Support for Innovation Development through Two New Public Calls by the Innovation Fund!
The Innovation Fund of the Republic of Serbia has launched two important public calls, opening new opportunities for innovative enterprises in Serbia – particularly in the fields of technological entrepreneurship and the application of artificial intelligence. Both programs aim to improve access to financing and accelerate the growth of innovative companies, while ensuring full compliance with state aid regulations and applicable investment conditions.
- Public Call for the Katapult Acceleration Program
Application deadline: 13 October 2025
Key Information:
- Intended for startups (micro and small enterprises) up to 6 years old, with significant operational presence in Serbia, majority privately owned (at least 80%) and majority founder-owned (over 50%), which have not generated more than EUR 5 million in revenue in either of the previous two years.
- Includes an entry grant of up to RSD 2.4 million for early-stage startups, or up to RSD 6 million for growth-stage startups.
- In addition, a co-investment grant of up to RSD 36 million may be awarded, provided that a qualified investment is secured during or within 9 months after the acceleration period.
- Priority domains include: information and communication technologies (including artificial intelligence), machinery and manufacturing processes of the future, creative industries, and food for the future.
- Public Call for the Catalytic Co-investment Grant Program
Open until June 2027 or until available funds are exhausted. First cut-off date: 5 September 2025
Key Information:
- Intended for micro and small enterprises organized as limited liability companies (LLC), up to 10 years old, that are developing artificial intelligence technologies with commercial application potential.
- Provides a grant of up to EUR 200,000, contingent on a previously secured qualified investment of at least EUR 50,000.
- Disbursement is made in 2 to 3 quarterly tranches over a period of 6 to 9 months.
- Includes mentoring support for strengthening market readiness and defining scalable business models.
Both public calls prescribe clearly defined eligibility requirements regarding ownership structure, legal form, and company age. In both cases, securing a private investment is a prerequisite for obtaining co-investment support from public funds. This approach ensures that public resources are directed toward companies that have already demonstrated market potential and investor interest, thus fostering the development of sustainable and competitive innovations.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the Fund’s application portal.
Should you require further clarification, legal assistance with the preparation of documentation, interpretation of eligibility requirements, or structuring of investment arrangements, our office remains at your full disposal.