The Science Fund of the Republic of Serbia announced today, at a ceremony held at the Belgrade Science and Technology Park, the launch of two new calls for research project proposals: the Artificial Intelligence Research Program, with a total budget of €8.4 million, and the Green Program for Science–Industry Collaboration (Phase II), with a budget of €1 million.

The first program will support outstanding basic and applied research projects in the field of artificial intelligence, backed by €8.4 million in funding secured through a World Bank loan under the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project (SAIGE). Implemented in cooperation with the European Union, the program aims to accelerate Serbia’s social, technological, cultural, and economic development in priority areas of artificial intelligence.

“The program we will launch shortly is based on the Artificial Intelligence Development Strategy of the Republic of Serbia for the period 2025–2030. It encompasses the advancement of science, innovation, and AI-based technological solutions, with a particular focus on medicine, biotechnology, education, agriculture, engineering, information security, and other strategic fields. I am especially pleased that this program introduces, for the first time, dedicated incentives for collaboration among research organizations from different regions of Serbia, enabling more balanced participation of researchers from across the country in Science Fund projects” said Professor Nenad Filipović, PhD, Acting Director of the Science Fund.

He added that the call for the second phase of the Green Program, financed from the budget of the Republic of Serbia, will also be launched soon.

“This program continues to foster the development of technologies and solutions aimed at improving environmental quality and supporting sustainable development. With the support of the Government of the Republic of Serbia, the European Union, and the World Bank, we are creating the conditions for Serbian science to generate innovative solutions to societal challenges—solutions that can be applied across various sectors and contribute to a better quality of life for all” Professor Filipović stated.

Minister of Environmental Protection Sara Pavkov noted that both programs are united by a clear focus on knowledge, science, innovation, and new solutions which, when properly supported and directed, have the potential to become drivers of development and progress for society.

“Expert knowledge is the foundation of everything the Ministry of Environmental Protection does in this field, including air and soil protection, waste and wastewater management, and biodiversity conservation. Within the ministry I lead, I will continue to advocate for knowledge, dialogue, and cooperation. A constructive approach, fresh ideas, our expertise, and dedicated work are what move individuals, communities, and our country forward” Pavkov said.

Professor Aleksandra Šuvaković, PhD, State Secretary at the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, emphasized that the Ministry will continue supporting new Science Fund programs as well as startup companies.

“I would like to see as many applications as possible and for the strongest projects to emerge through the evaluation process—those capable of delivering tangible results whose benefits will first be felt by our society and state, and which will soon gain international recognition” Professor Šuvaković stated.

Dejan Šuvakov, Innovation, Research and Development, and SME Program Manager at the EU Delegation to Serbia, said that the European Union has been a proud partner of the Science Fund since its establishment six years ago.

“Today, as we announce new programs in artificial intelligence and green science–industry collaboration, we can already see the results of the EU’s technical assistance and grants totaling €16.5 million, provided through the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Entrepreneurship Project (SAIGE). These grants have enabled Serbian researchers to push the boundaries of knowledge and develop new research-based solutions. Investment in science and AI research is essential for the country’s future development, and we believe that EU support in this area will significantly strengthen the competitiveness of the Serbian economy” Šuvakov said.

During the event, Professor Ivan Rakonjac, PhD, Director of the Innovation Fund, presented KATALITIK, the Fund’s new co-investment grant program financed through the SAIGE project and designed to support AI-focused startups.

“I have often heard that there is a lack of investment in science and industry. This is precisely what is changing thanks to the SAIGE project—first through the KATAPULT program, and now through KATALITIK. I believe this new initiative will elevate our startups to a significantly higher level, both in terms of their growth potential and their attractiveness to future investors” Rakonjac concluded.