Implementation of educational programs in the areas of smart specialization 2026.

Programme Objectives

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:

• Engage distinguished professionals, scientists, innovators and/or entrepreneurs from Montenegro and abroad to deliver structured training programmes of up to six months, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of young people (pupils, students, early-career researchers and professionals);
• Strengthen human resource capacities in emerging and strategic scientific and technological fields where the national education system is not yet able to provide the necessary knowledge and skills;
• Foster cooperation between educational institutions and companies in the development of lifelong learning programmes based on experiential learning and practical problem-solving.

Grant Amount and Co-financing

Applicants may receive grant funding of up to EUR 10,000 under this Programme.

Co-financing of project activities is not mandatory. Where applicable, co-financing may be provided by the applicant, project partners, donors or other eligible sources.

Eligible and Ineligible 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.

The Innovation Fund reserves the right, where deemed necessary, to request supporting documentation justifying the budgeted project costs.

Ineligible Costs

The following costs are not eligible for funding:

• Value Added Tax (VAT) that can be reclaimed by the applicant;
• Indirect costs incurred as a direct consequence of project implementation;
• Costs already financed under another action or programme supported by other public funding sources;
• Costs related to project implementation incurred before the signing of the Grant Agreement;
• Representation and hospitality expenses;
• Any other costs not explicitly listed under the eligible cost categories.