First phase of Launcher program begins – 20 startup teams to go from idea to business model

After the closing of the public invitation for participation in the Launcher program, which caused great interest and attracted 108 applications, the first phase had begun, with 20 carefully selected startup teams. During the next five weeks, these teams will work intensively on developing their ideas through a structured educational process and practical exercises, announced the Science-Technology Park Nis.

Phase I of the program focuses on defining and developing startup ideas, with a special focus on problem validation and shaping a clear value offer. The teams are to go through eight educational modules which lead them from the initial idea to a sustainable business model. The education is based on the principles of the Running Lean methodology, which enables startups to systematically test their business foundations, recognize the key risks and get feedback directly from the users.

– We are very satisfied with the big number of applications sent for this year’s cycle of the Launcher program, especially since they come from various parts of Serbia, including regions from which we previously did not have any representatives. That shows us that the entrepreneurial spirit is growing and spreading, and for us that is a strong incentive to build the program even more carefully – they say.

Launcher is designed to provide startups in an early phase with concrete and all-encompassing support precisely where they need it the most. The teams have at their disposal a structured educational process which leads them through key steps - from recognizing and validating the problems, through testing the market, to defining the minimum viable product (MVP).

– In addition to that, through regular sessions with experienced mentors from the business and technological communities, the participants get concrete advice, support and guidelines which help them turn their ideas into sustainable solutions. We are looking forward to working with this varied and talented group of teams in the coming weeks – they point out at the STP Nis.

The first phase of the program ends in July with a presentation of the results at the Demo Day, when the teams are to present their progress in front of the Commission. Based on clearly defined criteria, the decision will be made on which teams are to move on to the second phase of the program, which lasts up to five months and represents an intensive development period oriented toward preparation for the market and further scaling.

The aim of the Launcher program is to provide startups in an early phase with systemic support, help them develop solutions with real market potential and contribute to the development of sustainable technological entrepreneurship in Serbia - with a special focus on the territory of the AP Kosovo and Metohija.

The program is implemented by the STP Nis in cooperation with the Startup Center Nis, the Regional Innovation Center Zubin Potok, the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering in Nis and the Faculty of Diplomacy and Security, with financial support from the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, the City of Nis and the Fazi company.