The AI 4 LIFE: Biotech Future Forum 2026, held in Belgrade, has brought together over 1,000 experts from the fields of science, medicine, business, and investment to discuss the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in biotechnology and healthcare. This fifth iteration of the international conference, organized by the Government of Serbia and the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution, in partnership with the Office for IT and eGovernment, the World Economic Forum, and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), underscores Serbia’s commitment to advancing its technological landscape.

A significant highlight of the forum is Serbia’s plan to acquire three supercomputers by the end of the year, which will bolster the nation’s AI infrastructure. Dr. Mihailo Jovanović, Director of the Office for IT and eGovernment, emphasized the country’s recent technological advancements, including the establishment of state data centers in Kragujevac and Belgrade and a national AI platform. “When we launched this forum and founded the Center for the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Serbia five years ago, our goal was clear: to make Serbia a meeting place for science, technology, business, and public policy,” Jovanović stated. He highlighted the importance of continued investment in both experts and infrastructure to swiftly translate scientific ideas into tangible benefits for citizens.

The forum also placed a strong emphasis on the need for regulatory frameworks and equitable access to technology. Kelly Omundsen, Director of the Global Platform for Regulatory Innovation at the World Economic Forum, pointed out the necessity of balanced regulations in the context of innovations and scientific discoveries. “We want to push the boundaries of what is possible in a safe and sustainable way, consistent with human values,” Omundsen remarked, stressing the importance of establishing protective mechanisms as society steps into the future.

Alexandre de Croo, Administrator of the UNDP, highlighted the global focus on technology accessibility, noting that the challenge lies not only in who develops the technology but also in who has access to it. “The United Nations is leading a global dialogue on AI governance to ensure that every country has the opportunity to have its voice heard and the capacity to act,” de Croo said. He also mentioned the UNDP’s decade-long collaboration with Serbia in the field of digitalization, with a particular focus on enhancing cybersecurity and developing AI models for the Serbian language.

Participants at the forum had the opportunity to engage with interactive demonstrations in the “Interactive Hub” and “Immersive Room,” exploring new biotechnological solutions, personalized medicine, and AI applications in modern diagnostics. The event served as a platform for exchanging ideas and fostering collaborations among global scientific elites, including Nobel laureate Professor Gregg Semenza, Professor Molly Stevens, and Professor Andrea Califano.

While the acquisition of supercomputers marks a significant step forward, the forum also highlighted the ongoing need for regulatory discussions to ensure that AI advancements align with ethical standards and human values. The discussions at the forum are expected to influence future policy-making and the strategic direction of AI development in Serbia, as the nation aims to become a hub for technological innovation and application.