Top 20 Startup Competitions in Serbia You Should Enter

Top 20 Startup Competitions in Serbia You Should Enter 

Serbia’s startup ecosystem is buzzing with energy, innovation, and potential. If you're an entrepreneur looking to make waves in 2024, startup competitions are a golden opportunity to gain visibility, secure funding, and network with industry leaders. To help you navigate this vibrant landscape, we've curated a list of the top 20 startup competitions in Serbia that you should consider entering this year. Each of these competitions offers unique benefits and can significantly boost your startup's growth.

1. Startit Up! Competition

What it is: A prominent national competition supporting innovative startups across Serbia.

Why enter: Gain access to a network of investors and mentors, and benefit from significant media exposure. Winners receive mentorship, funding, and valuable networking opportunities.

Website: Startit Up!

2. Serbia Innovation Fund Challenge

What it is: A competition organized by the Innovation Fund of Serbia to support innovative startups.

Why enter: Offers funding opportunities, business development support, and connections with industry experts.

3. Elevator Lab Serbia

What it is: Part of Raiffeisen Bank’s global initiative to support startups through mentoring and funding.

Why enter: Access to a global network of mentors and investors, with a chance to secure funding and gain international exposure.

Website: Elevator Lab Serbia

4. Techstars Belgrade Startup Week

What it is: An event featuring a startup competition and workshops organized by Techstars.

Why enter: A platform to showcase your startup, connect with Techstars mentors, and gain visibility in the global startup community.

Website: Techstars Belgrade

5. Startup Grind Serbia

What it is: Part of the global Startup Grind community, hosting local pitch competitions and networking events.

Why enter: Get connected with a global network of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, and gain exposure through Startup Grind’s platform.

6. Belgrade Venture Forum

What it is: A competition focused on connecting startups with venture capitalists and investors.

Why enter: Pitch your startup to a panel of investors and industry leaders, and gain insights and potential funding opportunities.

7. Serbia Startups Awards

What it is: A national awards competition celebrating the most promising startups in Serbia.

Why enter: Gain national recognition, access to funding, and opportunities to connect with top business leaders and investors.

8. Innovation Week Belgrade

What it is: An annual event featuring a startup competition as part of its innovation-focused programming.

Why enter: Showcase your startup among innovative peers, and network with potential partners, investors, and mentors.

Website: Innovation Week Belgrade

9. NLB Start Competition

What it is: A competition organized by NLB Bank to support emerging startups.

Why enter: Access to mentorship, potential funding, and opportunities to showcase your startup to a wide audience.

10. StartUp Serbia Fest

What it is: A festival celebrating the startup ecosystem in Serbia with competitions and networking opportunities.

Why enter: Engage with a vibrant community of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors, and gain exposure to a broad audience.

11. Startup Hub Belgrade

What it is: A local initiative supporting startups through competitions and accelerator programs.

Why enter: Gain local visibility, access to mentoring, and potential funding from the Startup Hub’s network of partners.

12. Innovative Serbia 2024

What it is: A competition focusing on innovative solutions across various sectors.

Why enter: Opportunity to showcase groundbreaking ideas and gain recognition from industry experts and potential investors.

13. Beta StartUp Challenge

What it is: A competition designed to support early-stage startups with high growth potential.

Why enter: Connect with mentors, access funding opportunities, and gain visibility in the startup community.

14. Young Entrepreneurs Serbia

What it is: A competition aimed at young entrepreneurs with innovative startup ideas.

Why enter: Provides mentorship, funding opportunities, and a platform to showcase your startup to a younger demographic of investors and mentors.

15. Tech Startup Arena

What it is: A competition focusing on tech startups with innovative solutions.

Why enter: Gain exposure in the tech industry, connect with tech investors, and access resources tailored for tech entrepreneurs.

16. Serbian Startup Challenge

What it is: A national competition recognizing promising startups across various industries.

Why enter: Gain national recognition, network with top investors, and receive feedback from industry experts.

17. Startup Growth Awards

What it is: An awards program celebrating startups with significant growth and impact.

Why enter: Showcase your growth achievements and connect with investors interested in scaling businesses.

18. Venture Up Serbia

What it is: A competition aimed at scaling startups with high growth potential.

Why enter: Connect with venture capitalists, access growth resources, and gain visibility in the startup ecosystem.

19. Serbia Tech Startups Forum

What it is: A forum featuring a startup competition and networking opportunities in the tech sector.

Why enter: Network with tech leaders, gain exposure in the tech community, and access potential funding opportunities.

20. Green Startup Awards

What it is: A competition focusing on startups with sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.

Why enter: Showcase your green innovation, gain recognition in the sustainability sector, and connect with investors focused on environmental impact.

Conclusion

Entering startup competitions is a strategic way to elevate your business, connect with key stakeholders, and secure essential resources. Serbia’s dynamic startup scene in 2024 offers a wealth of opportunities for entrepreneurs across various industries. Whether you’re looking for funding, mentorship, or simply want to showcase your innovative ideas, these top 20 competitions provide platforms to help you achieve your goals. Prepare your pitch, research each competition’s requirements, and take advantage of these exciting opportunities to propel your startup to new heights. Good luck, and here’s to a successful 2024!