“Route2Launch”
is a pre-incubation startup mentoring programme at FON for student teams who want to start developing their startup ideas.
The “Route2Launch” programme is part of the “Preduzmi ideju” (Take on an idea) project, which FON runs together with the Digital Serbia Initiative and other partners from the ecosystem, with the support of USAID Serbia.
Who is the programme for?
The “Route2Launch” programme is for student teams (up to 4 members) from faculties of all universities in Serbia, from any study programme, year and level of study.
What does the programme look like?
Over 4 months you will work on developing your startup idea together with your mentors and guest experts.
The mentors in the programme are trained teachers and teaching assistants of the Faculty of Organizational Sciences, working together with experts from the startup ecosystem. Mentoring sessions will be scheduled by agreement between the mentor and the student team, taking exam commitments into account during the programme.
Besides mentoring sessions, the programme also includes themed meetups, Pitch Rehearsals and networking with other startups in the programme and with the alumni network.
The “Route2Launch” startup mentoring programme
gives you:
- Continuous mentoring while you develop your idea
- Support in building the first MVP version of your product
- Networking and a space to work and hang out together
- Initial funding and access to investors
This programme is a unique opportunity for all student teams who want to try their hand at entrepreneurship, gain new business knowledge and skills, and connect with peers from other faculties and experts from the ecosystem.
At the end of the programme your team will have the chance to present its startup at the Student Startup Demo Day, part of the “Lansiranje” (Launch) event, in front of investors and representatives of support organisations from the startup ecosystem.
You can see what the previous three cycles looked like on the Instagram page @route2launch.
More information about the “Route2Launch” mentoring programme is available at the FON Research and Development Centre, on the official website route2launch.com or by email at preduzmiideju@fon.bg.ac.rs.
Experiences of “Route2Launch” participants
“Studying while working on your own idea sounds really exciting, but it is just as hard. We set off on that path on our own and never imagined how much taking part in Route2Launch would speed it up and make it easier. On paper it is only 4 months of mentoring. In practice it means countless hours of quality work with mentors, meeting investors and successful entrepreneurs, socialising, constant growth and preparing for big steps. Conclusion: not to be missed!”
Sava Pavlović
CEO, Co-Founder
Frequently asked questions
1. Do I need to have an idea to apply for the programme?
For this programme you need to have an idea for a solution. If you don't have an idea but want to step into the startup ecosystem, take a look at our startup co-building programme, ReVenture Startup Co-builder.
2. Do I need a team to apply?
Yes, only student teams can apply. A team can have at most four members.
3. What do I need to apply and what does the selection process look like?
Selection is based on evaluating the following criteria:
- A properly completed form
- Clarity of the described idea
- Potential of the idea
- Team composition and motivation
- A submitted presentation (.pdf, up to 5 slides)
- An additional pitch (by invitation)
4. Can I apply if I study at a faculty other than FON?
Yes, you can! The programme is for student teams from faculties of any university in Serbia and at any level of study.
5. Do all team members have to be students?
No, at least one or two team members need to be active students, depending on the total number of team members.
6. How long does the Route2Launch programme last?
The programme is planned to last 4 to 6 months, depending on the planned pace of that cycle.
7. Who are the mentors who will work with us?
The mentors in the programme are trained FON teachers working together with experts from the startup ecosystem.
If you have a question not covered above, drop by the FON Research and Development Centre or email us at preduzmiideju@fon.bg.ac.rs.
