Belgrade and Novi Sad are leading Serbia’s rise as a key player in artificial intelligence (AI) policy and innovation in Central Europe. Ranked among the top 10 startup ecosystems in the region by Startup Genome’s 2025 report, these cities benefit from robust startup infrastructure, supportive programs, and a young, diverse talent pool.
Serbia’s ICT export revenues hit a record $4.31 billion in 2024, a 20% increase year-on-year. According to the Digital Serbia Initiative, 41% of Serbian startups focus on AI, while 24% specialize in biotech, medtech, food production, or agriculture, and 19% in data processing and analytics. AI-related technologies grew by 14.2% since 2022, reflecting global innovation trends.
Global interest in AI investment is booming, with an over 80% increase in venture funding for AI startups in 2024 compared to the previous year, per Crunchbase data. Hardware development also remains significant, though slightly declining from 21.9% in 2023 to 18.2%.
Startup Genome forecasts that AI will become the foundational technology in all tech startups within five years. While Silicon Valley currently leads globally in AI startups, cities like Beijing, Paris, Delhi, Istanbul, and San Diego are rapidly expanding their AI ecosystems.
In support of this growth, Serbia’s Fund for Innovation Activity launched the Katalitik program to boost AI startups by co-investing alongside private investors. Open to Serbian-registered micro and small businesses under 10 years old with AI-based products or services, the program offers up to €200,000 in non-refundable funding, matching at least the same amount of external investment (minimum €50,000).
Katalitik also provides mentoring to enhance product development and business models. The fund has €7.4 million available, with applications reviewed in cycles every three to four months.
The program, backed by Serbia’s Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, the World Bank, and the European Union, is part of the broader SAIGE initiative aimed at accelerating innovation and entrepreneurship growth.
This initiative strengthens Serbia’s position as a regional center for AI development, fostering market-ready solutions tailored to industry needs and attracting private investment to further accelerate the digital economy.
