

Industry: ICT

Category: Scale-up

Natiive Tech Solutions assists moving companies in accurately estimating job volumes and finalizing sales without significant costs or sales teams.

 

Alideda

Location: Belgrade

Industry: ICT

Category: Scale-up

Alideda digitizes restaurant operations through an aggregator platform, providing a full system for managing menus, orders, and deliveries.