The GreenUp conference brought together institutions, international partners, businesses, investors, and the startup community to address a key question: who in Serbia is currently developing concrete solutions for the green transition, and how can these solutions reach the market faster?
Belgrade, May 7, 2026 – The GreenUp conference, titled “Who’s Leading the Next Wave of Green Tech Innovation?”, was held today, focusing on green technologies, sustainability, energy, green chemistry, and innovations that can contribute to the green transition.
The event gathered startups selected for the 2026 GreenUp Accelerator, all working on solutions in the fields of energy, sustainability, and green technology. The program featured a discussion with participants from last year’s GreenUp Accelerator cohort, a panel on the development of green innovations, and a pitch session showcasing the new generation of startups.
The conference was opened by Teodora Spasojević, Assistant Minister at the Ministry of Environmental Protection of the Republic of Serbia. Introductory remarks were also delivered by Tomislav Knežević from the German Development Cooperation organization GIZ, Jelena Milić from the Green Chemistry initiative, and Kosta Andrić and Vojislav Vučićević from ICT Hub.
“The GreenUp Accelerator program demonstrates that the green transition begins with concrete solutions, with new ideas, innovations, and technologies that can contribute to cleaner production and safer chemical use. The Ministry of Environmental Protection particularly recognizes the importance of green chemistry, as it enables the transition from highly toxic substances to safer and more sustainable alternatives, reducing risks to both human health and the environment. This is why we will continue supporting programs that connect institutions, science, industry, and the startup community, because such collaboration can accelerate the development of green innovations and contribute to achieving national and European goals in environmental protection and sustainable chemicals management,” said Teodora Spasojević, Assistant Minister from the Sector for Waste, Wastewater Management, and Circular Economy Development.
“Green transformation is not only a matter of regulations and obligations, but also a major development opportunity for the economy. Through the Green Hub Accelerator, we see that Serbia has strong potential within its startup and innovation ecosystem, with solutions that can contribute to cleaner production, greater competitiveness, and more sustainable business models. The first cycle of the program showed that there are products and processes here at an exceptionally high level, while the next challenge is financing and connecting these innovations with industry and international financial mechanisms,” said Tomislav Knežević from GIZ Serbia.
“At a time when artificial intelligence dominates the technological narrative, it is important to bring the green transition back into public focus. Due to geopolitical and economic crises, green topics have somewhat disappeared from the public space, but the challenges themselves have not disappeared — they are waiting for us. That is why it is important not to discuss the green transition only through regulation and obligations, but through concrete solutions, collaboration, and opportunities for innovation. Startups developing green solutions must be given the opportunity to test their products on the domestic market and connect with businesses, investors, and international partners. In this field, the journey from idea to implementation is often more demanding and expensive than in software industries, which makes ecosystem support crucial. Only by connecting innovative teams and companies can green ideas become applicable solutions with a real impact on both the economy and the environment,” said Kosta Andrić from ICT Hub.
“Green chemistry is not a topic only for chemists. It is directly connected to the products we use every day, human health, and environmental protection. The goal is not to give up modern life, but to make the products and processes we use safer, more sustainable, and less harmful. Through the Global Green Chemistry and Innovation Programme, we connect science, industry, investors, mentors, and the startup community, because sustainable solutions emerge precisely through collaboration among diverse stakeholders. We are especially proud of the GreenUp Accelerator, the first program of its kind in Serbia dedicated to green chemistry, sustainability, and green technologies. The first cycle demonstrated the significant potential of startups, and from the second cycle we expect new ideas, partnerships, and an even stronger contribution to the green transition,” said Jelena Milić of the Global Green Chemistry Innovation and Network Programme (GGCINP).
New generation of GreenUp startups presented
The new generation of GreenUp Accelerator participants includes startups developing solutions across various areas of the green transition, from chemical risk assessment and sustainable materials to solar micromobility, cleaner industrial processes, waste management, and sustainable food production.
- EcoMimetix is developing a risk assessment service for organic pollutants and their impact on human health and the environment, using laboratory methods, computational modeling, and artificial intelligence.
- EcoCollagen is developing sustainable collagen from food industry waste, such as eggshell membranes and fish processing by-products, for use in cosmetics, nutraceuticals, and biomaterials.
- MHU - Modular Home Units is developing a digital platform for planning modular housing units, including cost assessment and evaluation of potential CO₂ emission impacts.
- NeoMetals Technology is developing a cleaner technology for producing battery-grade lithium carbonate without the use of sulfuric acid and without generating liquid waste.
- MOĆNO is developing functional food products based on microgreens, along with a digital platform and a network of decentralized micro-farms for local food production.
- SMG Venture is developing a chemical filter for reducing pollution from industrial exhaust gases, using natural materials instead of aggressive chemicals.
- WPT Energy is developing a mobile solar-powered station for wireless charging of light electric vehicles, intended for cities, campuses, tourist zones, and micromobility operators.
- ETAK is developing modular systems that convert non-recyclable waste into gas that can be used as industrial fuel.
- BEOINTECH is developing environmentally friendly zinc oxide for the tire industry, with the potential to significantly reduce the quantity used in production and lower the CO₂ footprint.
The GreenUp Accelerator is designed for early-stage startups and lasts twelve weeks. During the program, teams work with mentors and partners on product development, business model validation, market access, and preparation for investor presentations.
The program is implemented through a partnership between the GreenUp Hub initiative - carried out within the framework of German-Serbian development cooperation implemented by GIZ, ICT Hub, and the Center for Cleaner Production at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy, University of Belgrade, through the project “Global Green Chemistry Innovation and Network Programme”, financed by UNIDO/Global Environment Facility in cooperation with Yale University.
