StarTech - Supporting innovation and digital transformation of SMEs

Area: Entrepreneurship development
Donor: Philip Morris International
Partners: Government of Serbia
Implementation period: October 2020 – December 2023
Download project info sheet (in Serbian)

StarTech program supporting digital transformation of SMEs is a three-year project for the promotion of innovation and technological development in Serbia implemented by NALED in cooperation with the Government of Serbia and with the support of Philip Morris International.

The project is aimed at facilitating growth acceleration of Serbian businesses and transforming traditional economy based on agriculture and processing industry into digital, export-oriented, knowledge and innovation based economy. The total project value is five million dollars, of with three and a half million allocated for financial support to domestic businesses through grants and expert support, while the remaining funds are intended for improving the regulatory framework and promoting innovations, innovators and Serbia as an investment destination. 

Direct support for 100 most innovative businesses
Domestic SMEs will have the opportunity to apply, independently or in cooperation with faculties or research centers, for grants ranging from 15,000 to 100,000 USD to be invested into digital transformation of business, research and development of innovative products and services.  The program includes three annual open calls that are planned to award 100 grants and vouchers for 1,000 hours of expert support for registering patents, harmonization with regulations, facilitating export, application of new technologies etc. 

Improving the regulatory framework for innovation          
The project will support the dialogue and coordination of initiatives run by the public and private sectors, to ahcieve synergy within the innovation ecosystem. The Policy Lab will provide the analytical ground for planning reforms and creating the conditions for accelerated economic growth and preserving the creative potential in the country. 

Promoting reforms and Serbian wits in the country and abroad  
Promotion of domestic innovative businesses and Serbia as an investment destination aims to encourage small and medium enterprises to initiate the process of digital transformation and transition to value added production, enter the foreign markets and mobilize additional capital from the country and abroad. The most successful StarTech beneficiaries will get the opportunity to present their ideas and projects at international investment conferences in Europe and the world.