The 11th edition of The LEADER Project Serbia successfully concluded on May 15, bringing together ambitious young professionals, experienced mentors, and leading organizations for an intensive program focused on entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership development.
Developed by Ivey Business School at Western University in Ontario and implemented in Serbia through CANSEE, The LEADER Project continues to empower the next generation of Serbian entrepreneurs by providing practical learning opportunities, mentorship, and valuable international perspectives.
The program officially opened on May 4, marking the beginning of an inspiring journey for this year’s participants. Throughout the following two weeks, participants engaged in workshops, discussions, and educational visits designed to strengthen their entrepreneurial mindset and leadership capabilities while encouraging collaboration, creativity, and innovation.
On May 6, participants visited the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, where they gained valuable insights into the importance of intellectual property protection for entrepreneurs and innovators. Through discussions with experts, they learned about trademarks, patents, copyrights, and the role intellectual property plays in transforming innovative ideas into sustainable business ventures.
The following day, on May 7, participants visited NALED, one of Serbia’s leading organizations dedicated to improving the business environment and supporting economic development. The visit provided valuable perspectives on public-private cooperation, regulatory reform, and initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and innovation, helping participants better understand the broader ecosystem in which businesses operate.
On May 8, the group visited Ložionica, where they were hosted by Fabrika inovacija. During the visit, participants attended a presentation by Tadej Kurepa, who shared valuable insights into Serbia’s startup ecosystem and the opportunities available to emerging entrepreneurs. The session offered a deeper understanding of innovation, startup development, and the growing entrepreneurial landscape in Serbia.
As the program approached its conclusion, participants had the opportunity to visit the Embassy of Canada to Serbia on May 14, together with their instructors from Ivey Business School at Western University. The visit served as an opportunity to reflect on their experiences throughout the program, discuss the skills and knowledge they had acquired, and present the innovative business ideas they had been developing in preparation for the final pitch competition. The gathering highlighted the strong partnership between Canada and Serbia in supporting youth entrepreneurship and leadership development.
The program culminated on May 15 with an exciting final pitch competition, where participants presented innovative business concepts developed throughout the program. Demonstrating creativity, dedication, and entrepreneurial spirit, the teams impressed both mentors and judges with the quality of their ideas and presentations.
This year’s instructors — Stuart Morton, Evelyn Tran, Robbie Morris, and Ethan Won played a key role in guiding participants throughout the program, helping them refine their entrepreneurial skills and transform ideas into viable business concepts.
The first prize in the pitching competition was awarded to Fit Fridge, whose business concept stood out among a highly competitive field of participants. In addition, several special awards were presented to recognize outstanding individual and team contributions:
- Best Team Chemistry: HeyT Team
- Top Speaker: Milana Petković
- Top Contributor: Nikola Filipović
- Most Initiative: Milan Miljković
While the official program concluded on May 15, its impact extends far beyond the closing ceremony. The knowledge gained, connections established, and ideas developed throughout the program represent the beginning of many promising entrepreneurial journeys for this year’s participants.
CANSEE extends its sincere gratitude to all partners, supporters, and sponsors whose continued commitment makes The LEADER Project possible. Special thanks go to Ivey Business School at Western University, The LEADER Project, the Embassy of Canada to Serbia, the Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia, NALED, the Intellectual Property Office of the Republic of Serbia, Fabrika inovacija, Apollo Graphic, DVS, and all organizations and individuals who contributed to another successful edition of the program.
As we celebrate the success of the 11th edition of The LEADER Project Serbia, we look forward to witnessing the future achievements of this remarkable group of young leaders and entrepreneurs and continuing to create opportunities that inspire innovation, leadership, and business excellence.
