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 U.S., gaining valuable insight on how to shape their product for maximum impact in the U.S. 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, select 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.
The program is open to all science and technology startup companies led by entrepreneurs and innovators from Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.
You can learn more about this specific program and the larger work of the GIST Initiative HERE.
Important dates:
● Application window: 2 February 2026 – 6 April 2026
● 10-week training program: The training will begin with an in-person workshop 15-18 June, 2026 in Tirana, Albania followed by 9 weeks of virtual learning.
● Venture Devils Demo Day at ASU in Greater Phoenix, AZ: November 2
Who Should Participate?
This program is perfect for entrepreneurs and innovators from Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina with startups that are looking to take their innovations to the next level by getting mentoring, U.S. market expertise, and valuable business model training. All science and technology startups from Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina whose founder is 18 – 40 years of age are eligible to apply. Please read the full eligibility requirements before applying. 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, and transparency. The program is open to all science and technology companies led by entrepreneurs and innovators from Kosovo, Serbia, North Macedonia, and Bosnia and Herzegovina.