At the Center for Digital Transformation of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, the Innovation Hub of the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT HUB) was officially opened today. It is intended to connect traditional and innovative industries, and the Registry of Subjects of the National Innovation System – the eInnovation platform, was presented.

The innovation hub of CDT will enable services intended for the IT industry and IT/Tech startups, such as access to innovation and connection with traditional industries, organization of events, hackathons, training and education, project support and coworking space, a common space for collaboration.

Predrag Nikolić, the director of the Center for Digital Transformation (CDT) of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, says that at the beginning of CDT's operation six years ago, the goal was to provide support for the digital transformation oof micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Serbia and stated that during that period, more than 4,500 clients have passed through the Center.

- In the meantime, a new goal has emerged, and that is to create a stronger channel of communication between traditional economy and the scientific-technological sector of the economy. The space of the Innovation Hub (CDT HUB) will serve startups and all technology companies that have or are seeking a path to new ideas, as well as partners in developing all their ideas - said Nikolić.

In today's times, for companies to survive, they must, as Nikolić emphasizes, consider how to integrate technology and science into their business systems.

- We will work on concrete mergers and solutions, with the idea for CDT HUB to become attractive even for various funds seeking their next investment here - said Nikolić.

Mihailo Jovanović, Minister of Information and Telecommunications, says that the Register of Subjects of the National Innovation System - the eInnovation platform is a key instrument for the identification and continuous monitoring of all actors of the innovation ecosystem, which provides the basis for quick and efficient coordination between relevant subjects. He points out that the eInnovation platform allows all subjects of innovation activities to register in the register simply by applying online through the eInnovation Portal.

- As part of the national innovation strategy, this comprehensive database is the foundation for the successful realization of the digital transformation of Serbia - said Jovanović.

Dr. Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development and Innovation, points out that three platforms have been created during this year - eScience, set to launch on January 1, 2024, along with the Open Research Infrastructure portal, as well as the eInnovation platform, whose common goal is to support the development of the startup ecosystems in Serbia.

Begović pointed out that registering on the platform is simple and invited all participants in innovative activities, such as startups and spin-offs, innovative companies, regional innovation centers, science and technology parks, as well as investors, to register.

- Our goal is to gather and support everyone. Currently, we have between 600 and 700 startup companies in Serbia, and our desire is for that number to grow - said Begović.

Luka Radovanović from the startup "B2Bee", a company specializing in automation of business processes in sales, highlighted the significance of the Registry, which, among other things,bfacilitates connections with other startups and enhances their visibility.

Danas je CDT HUB počeo sa radom. Svečanom otvaranju prisustvovali su direktor @cdtsrbija @Privrednakomora Predrag Nikolić i ministri @SerbianGov – dr Jelena Begović i Mihailo Jovanović. pic.twitter.com/XbO5MRcAjK

— CDT HUB (@CDTHUB) December 14, 2023