The public call is closed.

Public Call

 

In accordance with the provisions of the Law on Innovation Activity (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, No. 129/2021), the Law on the Budget of the Republic of Serbia for 2026 (“Official Gazette of the Republic of Serbia”, No. 108/2025), and the Programme for the Allocation and Use of Subsidy Funds for Public Non-Financial Enterprises and Organizations for 2026, which forms an integral part of the Conclusion of the Government of the Republic of Serbia No. 05 401-14967/2025 of 12 January 2026,

 

The Innovation Fund

announces the

Public Call for Financial Support to Regional Innovation Startup Centres

under the Programme for the Development of Regional Innovation Startup Centres

 

This Programme represents a continuation of institutional and programme support for already established Regional Innovation Startup Centres (hereinafter: RISCs), with the aim of further developing, professionalising, and ensuring the sustainability of capacities built during the previous phase of support. Particular emphasis is placed on improving the quality and diversity of services and programme capacities, as well as strengthening organisational and operational models in order to increase efficiency, sustainability, and integration into the broader innovation ecosystem.

The overall objective of the Programme is to strengthen and further develop the innovation ecosystem of the Republic of Serbia through the enhancement of Regional Innovation Startup Centres, thereby fostering innovation-driven entrepreneurship, the commercialization of innovative solutions, and sustainable economic growth at the local and regional levels.

Eligibility Criteria

The Programme is open to Regional Innovation Startup Centres that have been established and/or supported for a period of two years under the previous Innovation Fund programme dedicated to the development of Regional Innovation Startup Centres.

The applicant shall act as the project lead and is required to establish a partnership with one Science and Technology Park (STP). The partnership shall be formalized through a Partnership Agreement defining the rights and obligations of the partners in project implementation.

Funding

The maximum amount of funding that may be awarded by the Innovation Fund to a single RISC is RSD 7,500,000 covering up to 100% of the approved project budget.

The total budget allocated for the implementation of the Programme amounts to RSD 120,000,000.

Funding is awarded for a project implementation period of 12 months.

Funds awarded under this Programme constitute de minimis state aid and shall be granted in accordance with the regulations governing the award of state aid in the Republic of Serbia.

Eligible Costs

Funding awarded by the Innovation Fund may be used for the following categories of costs:

  • Human resources (up to 50% of the awarded funding);
  • Expert and mentoring services;
  • Programme and educational activities;
  • Promotion and visibility activities;
  • Services provided by the partner organization;
  • Capacity building and professionalization of the RISC;
  • Other costs (up to 10% of the awarded funding).

Аpplication

The complete application package shall consist of:

  • Completed Application Form;
  • Completed Budget Form;
  • A document confirming that the RISC has access to premises and the necessary equipment for its operation, free of encumbrances and restrictions, and available for use in accordance with the objectives of this Programme (PDF format);
  • Signed Partnership Agreement with the Science and Technology Park (PDF format).

All application documents must be submitted in the same visual, structural, and formatting style as provided on the Innovation Fund website.

In order to ensure effective monitoring of Programme implementation and achieved results, a system of performance indicators for Regional Innovation Startup Centres has been established. The Programme defines minimum target values for key indicators that each supported RISC must achieve during the project implementation period. An overview of the indicators and their minimum target values is provided in Section 2.5 of the Programme Manual.

Evaluation of Applications and Funding Decision

All applications submitted within the prescribed deadline will undergo an administrative review and expert evaluation. The assessment will examine compliance with Programme requirements, the quality and relevance of the proposed activities, as well as the justification and feasibility of the proposed budget.

The evaluation will include the following elements:

  • Whether all required documents have been submitted in the prescribed formats and duly signed;
  • Whether the Application Form and Budget Form have been completed in full;
  • Whether all supporting documentation has been submitted;
  • Whether the applicant meets all eligibility requirements;
  • Whether the proposed activities are relevant and aligned with the objectives of the Programme;
  • Whether the proposed activities and budget are appropriate, realistic, and feasible in relation to the Programme objectives and expected results.

The Innovation Fund shall make the final funding decision and notify applicants thereof via e-mail.

Applicants approved for funding will be invited to sign a Funding Agreement.

Submission of Applications

To be considered, an application must be submitted as a complete and structured package of documents, in the prescribed format, to the following e-mail address: startupcentri@inovacionifond.rs

The complete set of application documentation is available on the Documentation page.

Duration of the Public Call

The Public Call is open from June 19, 2026 until June 30, 2026 at 12:00 noon.

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.