POLICY ANSWERS Call for Participation: Western Balkans Research & Innovation Youth Awards

The Western Balkans Youth Research and Innovation Awards recognize outstanding initiatives that have successfully engaged young people in the field of research and innovation between 2020 and 2024. The aim of these awards is to increase the visibility of successful youth-focused initiatives, promote careers in research and innovation (R&I), and encourage professional development in this field.
The awards are organized by FITD, as part of the WP5 Pilot Activities of the POLICY ANSWERS project, funded through the Horizon Europe program. The project “R&I Policy Making, Implementation, and Support in the Western Balkans” (Grant Agreement 101058873) was launched on March 1, 2022, and runs for four years.
Benefits of Participation
Award winners receive regional recognition, financial support of up to EUR 8,000, and the opportunity to showcase successful models of youth engagement in research and innovation. Participants can connect with students, educators, innovators, and industry leaders, creating new opportunities for collaboration and development.
Eligibility
Applications are open to legally registered organizations, including micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), civil society organizations (CSOs), schools, universities, and other institutions. Organizations must be based in Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, Kosovo, North Macedonia, or Serbia*, or their projects must be focused on the Western Balkans region.
Application Criteria
Eligible initiatives must be youth-focused, targeting individuals aged 15 to 29, and must have been implemented between 2020 and 2024. They should focus on either:
- Research (e.g., STEM fields, digital or green technologies)
- Innovation (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development, creative industries)
All initiatives must demonstrate concrete results and measurable impact.
Proof of Results and Impact
Applicants should provide supporting evidence, such as:
📊 Measurable results – Increased youth participation in STEM activities, higher enrollment in relevant educational programs, or successful startups launched by young people.
📖 Personal stories – Examples of young individuals whose lives have been positively impacted by the initiative.
🏆 Awards and recognitions – Information on any previous acknowledgments or awards received.
📜 Recommendations and endorsements – Letters of support or testimonials from relevant stakeholders.
♻ Sustainability – Evidence of a long-term impact plan and continued implementation beyond the initial funding period.
Applications must be submitted electronically via the provided link by April 18, 2025. More information is available here.
