The Pupin Initiative is inspired by the legacy of Michael Pupin, the Serbian-American inventor, scientist, and diplomat who played a crucial role in strengthening ties between Serbia and the United States.
A Columbia University professor and advisor to US presidents, Pupin was a key voice for Serbia in Washington during pivotal moments of the 20th century. His life’s work embodied the spirit of transatlantic cooperation, innovation, and mutual understanding—principles that continue to guide our mission today.
Our Mission
Ensuring Serbian
Perspectives in Washington
We work to ensure that Serbian voices are heard in Washington, DC. Through regular engagement with policymakers, we foster informed dialogue, promote understanding, and contribute to more aligned policies between the two nations.
Innovation and Business
Cooperation
We create platforms for business and innovation partnerships between Serbia and the United States. Our efforts support economic growth, knowledge transfer, and entrepreneurial exchange that benefit both countries.
Revitalizing US – Serbia
Relations
We are committed to renewing the US–Serbia relationship through academic, policy, and cultural initiatives. By deepening people-to-people connections and institutional ties, we help build trust and long-term cooperation.
What We Do
Our weekly briefings on US–Serbia and Western Balkan affairs reach over 3,000 decision-makers in the United States.
We've organized 100+ policy discussions involving US officials, experts, and stakeholders, addressing national security, energy, and regional cooperation.
Through monthly events, we've connected over 300 business leaders, officials, and academics from both countries.
We host the annual Pupin Forum in both Belgrade and Washington, DC, convening ministers, scientists, and CEOs. In 2024, over 300 participants joined high-level discussions.
Our Pupin Fellowship Program brings together talented students from Serbia and the United States, building a new generation of leaders committed to strengthening US–Serbia relations.
Our work has been covered by 200+ media outlets, helping reframe how the world sees Serbia and its strategic role.
We've engaged 500+ top Serbian professionals across business and academia to foster collaboration and thought leadership.
Our team delivers in-depth analysis on Serbian domestic affairs, Western Balkan dynamics, and broader geopolitical developments impacting transatlantic relations.
Founders
Vuk Velebit
President
A next-generation political analyst driving Serbia’s engagement with the US through security, foreign policy, and regional stability initiatives.
Vladimir Milošević
Chairman
Co-founder and partner at a notable San Francisco technology studio that designs, engineers, and invests in early-stage products.
Aleksandar Đaković
Board of Directors
US transportation manager with a track record of developing efficient teams, work culture, and sustainable systems from the ground up.
Senior Advisors
Christopher Hill
Nataša Filipović
Managing Director of Ovation Belgrade and Seasoned Executive in Advertising and Business Strategy
Kaush Arha
President of the Free & Open Indo-Pacific Forum and a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council
Expert Advisors
Tihomir Bajić
CEO,
LTSE Software
Mina Konaković
Luković
Tenure-track
Professor, MIT
Marko Grujičić
Intl. Development,
World Bank
Jovana
Radosavljević
Executive Director,
New Social Initiative
Program Director,
Returning Point
Alex Wheldon
Co-founder & CPO,
Rho Business Bank
Ryan Ottman
Partner,
Black Graf
Rastko Petaković
Senior Partner,
Karanović & Partners
Luka Čubrilo
Managing Director,
Čubrilo Holdings
Igor Stoimenov
Film producer,
director, and writer
Ratko Balaban
Owner,
Tempo Company
Strahinja Matejić
Associate Director,
Eurasia Group
