Startup Weekend Ohrid recently wrapped up its second edition, bringing together young innovators from across the region. Organized by Startup Macedonia with the support of the Startup Weekend Skopje team and a strong network of founders and startup enthusiasts, the event offered an inspiring platform for networking, team-building, and startup development.
Over the course of three high-energy days, participants pitched ideas, formed teams, joined workshops, and worked with mentors to transform concepts into prototypes. The final day featured pitch presentations where teams shared their startup visions and made their mark on the entrepreneurial scene.
The event was part of the KreNI Startup project, a regional initiative by Startup Macedonia (North Macedonia) and Young Ambassadors (Serbia), supported by the British Council and funded by the European Union through the Culture and Creativity for the Western Balkans (CC4WBs) project. The CC4WBs project aims to foster dialogue in the Western Balkans by enhancing the cultural and creative sectors for increased socio-economic impact.
This year’s exchange saw 10 participants from North Macedonia attend the 10th KreNI Conference in Niš in December 2024, while 10 participants from Serbia traveled to Ohrid to take part in Startup Weekend. The project tackles key regional challenges such as high youth unemployment and underdeveloped creative industries by promoting youth empowerment, regional collaboration, and entrepreneurial growth.
Through benchmarking workshops, study visits, joint event management, and youth mentorship, KreNI Startup aims to strengthen creative and entrepreneurial skills across borders. A digital publication will capture the project’s insights and best practices, fostering continued learning and collaboration.
KreNI Startup is more than a partnership - it’s a shared vision for a connected and thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem in the Western Balkans.
