“ReVenture startup co-builder” is a joint startup development programme for student teams who want to try entrepreneurship but do not have their own startup idea.
The programme lets students join one of the innovative projects of FON's partner companies and, with continuous mentoring, continue developing it and become co-owners of the newly founded startups. The programme was developed within FON's Innovation Incubator, with the support of the Ministry of Science, Technological Development and Innovation.
Who is the programme for?
Applications are open to student teams from FON's undergraduate, master's and doctoral studies. A team has two or three members. If a team has three members, one of them may be a student of another faculty.
What does the “ReVenture” programme look like?
Student teams take part in the “ReVenture startup co-builder” programme in three phases:
1. Matching phase
After applying and choosing a preferred innovative project, the team solves a case study for that project in the selective Matching phase, which qualifies it for further work on its development.
2. Building phase
The selected teams will continue developing the projects with continuous mentoring from teachers and support from representatives of the partner company.
3. Founding phase
After reaching the defined development and business goals, the team earns the right to an ownership stake and to found a joint startup.
All teams will receive support in applying to support programmes in the ecosystem to secure funding for the startup's further development.
The ReVenture co-building programme was created in response to the challenges students face when starting a startup career, mainly limited resources, the quality of startup ideas and a lack of specialised knowledge and skills for rapid growth. Building a startup through ReVenture lets students avoid the initial obstacles and start their entrepreneurial career more efficiently.
The “ReVenture startup co-builder” programme is the result of many years of experience of FON's teachers and staff in developing an entrepreneurial environment at the faculty and supporting students' entrepreneurial initiatives, as well as of new forms of cooperation between the faculty and companies.
Up-to-date programme news and a place for questions can be found at @reventure.builder. More information about the “ReVenture startup co-builder” programme is available at the FON Research and Development Centre every working day or by email at irc@fon.bg.ac.rs.
APPLICATIONS FOR THE NEXT CYCLE OPEN IN FEBRUARY 2025.
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need to have an idea to apply for the programme?
No, the programme is for student teams who want to start their startup story but have no startup idea; instead they are onboarded onto one of the existing innovative projects of FON's partner companies.
2. What does the selection process look like?
Selection takes place in the Matching phase of the programme, when we look for the best team match for each innovative project. Each team that applies gets a case related to the chosen project, which it solves and presents to an expert committee and representatives of the partner companies, after which it may be chosen to continue working on that project.
3. Who are the mentors who will work with us?
The mentors in the programme are trained FON teachers with experience in mentoring startup teams, with support from the company.
4. How much time do I need to devote to the programme?
The programmes require commitment. Students are expected to work actively on developing their idea and to take part regularly in mentoring sessions, workshops and events.
If you have a question not covered above, drop by the FON Research and Development Centre or email us at irc@fon.bg.ac.rs.
