BIO4 Campus Belgrade: 1.000+ PhDs and 300+ Labs

BIO4 Campus Belgrade:
1.000+ PhDs and 300+ Labs

BIO4 Campus Belgrade:
1.000+ PhDs and 300+ Labs

BIO4 Campus – A Small Scientific City and a Unique Gathering Place

04/02/2024

Author: RTS

This year will bring continued progress in science, including the ongoing construction of the BIO4 Campus, the expansion of existing science and technology parks, the construction of a new one, additional regional innovation startup centers, and an increased budget. The first tenants are expected to move into the campus in 2026, marking the largest single investment in science in the region.

The BIO4 Campus is envisioned as a small scientific city where thousands of experts, from professors to students, will create new products and services for use in medicine, agriculture, and environmental protection.

"Seven faculties, nine scientific institutes, a science and technology park with a sports center, spaces for private companies, and small businesses that will be established and grow here. We have also planned a section for the private sector, including major companies with their research and development centers. The central building, which has become the symbol of BIO4, will serve as a gathering place," said Jelena Begović, Minister of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation.

"We are currently developing an area of about eight hectares. The site needs to be prepared, with all old structures that should not be there removed. There is significant terrain alteration, digging, filling, and soon geothermal probes for sustainable energy will be installed. By mid-year, we expect the construction of buildings, which should be completed within two years. By 2026, tenants are expected to move into their facilities," explained Nenad Paunović, advisor in the Prime Minister's Cabinet.

Once operational, the campus will focus on biomedicine, biotechnology, bioinformatics, and biodiversity.

"The BIO4 Campus represents a significant investment in science, education, and public health through better therapies and more innovative, accessible medicines. Above all, BIO4 is an investment in the economy, driving new economic growth and positioning Serbia among the world's best—recognized and acknowledged, just as we are today with our IT sector," said Paunović.

"This is the largest single investment in science ever in Serbia, as well as in the wider region. We’re talking about €450 million invested in science and young talent. To encourage young people to stay in Serbia, just look at this campus—there is no reason to leave when your country offers such infrastructure. We need to develop more such infrastructures, like the Center of Excellence in Kragujevac and the expansion of science and technology parks, showcasing all our successes and innovations. This aligns with the broader narrative of Expo 2027, where innovation and science will have their platform to highlight what Serbia truly offers," added Minister Begović.

Plans also include the construction of a new science and technology park in Kruševac. Additionally, 20 regional innovation startup centers have been opened, with three more planned this year.

"The greatest success is that the community has demonstrated its capacity. The Science and Technology Park (STP) in Niš is fully occupied, currently housing 50 companies with over 500 employees. These companies are growing rapidly, with half receiving non-refundable grants. New development cycles have been initiated in southeastern Serbia. Thanks to good results and a strong start at STP Niš, the state has pledged support, with a €20 million investment to triple its capacity. This will allow for nearly 100 companies and over 1,000 employees within less than a year and a half," said Milan Ranđelović, director of STP Niš.

Serbia currently has about 20,000 active researchers and 81 scientific institutions.

2025-09-22T10:33:54+02:00

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