Do you have an innovative idea or are you developing a startup? Don’t miss the opportunity to participate in the CODES regional pre-acceleration program! Applications are open until February 13, 2025, offering expert workshops, mentorship support, and networking opportunities.
The Program Kicks Off with a Bootcamp in Mostar
The program is designed for startups from Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia looking to accelerate their business ideas and prepare for market entry. The first step is a Bootcamp in Mostar, bringing together 24 teams (eight from each country). Over five days, participants will engage in a series of educational workshops and mentorship sessions.
Download the detailed workshop schedule here:
https://tehnopolis.me/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/CODES_Program-bootcampa-2.pdf
Mentors and Speakers
Participants will have the chance to learn from experienced startup mentors, investors, and industry experts from the region, including:
- Dajana Dzindo – Co-founder and CEO of Foundation 787, an expert in key entrepreneurial topics such as access to funding, pitching, and navigating the startup ecosystem.
- Miron Lukac – COO of Bloomteq, with extensive experience in startup coaching and consulting. Dedicated to supporting local and regional startup ecosystems to drive innovation and business success.
- Miro Hegedic – PhD and co-founder of Smion (formerly Lean Startup Croatia) and Startup Drill, passionate about lean management and innovation, helping individuals and organizations develop and execute successful ideas.
- Muniz Karajbic – Founder and CEO of KARMUS, a consultancy specializing in financial and strategic advisory. With a background in finance and executive roles in the tech and industrial sectors, he actively supports startups in growth and fundraising.
- Jelena Mocevic – Founder of Scaling Empathy, an initiative dedicated to helping businesses and institutions achieve sustainable growth by integrating AI, operational excellence, and empathy. With 15+ years of experience in startups, intergovernmental organizations, and digital transformation, she specializes in bridging technology and human interaction.
- Bojan Lazic – Entrepreneur and mentor from Sarajevo, with over 15 years in the global startup scene. Having mentored 500+ startups through Techstars, Google, and Norrsken, he provides critical guidance for scaling businesses. A highly active angel investor, he serves on advisory and executive boards for multiple startups and scale-ups.
What Comes After the Bootcamp?
Following the Bootcamp, the top four teams from each country will advance to a three-month pre-acceleration program with intensive mentorship support. The program culminates in a unique opportunity for the best startup team – a six-month business idea validation and participation in the PODIM Conference in Slovenia, one of the leading startup events in the region.
How to Apply?
Applications are open until February 13, 2025.
Apply here: https://forms.office.com/e/7GcETQPCND
The organizers will cover travel and accommodation costs for one team member during the Bootcamp.
The pre-acceleration program is part of the CODES project, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021 – 2027.
