New Cybersecurity Hub Opens in Belgrade
Serbia has officially launched its new cybersecurity innovation hub, named the 'Cyber District,' within the eGovernment House in Belgrade. The initiative, spearheaded by Serbia's Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment, aims to significantly bolster the nation's capabilities in developing and promoting advanced cybersecurity solutions. The launch took place on February 13, 2026.
A Collaborative Ecosystem for Cyber Resilience
The 'Cyber District' is a collaborative effort established in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the local research center HUB201. It represents a pioneering ecosystem designed to bring together the public sector, the economy, the academic community, and startups. This integrated approach is intended to facilitate joint efforts in combating cyber threats and fostering a robust digital environment.
Mihailo Jovanovic, Director of the Office for Information Technologies and eGovernment, emphasized the hub's broader goals, stating, 'The goal is also to encourage innovation and the development of the startup ecosystem, in order to enable the development and testing of security solutions, testing innovations in a safe and controlled digital environment before their wider spread applications, as well as support programs for startups that help them develop a product, connect with partners and go to market.' Yakup Beris, UNDP Resident Representative in Serbia, highlighted UNDP's support as part of a broader digital transformation initiative, noting that the hub will enable the development and testing of innovative cybersecurity solutions, including those utilizing artificial intelligence.
Driving Innovation and Startup Growth
The 'Cyber District' is set to become a central point for innovation, offering a secure and controlled digital environment for testing new security solutions. It will also provide crucial support programs for startups, guiding them through product development, partner connections, and market entry. The initial interest in this collaborative venture has been substantial, with 52 startups registering for the first hackathon, dubbed '201: Go! Hackathon.' Additionally, 14 directors of major companies responsible for information security gathered on the opening day, signaling strong industry engagement.
The eGovernment House, where the 'Cyber District' is located, was opened by the Office for IT and eGovernment in October within the larger Lozionica creative-innovative, multifunctional, and digital center in Belgrade. The renovation of Lozionica, a complex spanning over 23,000 square meters, was fully funded by the government at a cost of 63 million euro.
Serbia's Strategic Commitment to Cybersecurity
The establishment of the 'Cyber District' aligns with Serbia's ongoing commitment to strengthening its information security framework. The country has previously adopted strategies such as the 'Strategy for Combating Cybercrime 2019-2023' and the 'Strategy for development of information security for the period 2017-2020,' as well as the 'Strategy for development of information society and information security for the period 2021-2026.' This new hub is expected to play a vital role in promoting, educating, and enhancing the overall cyber resilience of the nation, contributing to a digitally sovereign and secure Serbia.
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