Save the Date as 23 startups will be presenting at the Katapult Demo Day on the 22nd of May

What is Katapult?

Launched by the Innovation Fund of the Republic of Serbia, Katapult is an acceleration program that targets early-stage growth-oriented innovative companies and gives them the support and funds needed to scale their businesses.

Katapult is a part of the Serbia Accelerating Innovation and Growth Entrepreneurship Project, built on a decade of successful cooperation between the Government of Serbia, the European Union and the World Bank and dedicated to strengthening innovative entrepreneurship and scientific research. 

Financing for Katapult is provided by the Republic of Serbia (Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Development), through a 7.7 million euro World Bank loan with implementation support, and the European Union, through a 10 million euro grant.

Program Overview

• Over 3 months, Katapult will support up to 20 startups (segmented into one of two streams – Ideation or Scale-up), matching them with industry experts and mentors with proven ability to grow companies.
• Each startup will be assigned a Lead Mentor who will coordinate the startup’s overall mentoring plan, including an In-country Mentor and a Subject Matter Expert (leveraging additional mentors to address specific knowledge gaps).

I have a startup. Why should I participate?

• This is an intensive, well rounded program designed specifically to help Serbian startups reach key milestones throughout an arduous startup journey.
• Katapult provides financial grants and capacity building by connecting founders to seasoned early stage investors.
• By participating, founders are assigned a dedicated lead mentor, access to a pool of local and global mentors, and become part of an elite network of Serbian startups.
• Until now, entrepreneurs had to go abroad to participate in similar acceleration programs – Katapult is an accessible, in-country acceleration program designed to help local startups achieve scale and growth.

I’m a potential investor. Why should I participate?

• Consider Katapult as a filter. It carefully reviews and selects promising startups, saving you the time and cost needed for technical assistance to spot the sprouts that can truly grow.
• You gain an early opportunity to meet and invest in companies with the potential to achieve great success & go global.
• You connect with talented, coachable teams eager for mentorship and direct guidance.
• Your participation is crucial for advancing Serbia’s startup scene and empowering a generation of innovative, trailblazing leaders.

Meet the Team