NINJA Accelerator

The NINJA Accelerator is an international program designed to provide structured support to tech startups from Serbia seeking to expand into Asian markets, particularly Japan and Southeast Asia. Implemented in cooperation with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the program offers a comprehensive 10-week acceleration phase that includes thematic workshops, one-on-one mentoring sessions, expert consultations, and opportunities to engage with potential partners from the Asian region. The program culminates in a Demo Day, where selected startups present their solutions to domestic and international investors, companies, and key stakeholders in the innovation ecosystem.

The accelerator program addresses the recognized need for Serbian startups to explore underrepresented markets, especially in Asia, which are often overlooked due to limited information and access. By focusing on international expansion, the program supports the diversification of growth strategies, the development of sustainable partnerships, and the strengthening of international competitiveness among local startups. The initiative is a collaborative effort powered by JICA and led by Double Feather Partners, Deloitte Tohmatsu, with support from local partners and global experts to foster innovation and economic growth in the region.

In its second edition, the program brought together five carefully selected startups—Relio, nanoWAF, OPS.inc, Trust2Me, and Inclusio—all of which worked on refining their business models with a focus on international expansion. The most successful among them earned the opportunity to visit Japan and Singapore, where they further developed their business potential and expanded their network through hands-on experience. This expansion underscores JICA's commitment to fostering meaningful partnerships that drive innovation and sustainable growth across Africa and Asia, creating lasting impacts for all involved.