Six regional winners awarded in Novi Sad; event opened by RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović

Novi Sad – The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) presented last night the winners of the 4th Butterfly Innovation Awards at a ceremony held in Novi Sad, celebrating some of the most original, impactful, and forward-looking ideas from across the Western Balkans.

Opening the ceremony, RCC Secretary General Amer Kapetanović underlined that innovation is not just about technology, but about imagination, courage, and the ability to see the world as it could be. "Innovation transforms communities, industries, and our lives. Each act of innovation, big or small, moves us closer to a better tomorrow,” said Kapetanović, adding that nearly 600 applications have been submitted since the Award was launched four years ago, including more than 130 this year alone. He noted that the quality of submissions continues to grow, with many rooted in academic research and social impact, describing this year’s cohort as “creative, ambitious, and ready to shape the region’s future.”

To ensure fairness and neutrality, all jury members come from outside the region.

This year’s winners were announced in six categories, recognising excellence in STEM, youth innovation, industry, green solutions, university-driven innovation, and women-led entrepreneurship.

Winners of the 4th Butterfly Innovation Awards

Star Campers – winner in the STEM category

A structured astrotourism initiative combining camping, astronomy and environmental education. It boosts rural economies, engages youth, and promotes sustainable tourism while raising awareness about dark-sky preservation.

PM2.5 TRAP – winner in the Youth category

An affordable, locally adaptable clean-air filter for household chimneys that reduces PM2.5 emissions by up to 98%. Easy to install and inexpensive, it empowers families to directly reduce harmful air pollution.

EcoTie (TechTie3D) – winner in the Industry category

A rapid-prototyping and 3D-printing service delivering more than 300 functional prototypes to hundreds of clients. By integrating plastic recycling, it supports the circular economy and reduces import dependency.

Soil Rebirth – winner in the Green category

Transforms industrial waste into soil briquettes that activate with water and support long-term greening. Covering up to three times more area than conventional soil, this solution is low-cost, climate-resilient and circular by design.

Dr. Monika Stojanova – winner in the University category

Almond-based yoghurt produced using food by-products, green extraction and AI-driven precision fermentation. Sustainable, nutritious and waste-reducing, it responds to rising demand for eco-friendly functional foods.

OsnaŽene – winner in the Women category

A digital platform for women entrepreneurs offering free micro-websites and access to a regional online marketplace. It enhances visibility, digital skills, and business opportunities for women-led enterprises.

About the Award

Launched in 2022, the RCC's Butterfly Innovation Award celebrates individuals and teams whose ideas contribute to a greener, smarter and more competitive Western Balkans. Over four years, the Award has grown into a regional innovation showcase supported by external evaluators, academic partners and the RCC’s wider innovation agenda. The award is being funded by the European Union.

More info about the award