Encouraging innovation culture 2026.

The general objective of this Programme is to contribute to the continuous enhancement of Montenegro's competitiveness and the development of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.

The specific objectives of the Programme are to:

• Raise awareness among the wider public—including the university, academic, research and business communities, with a particular focus on young people—of the importance of innovation for sustainable development, as well as of support measures for the development of technological and social innovation, the start-up ecosystem, innovation-driven entrepreneurship and innovation infrastructure;

• Promote innovation-driven entrepreneurship and foster a sustainable environment that enables the transformation of ideas into innovations and their successful commercialisation;

• Strengthen the innovation capacities of enterprises in Montenegro through the promotion of innovation and enhanced cooperation between research organisations and the business sector.

Eligible Costs

The following categories of costs are eligible for funding under this Public Call:

• Personnel costs for staff engaged in the implementation of the project. Project staff may be employed by the applicant or recruited specifically for the purposes of project implementation;

• Fees and costs related to external experts and lecturers engaged for the implementation of the project;

• Costs of equipment, materials and small inventory required for project implementation. Small inventory refers to materials and equipment with a unit value of less than EUR 300 (excluding VAT);

• Project promotion and communication costs;

• Travel costs directly related to project implementation;

• VAT on eligible costs where the applicant is not entitled to recover it.

Project Duration and Implementation Period

Projects must have a duration of 3 to 6 months.

All planned project activities must be completed by the applicant no later than 31 March 2027.

Eligible project activities must be implemented at the national or regional level, depending on the target groups.

Where a project is implemented at the regional level, project activities must involve target groups from at least two municipalities within the region.