First Public Call Open for Participation in the S4AI_HUB Launcher Program

The Serbian European Digital Innovation Hub on AI – S4AI_HUB, as part of its initiatives, announces the first public call for participation in the Launcher program aimed at early-stage startups. The program is designed to help teams validate their ideas, develop sustainable business models, and lay the foundations for further growth, with expert support and funding of up to RSD 1,150,000 per team.

Launcher is the first accelerator in Niš offering participants:

• Structured education and hands-on training focused on idea validation and market testing
  
• Mentoring and expert support
  
• Financial assistance for solution development, validation, and participation in an international startup conference
  
• Pre-incubation and six months of free membership at the Niš Science and Technology Park
  
• Networking with industry partners and access to the S4AI network
  

The program is part of a broader national framework for digital innovation and is co-funded by the European Union.

Applications are open to:

• Informal teams with at least two members
  
• Micro-enterprises (LLC) registered in Serbia, up to 10 years old, with majority Serbian ownership
  Eligible projects include innovative technological solutions (hardware and/or software) with growth and commercialization potential. The program specifically targets teams at TRL 2–5 and CRL 2–5 development levels.
  

Who cannot apply?

• Teams that have already received more than €50,000 in funding for product development
  
• Enterprises majority-owned by other companies
  
• Teams whose activities negatively impact the environment or lack commercial potential
  
• Solutions in the tobacco, weapons, gambling, and similar sectors
  

Selection process

The application deadline is May 16, 2025, at midnight, via the website www.launcher.rs.

For more information

Detailed terms, criteria, and program stages can be found in the Participant Guide, available at launcher.rs. For additional inquiries, contact: info@launcher.rs.

The Launcher program offers a unique opportunity for startups to develop innovations addressing the challenges of modern industry and digital transformation, with the support of the national S4AI Hub.