Startup SmartCat tops PowerUp! competition in Serbia

Startup SmartCat from Novi Sad has won the second PowerUp! competition in Serbia with its innovative software Optimus Power for optimization and control of electricity consumption.

The startup made up of Sanja Hajduković, Nina Marjanović, Nenad Božić, Dušan Ranđelović, and Stanko Kuveljić secured the opportunity to compete in the regional final in Krakow on May 21, to feature finalists from 24 Central European countries, for a prize of up to EUR 50,000 and an investment of EUR 150,000.

The second place went to the Pollutyzer for a device and software for detecting the level of clogging of aerial filters on chimneys, while Food Group came in third with a device which allows up to 30% less energy consumption of cooling systems.

The competition was organized by Startit and the EU-based InnoEnergy, which offers development and networking opportunities to startups in the field of energy. This year, support was also provided by the Serbian Ministry of Innovation and Technological Development.

The PowerUp! thematic fields are energy, mobility, clean air, heating, cleantech, smart cities.

Sanja Hajduković of the SmartCat startup explained that their product is a software designed to optimize heating and cooling devices in order to reduce electricity consumption.

The first results show that up to 40% could be saved, she added.

The winner was selected by a jury consisting of Michal Kraszewski of InnoEnergy, Zoja Kukić of the Digital Serbia Initiative, and Dane Atanasković of the Innovation Fund.

Nemanja Milović of the InnoEnergy Hub Serbia said that there were more runner-ups this year amid stronger competition.

SmartCat’s Optimus Power is a serious contestant for the top spot in the regional final, said Milović.

The finalists will compete in Krakow, as part of the Impact 19′ conference, for a cash prize of up to EUR 50,000, as well as to participate in the prestigious Highway program that helps startups transform into successful companies and secures investments of up to EUR 150,000.

Startup Solagro was the winner of the first PowerUp! competition in Serbia.