In the Western Balkans, a wave of digital innovation has the potential to reshape how cities function. Imagine a city where public services operate seamlessly, infrastructure adapts to real-time needs, and resources are used efficiently. Traffic congestion, inefficient waste management, and high energy consumption – problems that have long plagued cities – are now being tackled with smart solutions.
Among them, three standout ventures – Next Gen Networks, Solarise Technologies, and Peasy, part of the BOOST: Urban Future Finance acceleration programme – are proving that digital transformation can address urban challenges in diverse environments, from smaller municipalities to larger cities. By leveraging AI, IoT, blockchain, and smart infrastructure, these startups are setting the ground for more connected, efficient, and sustainable cities.
In the city of Peja, Kosovo, Next Gen Networks is improving urban management with an innovative 5G-powered smart city platform. Originally launched as a technology hub, the nonprofit now develops digital solutions that enhance municipal services, from waste management to public lighting.
Fjolla Cavolli, a project manager at Next Gen Networks, describes the organization’s mission: “We wanted to develop a solution that directly addresses challenges faced by the municipality – specifically citizen engagement and resource management. Our platform collects real-time data and enables decision-makers to optimize public services.”
Their approach integrates 5G and blockchain technology to ensure the security and efficiency of data transmission. Sensors can monitor air quality, detect waste levels in bins, and track energy consumption, providing actionable insights for local governments. What sets them apart is their citizen-centric model: through a dedicated app, residents can report issues – such as potholes or faulty streetlights – and receive updates on municipal responses. “We want citizens to be part of city management, not just passive recipients of services,” Fjolla explains.
Still in its early phases, the platform is expected to launch in Peja by the end of the year, with plans to scale across Kosovo and the broader Balkans. With its fusion of IoT, blockchain, and 5G, Next Gen Networks is positioning itself in the field of smart urban governance in the region.
Renewable energy adoption in the Balkans has been slow-moving, but Solarise Technologies is making solar installation more accessible, data-driven, and easier than ever. Founded and led by a standout team of engineers – primarily women – Solarise is not only breaking barriers in renewable energy in Serbia but also challenging gender norms in the tech sector. Starting as a hackathon project, the startup has evolved into a powerful AI-driven solution for the solar energy industry.
Tina Mihajlovic, co-founder and CEO, reflects on their journey: “We realized that one of the biggest barriers to solar adoption wasn’t the technology itself but the complexity of the installation process. People had to wait weeks for an evaluation. Our goal was to change that.”
Solarise uses AI and satellite imagery to analyze rooftops and instantly generate solar installation quotes, eliminating the need for manual site inspections. Their software enables users – ranging from individual homeowners to large-scale solar companies – to assess a property’s solar potential in just minutes. By removing cost and knowledge barriers, they are accelerating the shift toward renewable energy.
Beyond convenience, Solarise is actively working on global scalability. Unlike existing solutions, which are often limited to select regions, their technology can be applied worldwide. “We’re not just building another solar calculator,” Tina emphasizes. “We’re democratizing access to solar energy.” With beta testing underway in multiple European countries, including Germany, Spain, and the UK, Solarise is proving that AI can be a game-changer for sustainable urban infrastructure.
Anyone who has ever spent countless minutes circling a neighborhood looking for parking knows the frustration of inefficient urban mobility. In Niš, Serbia, Pavle Mitic, CEO, and his team at Peasy have developed a digital solution to address parking shortages and reduce urban congestion.
“Globally, drivers spend an average of 40 hours per year searching for parking,” Pavle explains. “That’s not just wasted time – it’s increased pollution, stress, and economic inefficiency.”
Peasy’s solution is twofold: a mobile app that allows users to reserve parking spaces in advance and Bluetooth-enabled devices that signal real-time parking availability. By connecting drivers with both private and public parking spaces, Peasy aims to optimize existing infrastructure rather than requiring costly new developments.
Unlike conventional parking apps that merely display available spots, Peasy guarantees reservations and personalizes recommendations based on users’ habits. The platform also enables property owners to rent out unused parking spaces, contributing to a more efficient sharing economy. “It’s not just about finding a spot – it’s about transforming parking into an optimized, stress-free experience,” Pavle says.
Currently in pilot testing, Peasy is set to launch in Niš within the next months, with plans to expand to larger cities across Serbia like Belgrade and Novi Sad before scaling internationally. By integrating smart parking solutions, Peasy is tackling both environmental concerns and quality-of-life issues in urban centers.
Across the Western Balkans, startups like Next Gen Networks, Solarise Technologies, and Peasy are demonstrating that impactful urban transformation is within reach through resourceful innovation and strategic technology adoption.
BOOST’s Urban Future Finance acceleration programme has played an important role in this ecosystem, offering resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities that have helped these startups refine their business models and scale their impact. The programme has also emphasized the urgency of sustainable urban solutions. “Before BOOST, we weren’t even thinking in terms of measurable impact,” Tina from Solarise admits. “Now, we’re tracking the environmental benefits of every installation.”
Each of these ventures reflects a broader shift – where digital tools put power in the hands of communities, sustainability takes center stage, and technology helps make cities more livable for everyone. As these solutions continue to evolve, the future of cities in the region is being built not just by policymakers and urban planners but by tech-driven entrepreneurs who see innovation as a tool for smarter, greener cities.
*References to Kosovo shall be understood in the context of Security Council Resolution 1244 (1999).
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