GIST Innovates: The Balkans is a ten-week pre-accelerator training program modeled on Lean Startup methodology- We will coach teams on application of Lean Startup entrepreneurship methodology, guiding them on how to do effective customer discovery for problem/solution fit of participants’ ideas. By the end of the program, teams will have completed at least 40 interviews with target customers in the US, gaining valuable insight on how to shape their product for maximum impact in the US market! The program will provide innovators with the training, mentoring, and resources they need to build their entrepreneurial skills and bring their ideas to market. The program will also provide opportunities for teams to connect with mentors in the U.S. and provide opportunities to interact with U.S.-based investors and companies.

After the training, teams may have an opportunity to pitch their ideas to investors at Arizona State University’s bi-annual Venture Devils Demo Day at ASU in Greater Phoenix, AZ.

This program is ideal for Balkans startups that are looking to take their innovations to the next level by getting mentoring, U.S. market expertise, and valuable business model training. We encourage science and technology startups from Kosovo, North Macedonia, Serbia, and Bosnia to apply after reading the full eligibility requirements. The broader aim of GIST Innovates Balkans is to reinforce productive values in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of the Balkans, including merit-based competition, diversity of experience, scientific rigor, societal impact of technology, ethics, transparency, and inclusion of traditionally underrepresented groups.

All Balkan science and technology startups whose founder is 18 - 40 years of age are eligible to apply.

Important Dates:

We will accept 12 teams (2 members per team) for the first cohort of this program. We encourage teams to apply as early as possible.

Application deadline: 28 February, 2023 (CLICK FOR APPLICATION)

10-week training program: Summer 2023

Optional virtual workshops: Fall 2023

Participation in ASU’s Venture Devils Demo Day: December 3, 2023

INFO SESSION #1

The 1st Info Session (Hybrid), will take place at the Innovation Centre Kosovo (ICK), in Prishtina, Kosovo, on February 6, from 17:30 & online via Zoom.