The first edition of the LinkUp event – "Where ideas meet opportunities" was held on April 8 as part of a joint initiative of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro. The event was organized at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro and is intended for micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs), startups, and innovators who want to improve their business and find concrete sources of support.
LinkUp gathered representatives of support institutions, the business sector, and the innovative community, with the aim of presenting current funding opportunities, support programs, as well as networking and partnership opportunities in one place.
In the introductory part, the attendees were addressed by representatives of the organizers – Tanja Radusinović on behalf of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, Saša Ivanović on behalf of the Innovation Fund of Montenegro and Radivoje Drobnjak on behalf of the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro. They presented the concept of the LinkUp platform and emphasized the importance of a coordinated institutional approach in strengthening the innovation ecosystem, as well as the available forms of support their institutions provide to the economy.
During the event, Vedrana Pajović from the Eco Fund presented the activities of this institution, with a special focus on financing programs in the fields of energy efficiency and environmental protection. Also, Nina Perunović from the EIT Community Montenegro presented the open calls of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), as well as the opportunities for involving domestic companies and startups in international innovation networks and projects.
Representatives of the business sector also shared their practical experiences. Dragana Bulatović, Executive Director of the company ISOMONT, assessed that initiatives like LinkUp represent significant support for startups, especially in the context of providing information on available funding sources. As she pointed out, the challenge is often not a lack of quality ideas, but limited access to information on the possibilities for their realization.
Srđan Drobnjak from the company Cyberyne Systems Montenegro emphasized that LinkUp represents an important step towards connecting innovators with investors and institutions, and strengthening cooperation within the innovation ecosystem.
LinkUp is designed as a monthly event that will be organized every second Wednesday of the month, lasting 60 minutes, in a dynamic and interactive format. The concept includes short presentations of current national and international funding programs, practical advice for preparing project proposals, an open discussion, as well as a B2B and networking segment.
The goal of this initiative is to further strengthen the business community's awareness, increase the utilization of available funds and support programs, foster innovation and competitiveness development, as well as build a stronger cooperation network within Montenegro and with international partners.
LinkUp is not conceived as a one-time event, but as a continuous platform for business development support, connecting ideas with concrete opportunities and relevant partners.
The next edition of the event will be held on May 13 at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro.
…IDEAS PAY OFF!
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For all current calls, trainings, and information, interested parties can stay informed via the Fund's website and follow posts on social networks: LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.
