Innovation Boost Bootcamps is a national program of informal education and support that provides young people from less developed regions of Serbia with access to knowledge, mentorship, and opportunities in innovation and entrepreneurship. The project addresses the pronounced gap in the availability of startup and innovation programs, which remain predominantly concentrated in large urban centers, and provides concrete opportunities directly to local communities nationwide.
Through a series of intensive Startup Bootcamps, the project brings together young people aged 18 to 29, high school students, students, freelancers and young professionals, who want to develop their own business ideas, start an entrepreneurial career or better connect with the startup ecosystem. The program is implemented in four cities across different regions of Serbia (Zlatibor, Novi Pazar, Novi Sad, and Paraćin), with a final Demo Day in Belgrade, further strengthening regional connectivity and the decentralization of innovation activities.
During the two-day bootcamp workshops, participants work through practical content on innovative thinking, design thinking methodology, business model development, and pitching skills, using artificial intelligence tools. The work takes place in teams, with mentoring and expert support, focusing on solving real problems and developing sustainable business ideas. The most successful teams from each region get the opportunity to continue their work through a multi-month mentoring program, during which they further develop their projects and compete for financial support.
The final phase of the project is the Demo Day in Belgrade, where teams present their solutions to representatives of the startup ecosystem, support organizations, mentors, and other relevant stakeholders. This event aims to connect young innovators with the wider community, open the door to further cooperation, and strengthen their chances for further development, as well as reward the best startup team with financial resources
Innovation Boost Bootcamps help strengthen local innovation ecosystems, reduce youth outmigration from smaller communities, and build sustainable infrastructure to support young entrepreneurs. The project aligns with the EU Youth Strategy and national strategic documents in youth and entrepreneurship, with a clear focus on balanced regional development and long-term social impact.
The “Innovation Boost Bootcamps” project is implemented with the support of the European Association for Local Democracy (ALDA) and is realized by ICT Hub. The views, opinions, and content expressed in this publication are those of the organization and do not necessarily reflect the official position of the European Association for Local Democracy - ALDA and the Agence Française de Développement (AFD). ALDA and AFD are not responsible for any use of the information contained therein.
