Over the course of three inspiring days, from April 21 to 23, in the setting of Hotel Biogor, we brought together experts from academia, industry, the startup community, and the investment ecosystem with a shared mission, to accelerate the green transition and the development of sustainable solutions through innovation.
The program was carefully designed to connect theory and practice in green chemistry.
From the very first day, key topics were addressed through introductory presentations and case studies, showcasing practical applications of green chemistry principles, from academic research to industrial processes. Discussions clearly highlighted the importance of collaboration between science and industry in developing innovative and sustainable technologies.
The second day focused on open innovation and its role in connecting diverse stakeholders. Through presentations, real-world examples, and panel discussions, participants gained insight into how ideas are created, developed through hackathons and accelerator programs, and brought to market. A particularly valuable contribution came from the investor panel, which addressed what is needed to strengthen the development and financing of green solutions.
As part of the program, the GreenUp Accelerator was also presented as one of the key mechanisms for supporting innovation development. The GreenUp Accelerator is jointly implemented by:
- Cleaner Production Centre, Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade – part of the UNIDO/GEF Global Green Chemistry Innovation & Network Program led by Yale University (USA).
- ICT Hub, within the framework of the German-Serbian development cooperation project implemented by GIZ.
Final day was dedicated to a broader perspective on Serbia’s greentech ecosystem. The findings of the study “State and Potential of Green Technologies in Serbia,” conducted by ICT Hub, were presented, followed by a panel discussion that brought together representatives of startups and organizations actively contributing to the development of this sector.
The exchange of experiences and key takeaways clearly demonstrated that Serbia has strong potential for developing a robust and interconnected green innovation ecosystem.
Through panels, workshops, and informal discussions, this gathering was not only an exchange of knowledge, but also a space for networking, generating new ideas, and initiating collaborations with the potential to grow into concrete projects.
We thank all participants, speakers, and partners whose knowledge, experience, and energy made this retreat more than just an event, it became a platform for ideas that drive change.