The Regional Cooperation Council (RCC) has launched a Regional Butterfly Innovation Award seeking innovative, scalable and market-based solutions from the Western Balkans. The Butterfly Innovation Award fund totals €30,000, with the best solution in each of six categories receiving a prize of €5,000.

Candidates can apply for up to two out of the categories of:

-Industry innovation including metal processing, the creative industries, agri-food, the green and circular economy, tourism, fintech, biotech, and technology in the education and health sectors;

-Green innovation e.g. climate action, sustainable energy, mobility and agriculture, the fight against pollution, protection of nature and biodiversity;

-STEM innovation (science, technology, engineering and mathematics);

-Youth innovation recognising university undergraduate or high school students;

-University innovation recognising entrepreneurial culture at universities;

-Women’s innovation recognising women innovators and entrepreneurs.

This first regional Butterfly Innovation Award is designed to encourage, promote and endorse innovations and innovators from the Western Balkans. The application process is open until 13 May. Award winners will be announced on 27 June at an event which will be livestreamed on RCC social media profiles. The Award is financed by the European Union and implemented by the RCC as part of the Common Regional Market Action Plan for the Western Balkans.