Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative in the Balkans

The OES-led Global Innovation through Science and Technology (GIST) Initiative catalyzes science, technology, and innovation (STI) activities that support the Administration’s economic and national security goals. Over the last ten years GIST has engaged more than 27 million innovation community members from over 130 emerging economies, and GIST has mentored over 15,000 startups. These startups have gone on to generate more than $250 million in revenue and over 6,000 jobs while creating business relationships with American companies like Coca-Cola, Expedia, and Amazon Web Services. Projects include in country trainings of startups, interactive online programs, online mentorship platforms, and global pitch competitions. For more information about the GIST initiative and all its programming, please refer to GISTNetwork.org. This cooperative agreement will include startup training and support for Innovation Hubs (IHubs) in the priority countries of Bosnia, Kosovo, North Macedonia, and Serbia.