The finale of the fifth generation of the free Entrepreneurship Academy, implemented by the Association for the Affirmation of Culture (ASK) with the support of the NCR Foundation, was held last weekend in Belgrade. Among the 20 best young entrepreneurs from across Serbia, first place was awarded to Maja Miodragović and Ognjen Pantić with their application RUNQO.
“RUNQO was created out of the need to solve our own running-related frustrations and turn them into a digital solution that benefits everyone. As master engineers, we developed a tool that connects runners and organizers, but as long-time members of the running community, we developed something more than that. We want running to be accessible, organized, and inspiring for everyone—from beginners to professionals. RUNQO is more than an application—it is a community in motion,” said Maja and Ognjen, adding, “Before the Academy, we only had an idea; six months later, we have an application and a basic business model.”
Second place was awarded to a team from Novi Sad consisting of Luka Čubrilo and Andrija Mirosavljev, with their solution Prost Solutions—vending machines for self-service beer dispensing designed for large events. Their system enables fast and simple dispensing of five beers in just seven seconds, without the need for staff. Third place was won by Nevena Popović with the idea CineAI Studio, a production company that combines high-quality storytelling and artificial intelligence to present complex products through clear and compelling explainer videos for technology companies and startups.
“Each generation of the Academy brings new energy, and it seems to me that the young people are becoming more and more promising and ambitious. We are proud that this year as well we had the opportunity to support young entrepreneurs, and we are especially pleased that the finalists demonstrated how innovation, dedication, and teamwork can grow into concrete solutions with the potential to change the community. The winners deservedly received recognition, but I must say that for us, all participants are true winners—because they had the courage to take the first step,” said Maja Rubin, Program Director of the Association for the Affirmation of Culture.
Up to this year, nearly 200 young people from 10 cities across Serbia have participated in the project “Digital Economy for Balanced and Resilient Economic Development,” within which the Entrepreneurship Academy is implemented. Over three generations of the Entrepreneurship Academy, 100 participants were given the opportunity to develop their entrepreneurial skills and ideas with the support of mentors and experts. Additionally, within the project, a digital resource center was created with more than 200 educational contents, which has so far been visited by over 250,000 people.
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