Serbia Hosts Leading Global Scientists at the Biotech Future Forum
From disease simulations to transforming healthcare systems through artificial intelligence, the fourth Biotech Future Forum, taking place from October 27–28 at the Ložionica venue, will explore the predictive power of models in shaping a healthier and smarter future for all. Belgrade will become a global science hub centered around the powerful idea of modeling, hosting Nobel Laureate Robert Huber and genomics pioneer J. Craig Venter. The forum will also focus on the application of AI in medicine and diagnostics.
At the press conference, Marija Gnjatović, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, emphasized that the government is intensively investing in innovation and scientific infrastructure.
“We have improved the system of science funding and introduced the eScience platform as the main database for tracking progress. We are also investing significantly in scientific infrastructure — more than 50 million euros has been directed toward supporting startups through science and technology parks, while an additional 50 million euros is being invested in expanding capacities in Niš and Čačak. Our science sector now enjoys stable funding, and average salaries have increased significantly. We are particularly focused on retaining experts, attracting talent from the region and the diaspora, as well as designing new PhD programs and strengthening resources related to knowledge and expertise,” explained Gnjatović.
The Biotech Future Forum is organized by the Government of the Republic of Serbia and the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in cooperation with the Office for IT and eGovernment, the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, NALED, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), with support from the BIO4 Campus.
“We are united around a shared vision — for Serbia to become part of the European and global innovation value chain. To become a place where science and business meet, where research turns into practice, and where innovation becomes the driver of development. That is precisely why the Biotech Future Forum is so important,” said Violeta Jovanović, Executive Director of NALED.
This year’s program features around 10 panels and 7 keynote sessions, covering topics such as longevity, technology transfer, and investments in biotechnology. More than 50 speakers and panelists from around the world will participate.
“On the first day, we’ll discuss vision — what the healthcare of the future looks like, the role of artificial intelligence in the healthcare system, and the overall development of biotechnology and its role in our lives,” explained Dragana Šutović Ilić, Regulatory Reform Advisor at NALED.
Ognjen Milićević, one of the forum speakers and Machine Learning Tech Lead at HTEC, announced his lecture titled “Why Everything Is Mathematics.”
“The question today is how to use technology not just for everyday routines, but for the most important tasks — especially in biotechnology and fields that directly impact human life and health. I believe now is the right moment for a major shift. This year, I expect a significant leap forward compared to the last one, and I invite everyone to come to the conference and see what the scientific community in Serbia has to offer,” said Milićević.
