The Pupin Initiative U.S. is an independent, non-partisan 501(c)(3) 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 U.S. presidents, Pupin served as a vital bridge between Belgrade and Washington during pivotal moments of the 20th century. His life's work embodied the spirit of bilateral cooperation, innovation, and mutual understanding—principles that continue to guide our mission today.
Our Mission
Fostering Informed
Bilateral Dialogue
We provide policy professionals and strategic stakeholders with objective, localized analysis to enhance mutual understanding between the United States and the region. Through independent research, we promote data-driven dialogue that supports regional stability and serves the shared interests of both 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.
Building Long-Term
Cooperation
We cultivate the academic, policy, and cultural frameworks essential to a new era of US-Serbia relations. By expanding professional networks and institutional engagement, we build the foundation of mutual trust required for sustainable, long-term cooperation between both societies.
What We Do
Inform Policy Professionals
Our weekly analytical briefings, providing independent, objective data on Western Balkan affairs, reach over 3,000 policy professionals and institutional stakeholders.
We organize independent policy discussions involving regional experts, U.S. stakeholders, and commercial leaders, focusing on bilateral security, energy resilience, and mutual economic cooperation.
Through regular events, we connect business leaders, subject-matter experts, and academics to promote bilateral trade, independent innovation, and shared economic growth.
We host the annual Pupin Forum in Belgrade and Washington, D.C., convening independent experts, scientists, and commercial leaders for objective, high-level discussions on regional stability and bilateral ties.
Invest in Bilateral Leadership
Our independent Pupin Fellowship Program brings together top students from the United States and the region, building a new generation of analytical leaders equipped to navigate and study mutual cooperation.
Provide Objective Analysis
Our independent research has been cited by 200+ media outlets, supplying the public and institutional stakeholders with accurate data on shifting geoeconomic realities.
We engage top professionals across the United States and the region in business and academia to foster bilateral collaboration and independent thought leadership.
Our team delivers in-depth, non-partisan analysis on Western Balkan dynamics, energy markets, and broader geopolitical developments to inform stable, long-term bilateral relations.
Founders
Vuk Velebit
President
A next-generation political analyst and leading voice in bilateral dialogue, focused on security, foreign policy, and regional stability initiatives.
Vladimir Milošević
Chairman
A technology leader leveraging his industry background to provide independent U.S. oversight and strategic governance for the Board.
Aleksandar Đaković
Board of Directors
An executive of a U.S.-based transportation company with a proven track record of developing efficient teams, robust organizational cultures, 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
Serge Todorovich
Partner in the Investment Funds & Private Capital practice at Paul Hastings LLP
Collin G. Janich
Vice President at BGR Group in Washington, D.C., advising U.S. and multinational clients across energy, critical minerals, and strategic technology.
Expert Advisors
Tihomir Bajić
CEO,
LTSE Software
Mina Konaković
Luković
Tenure-track
Professor, MIT
Marko Grujičić
Intl. Development,
World Bank
David Schoch
President, Serbian
Private Equity
Association
Alex Wheldon
Co-founder,
Rho Business Banking
Ryan Ottman
Partner,
Black Graf
Luka Čubrilo
Managing Director,
Čubrilo Holdings
Igor Stoimenov
Film producer,
director, and writer
Ratko Balaban
Owner,
Tempo Company
Strahinja Matejić
Associate Director,
Eurasia Group
Vladimir Kulenović
Wealth Management
Advisor and Music
Director