The SPLET Conference 2024, a key event for Serbia’s innovation and tech ecosystem, welcomed nearly 3,000 participants and hosted over 150 speakers across more than 90 sessions. The all-day program provided a deep dive into various topics related to innovation, entrepreneurship, and the future of technology.
Opening Remarks and Keynote Addresses
The event kicked off with an inspiring opening from Aleksandra Popović, project director of Serbia Innovir, and Tanja Kuzman, Director of the Digital Serbia Initiative and Take the Idea project. Their speeches highlighted the importance of fostering entrepreneurial initiatives and driving forward innovation in Serbia.
One of the program’s central moments was a presentation by Kosta Andrić, CEO of ICT Hub, who provided an analysis of Serbia’s position in the global innovation ecosystem through the findings of the Global Innovation Index Report 2023. Andrić’s insights underscored the country’s growing role in the international tech landscape.
Discussions on Artificial Intelligence and Entrepreneurship
Maja Vuković, an IBM Fellow, delivered a highly anticipated lecture on the transformative role of open innovations in artificial intelligence (AI) and its increasing impact on businesses. Her talk explored how AI is driving change across industries, offering new opportunities for growth and efficiency.
In a more personal address, Nenad Milanović, founder of Cake.com, shared his entrepreneurial journey in a conversation with Saša Popović, co-founder of Veg IT. Milanović’s story of persistence—after eight failed products before finally creating Clockify, the market-leading time-tracking tool—resonated with the audience. He emphasized the importance of resilience and teamwork, noting that “hard work and perseverance are key” and that success is impossible without a strong team behind it.
Global Perspectives on Innovation
International speakers added a global dimension to the conference. Megan Herman, Director of Go-to-Market Operations at Shopify, gave advice on how startups can target the global market from day one, leveraging digital platforms for rapid scalability. Meanwhile, Nenad Grmuša, CEO of DEM Bio, spoke about his experience leaving a corporate career to lead a startup, highlighting the growing opportunities in biotech.
The importance of international collaboration was reinforced by US Ambassador Christopher Hill, who visited the conference. Ambassador Hill met with members of Serbia’s innovation ecosystem and expressed his support for local startups. He highlighted the strong business connections between Serbia and the United States, stating, “Innovation doesn’t just happen in Silicon Valley or Belgrade—it can come from anywhere.”
Key Themes of the Conference
Throughout the event, discussions revolved around innovation, AI, technological entrepreneurship, and investment. The participants had the chance to learn from world-leading companies and organizations, exploring themes like digital transformation, sustainable development, and the future of technology.
A Platform for Growth and Collaboration
SPLET Conference 2024 reaffirmed its role as a cornerstone event for innovation and entrepreneurship in Serbia. Organized by the Take the Idea project in partnership with Digital Serbia and Serbia Innov, and supported by USAID, the conference offered attendees the opportunity to acquire new knowledge, expand their professional networks, and potentially launch new ventures.
With support from the Serbian Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, and top-tier sponsors like A1, Silicon Gardens, Innovation Fund, and OTP Bank, SPLET Conference 2024 stands as a key platform for driving technological advancement and entrepreneurial growth in the region.
As the Serbian tech scene continues to evolve, events like SPLET will remain vital in connecting local innovators with global markets and helping to shape the future of technology.
