At the ESG Adria Summit in Porto Montenegro, representatives from the startup and innovation community across the region officially supported the launch of the Adria ScaleUp Initiative.
This initiative is a joint platform aimed at removing barriers and creating more favorable conditions for the growth and development of startups across the Adriatic region.
The initiative was coordinated by the Western Balkans Startup Alliance, Plug and Play Tech Center, and Sustineri Partners, with support from numerous startup founders, accelerators, funds, research institutions, innovation centers, and representatives from the private and public sectors.
It was introduced during a closed roundtable discussion, where participants addressed the structural and political conditions for the long-term growth of innovative companies, as well as the current obstacles limiting access to capital, regional cooperation, and institutional support.
Opening remarks were made by Nina Nikolić, co-founder of the Western Balkans Startup Alliance, Uranik Begu, Director for the CEE region at Plug and Play Tech Center, and Biljana Braithwaite, Director of Sustineri Partners.
All participants agreed that a coordinated regional approach and inclusive policies reflecting the actual needs of the startup community are crucial.
Special attention was given to analyzing the investment gap in the region and the lack of structures that build investor trust. In this context, participants discussed concrete measures to attract more private capital, including tax incentives for innovation investments, public-private investment models, and support for businesses led by women and young people. A joint draft document defining the key elements of the initiative was also presented, with dozens of signatories from the entrepreneurial, investment, accelerator, and academic sectors, Braithwaite said.
From the outset, the Western Balkans Startup Alliance has connected the most influential innovation leaders in the region. Through continuous collaboration among incubators, accelerators, and startup communities, we have built a strong foundation for cooperation, knowledge exchange, and a unified voice toward decision-makers. Our commitment to a regional approach based on the real needs of startups and practical solutions makes this alliance a powerful driver of long-term change. What we need is an initiative that fosters regional dialogue between institutions and the startup community. Together, we are building a brighter future, said Nina Nikolić.
Between April 2025 and April 2026, the initiative will focus on five strategic areas of action. The first priority is conducting a comprehensive policy analysis to identify legal and regulatory barriers hindering the growth of innovative companies. The second goal is to simplify and harmonize regulations concerning company registration, cross-border operations, and intellectual property protection. The third focus includes developing smart incentives for innovation and research, such as tax breaks, grants, and joint investment models. The fourth priority is strengthening regional connectivity through shared infrastructure and cross-border innovation programs. Finally, the fifth area focuses on establishing formal mechanisms that will actively involve the startup community in shaping policies at the regional level.
The Adria ScaleUp Initiative is an important step towards a systematic approach to developing the regional startup ecosystem. If we want startups to not only emerge here but also grow and stay, we must offer them a predictable, connected, and supportive environment. This means aligned regulations, smart incentives, and infrastructure that does not stop at borders. This initiative shows that we are ready to collaborate—not just through ideas but with concrete tools that will facilitate the scaling of companies and involve the startup community in shaping policies. I am pleased that Plug and Play can be part of this process, together with partners who understand that sustainable innovation is built through partnership, added Uranik Begu, Director of Plug and Play Tech Center for Southeast Europe.
It was concluded that the first annual progress report would be released at the next summit in April 2026, setting a clear framework for tracking results and accountability. The initiative remains open to new partners, with invitations extended to actors from the private and public sectors, as well as international organizations and tech leaders.
