Serbian Students Develop App to Boost Elderly Mental Health

Jan 24, 2026

A group of students from the Faculty of Technical Sciences in Čačak, Serbia, has developed an application to enhance mental health and quality of life for elderly individuals. This initiative by the startup team MetaNova, composed of Sandra Kojadinović and Srba Stevanović, recently gained recognition at the InnovNation Competition Serbia, a national event promoting youth startup ideas.

The HealthTech application was presented at the InnovNation Competition, where MetaNova reached the finals. This achievement underscores the team’s creativity and entrepreneurial spirit, as noted by the Faculty of Technical Sciences. The competition, organized by the Science and Technology Park in Belgrade with support from the Ministry of Science, Technological Development, and Innovation, aims to foster innovative thinking and entrepreneurship among young people.

MetaNova’s journey began at a Startup Weekend hosted by InnoHub, an innovation incubator at their faculty. Their solution was first introduced there, receiving mentorship from the InnovNation program and the incubator itself. This support was key to refining their idea for the competition.

The development highlights a growing trend among young Serbian innovators focusing on tech-driven solutions to societal challenges. MetaNova’s app targets elderly users, aiming to improve mental well-being and life quality—a demographic often overlooked in tech.

This initiative is part of a broader movement in Serbia encouraging youth innovation and entrepreneurship. Educational institutions and government bodies actively support these efforts, recognizing their potential to drive economic growth and address social issues. MetaNova’s success at InnovNation underscores these efforts’ effectiveness.

The application reflects the students’ commitment to technology for social good. By addressing mental health, it offers tools for elderly care—critical as traditional healthcare struggles with an aging population’s needs.

Recognition at a national level inspires other young Serbian innovators. It shows that with proper support and resources, students can develop solutions that impact society significantly.

The InnovNation Competition Serbia provides a platform for young entrepreneurs to present ideas, receive expert feedback, and connect with potential investors. Such platforms are crucial for nurturing future innovators and ensuring Serbia’s competitiveness in the global tech scene.

As MetaNova continues developing their application, they are poised to make a meaningful contribution to their field.