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.

The post The LEADER Project Serbia 2026 Successfully Concludes Its 11th Edition – Young entrepreneurs, industry experts, and institutional partners come together to foster innovation, leadership, and business development appeared first on CANSEE.

The event, co-hosted by Ambassador Michelle Cameron and CANSEE, gathered more than 100 guests and offered an excellent opportunity to reflect on our shared achievements and future plans. During the remarks, it was highlighted that this direct route represents not only improved connectivity but also an important boost for stronger economic cooperation between the two countries.

In the welcome speeches, we heard:

• H.E. Michelle Cameron – She emphasized her expectations for even stronger economic and trade results in 2026, noting the impressive 80% growth in bilateral trade during the first eight months of the year, along with significant increases in both Serbian and Canadian exports.
• Jiří Marek, Air Serbia – He highlighted that establishing the direct route to Toronto marks a historic milestone after 34 years, significantly enhancing economic, business, and cultural ties, while also facilitating travel for the Serbian diaspora and the entire region.
• Nevena Jovanović, Ministry of Foreign Affairs – She stated that the Belgrade–Toronto direct route is an exceptional achievement that will further strengthen the ties between Serbia and Canada, rooted in long-standing friendship, solidarity, and mutual understanding.

The festive atmosphere at the Embassy of Canada provided guests with a warm setting to connect, exchange ideas, and enjoy delightful food and drinks.

The post Official Reception Celebrating the Introduction of Direct Flights Between Canada and Serbia appeared first on CANSEE.

Successful reconstruction of the former Novkabel production hall led to, what is now a modern business premise with a carbon neutral footprint, that incorporates unique Schneider Electric solutions, powered from renewable sources. This will ensure work comfort and functionality.

The grand opening was attended by the Prime Minister of the Republic of Serbia, Ana Brnabić, the Minister of Mining and Energy, Dubravka Đedović, the Minister of Information and Telecommunications, Mihailo Jovanović, the French Ambassador to Serbia, Pierre Cochard, as well as numerous guests, company representatives, and prominent figures from the Serbian business and public spheres.

During the opening of the InGrid offices, a contract that will ensure the improvement of the distribution network in Serbia was signed. Schneider Electric will be a partner in the state project for the modernization and automation of the medium-voltage electricity distribution network in Serbia. The project will significantly enhance the reliability of electricity supply to end consumers and it will improve the efficiency of power delivery management, while reducing power outages for end consumers technical losses in the energy system.

The post InGrid is officially open! appeared first on CANSEE.

We would like to kindly thank all participants, instructors, partners and supporters.
Together we create a brighter future for entrepreneurs.

Congratulations to the winning teams:
Accounting Hero
Vinetopia
AgroSEE

Leaders change the world!

The post Celebrating the successful conclusion of The LEADER Project 2023 appeared first on CANSEE.

The conference provides a perspective of the world’s mining experience in the domain of smart mining, sustainable development, risk assessment and health & safety policy, global mining financing trends as well as the impact of a pandemic on regional development. The aim of this conference is to connect mining sector investors and experts with all relevant governmental, financial and social stakeholders.

CANSEE Canadian Serbian Business Association has been an auspice of the Conference since 2014. Mrs. Mirjana Dončić-Beaton, CANSEE Managing Director, presented the association’s mining and exploration industry group and their development since the inauguration of the association.

The post Smart Mining, Sustainable Development, and Risk Assessment Key Topics at 12th International Conference on Mineral Resources appeared first on CANSEE.