meet serbian emerging startups – solarlink

This article was developed within the program Venture an Idea funded by the USAID.

Join us at the SPLET 3 conference, and meet fresh startups from Serbian ecosystem. We present you Solarlink, and here is their story:

 

Can you tell us a little bit about the problem your startup is dealing with.

Solarlink addresses inefficiencies in the solar industry, especially during the initial phases of project development. Solar developers and investors frequently encounter delays and errors in engineering calculations, offer collection and comparison, as well as in negotiations. Our solution fills this gap by offering automated tools that streamline feasibility studies, minimize human error, and efficiently link solar investors with top contractors, enabling more transparent communication.

What were your first steps, how would you describe the process from idea to prototype?

Our journey began when I personally identified the challenges and inefficiencies in the solar industry while working as a project manager and sales engineer. Through my experience, I realized the need for a tool that could streamline and simplify the processes that were slowing down the development of solar projects. Recognizing this gap, we started by defining the key features that would automate daily tasks for solar developers and created an MVP focused on generating accurate feasibility studies for solar projects. Collaborating with industry experts helped us refine the solution to address real-world pain points. Today, our software is used daily by solar developers, fully solving their engineering issues. Meanwhile, we are continuously working on integrating new features to further enhance its capabilities.

What can you tell us about the team, what kind of experiences you bring to the process?

In the beginning, our team consisted of Miloš and me, two friends and co-founders. With my background as an electrical engineer, I identified critical challenges and gaps in the solar industry through my experience as a project manager and sales engineer. Miloš, on the other hand, brought his extensive expertise as a software engineer, specializing in the development of advanced software solutions. As our company grew, we expanded the team by bringing in talented software engineers and other experts. Today, we're proud to have a group of individuals who share the same vision and values, united by the belief that the sky is no longer the limit.

Can you share some of the challenges you stumble upon, and what are the main milestones you achieved during this period?

The entire journey of a startup is filled with challenges, especially in the idea and MVP stage. However, if I had to highlight the most significant, it would definitely be securing funding and acquiring early users. We remained persistent and never gave up, successfully overcoming these obstacles. Now, our focus has shifted to adding new functionalities, growing our paid user base, and expanding into the European market.

Key milestones for us include joining leading accelerator programs at the Serbian startup ecosystem, which helped us a lot with further development.

What is your product today, and how does the market react to it?

Today, our DesignPro software provides a complete solution for solar developers, automating engineering workflows, streamlining feasibility studies, improving task delegation between engineering and sales teams, and ensuring accurate project calculations. The market response has been highly positive, with users valuing the significant time and cost savings.

In the coming weeks, we’ll be launching the LinkPro platform, which will connect investors with solar developers. This platform aims to foster transparent communication and offer secure, simple, and efficient collaboration for business partners.

Our ultimate goal is to simultaneously automate both engineering and sales for solar developers, while serving as a one-stop shop for investors.

How do you see your product fit within the construction industry globally? What is your product today, and how does the market react to it?

Our product aligns seamlessly with the global construction industry's shift toward renewable energy, especially solar power. Solarlink boosts project management efficiency and cuts operational costs, meeting the rising demand for sustainable solutions. As the global push for green energy intensifies, we see immense potential for our platform to become a key resource for solar developers and investors worldwide.

Please share with us, what are your next steps, how do you see your further development?

Our next steps focus on finalizing the development of our LinkPro platform while continuously researching ways to implement AI into our software solutions. We want to enhance our products with advanced engineering methods and AI systems to boost their efficiency and accuracy. Our vision is to create a comprehensive platform that covers all key segments of the solar industry, from feasibility studies and project management to sales automation.

The first markets on our list are leading European countries, and we are currently preparing to introduce our software to these companies. As we scale, our goal is to take this platform global, helping solar businesses reduce costs, save time, and improve project outcomes. Ultimately, we aim to drive innovation and empower businesses with more efficient and sustainable solutions.

You participated in numerous startup support programs in Serbia, what is your experience building a business within the Serbian startup ecosystem?

The Serbian startup ecosystem has been incredibly supportive, and we’re very thankful to the Belgrade Science and Technology Park, ICT Hub, and the Innovation Fund. These organizations have been instrumental in our growth, offering product development assistance, financial support, and helping us connect with other founders, mentors, and key figures in the startup community, many of whom have become close friends and valuable connections.

Although the ecosystem is still expanding, challenges like limited early-stage funding persist. However, the growing network of innovation hubs and the government’s focus on entrepreneurship have been significant assets to our journey.

Serbia is seeing more innovative ideas aimed at solving global challenges, so it’s vital for all of us to work together to continue strengthening the ecosystem and bring these solutions to life.

What kind of support do you need in the next period?

In the next period, we’re looking for strategic partnerships with solar investors, developers, and industry stakeholders to scale and improve our product. We’re seeking companies eager to stay at the forefront of innovation, implement innovative solutions in their daily operations, and contribute to the growth of the solar industry.

We invite both potential investors interested in solar energy and developers looking to grow their businesses to reach out and take the first step toward solar innovation with us.

How can the clients come in touch with you?

Anyone can connect with Solarlink—whether they are investors, developers, or third parties—by visiting the website at solarlink.app. There, they can request consultations, explore products, and learn how Solarlink can benefit their business. Additionally, they can reach out via email or connect through LinkedIn or Instagram. Solarlink is always available to discuss and support new solar projects!

This article is made possible by the support of the American people through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The contents of this program are the responsibility of Nova Iskra and do not necessarily reflect the views of USAID or the United States Government