Data Science Conference

AI Awards 2026 | AI Innovation

Recognizing outstanding innovation and leadership in building the foundations of the AI-driven future, the AI Innovation Award was presented to Orion AI Factory.

The award was accepted by Nikola Vurdelja and recognizes one of the most ambitious AI infrastructure initiatives in Southeast Europe, helping position the Adriatic region on the global AI map.

Developed in collaboration with NVIDIA, Orion AI Factory is bringing state-of-the-art AI infrastructure, sovereign AI capabilities, and enterprise-grade AI development resources closer to organizations across the region. By enabling local access to advanced computing power and next-generation AI technologies, the initiative is creating new opportunities for businesses, startups, researchers, and public institutions to innovate and scale.

More than an infrastructure project, Orion AI Factory represents a strategic investment in the future of the regional AI ecosystem. From supporting the development of local AI models to strengthening digital sovereignty and accelerating AI adoption across industries, it is helping lay the groundwork for long-term innovation and competitiveness.

As access to advanced AI infrastructure becomes increasingly critical, Orion AI Factory is poised to play a key role in attracting talent, fostering innovation, and ensuring that the Adriatic region becomes an active contributor to the future of artificial intelligence.

Congratulations to Nikola Vurdelja and the entire Orion AI Factory team on this well-deserved recognition. 🚀

AI Awards 2026 | AI Champion

Recognizing exceptional leadership, innovation, and impact in advancing artificial intelligence, the AI Champion Award was presented to Vid Stimac, Project Manager for AI and Digital Innovations at UNDP Serbia.

Through his work across the innovation ecosystem, Vid has consistently demonstrated how AI can be leveraged to address meaningful societal challenges and create lasting public value. His contributions range from supporting the development of Serbia’s regulatory sandbox for autonomous vehicles and advancing responsible AI governance to leading initiatives that bring practical AI solutions closer to citizens and institutions.

Among his most notable achievements are promoting AI-powered mammography solutions that enable earlier and more accurate breast cancer detection, as well as contributing to the development of LORYA, an open-source AI platform dedicated to the digitization and preservation of cultural heritage, languages, and historical knowledge.

By combining strategic vision with a strong commitment to public-sector innovation, Vid continues to play an important role in shaping the future of responsible AI adoption across the Adriatic region and beyond.

Congratulations to Vid Stimac on this well-deserved recognition.