The Public Call was open from 29 May to 1 July 2024. A total of 34 project proposals were submitted, of which 27 proceeded to the evaluation phase conducted by an internal Evaluation Committee appointed by the Innovation Fund, in accordance with the Rules on the Evaluation Process. Following the evaluation, the Committee positively assessed 18 projects submitted under the Innovation Culture Support Programme.
In line with the Fund's procedures, the final funding decision was made based on the Committee's proposed ranking list, following budget negotiations and confirmation that all administrative requirements for signing the funding agreements had been fulfilled. Thanks to the available budget and the reallocation of part of the funds from another programme line, the Fund was able to finance 11 positively evaluated projects, with a total value of EUR 83,249.00. The remaining seven positively evaluated applications could not be funded due to budget limitations.
Of the funded projects, nine are in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), while one project is in the field of Energy and Sustainable Environment, and one project focuses on Human Resources Development in the Maritime Sector.
Fund recipients
Project name
Jumpstarting the game development ecosystem
Project description
Strengthening the Video Game Development Ecosystem by bringing together game developers, investors, industry professionals, and students. Planned activities include workshops, panel discussions, a video game prototype showcase, and a pitching competition, providing opportunities for networking, knowledge exchange, and attracting potential investors.
Project name
Green innovators of the future
Project description
Actively fostering an innovation culture among children and young people in Montenegro through education in the fields of energy efficiency and renewable energy sources. The project will be implemented through a series of hands-on workshops aimed at promoting innovation and innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Project name
Organization of regional fintech and banking conference
Project description
Organization of the two-day regional banking and fintech conference INFINTECH 2024, bringing together 400 decision-makers from the financial sector, technology sector, and related industries. The conference's main objective is to position Montenegro as a regional fintech hub, while providing Montenegrin companies with an opportunity to promote their products and services and expand their exports to international markets.
Project name
/Medical informatics– potentials and challenges for innovation entrepreneurship developement
Project description
The project, through a carefully designed implementation methodology (three phases, two thematic workshops, and a large-scale final event), aims to enhance knowledge and raise awareness of the potential applications of modern technologies in healthcare, as well as their integration with the natural sciences and engineering.
Project name
Podcast about startup founders in Montenegro - Montenegro Startup Waves
Project description
Raising awareness of the importance of innovation for sustainable development by promoting innovation-driven entrepreneurship and supporting the commercialization of innovative ideas. The project will deliver a series of podcast episodes featuring local startup founders from different regions of Montenegro, who will share their experiences, challenges, and success stories.
Project name
Innovation wave tech
Project description
Encouraging children and young people (aged 10–18) to engage in innovation through creative and interactive workshops. Participants will receive training in robotics, electronics, aeromodelling, and 3D printing, while the project also promotes STEM education and careers.
Project name
IT SPOT Innovation Summit
Project description
Organization of the two-day "IT SPOT Innovation Summit", featuring three main components: an IT and Business Conference, an IT Expo, and a Masterclass.
Project name
SmartForSmart
Project description
Organization of events in secondary schools across all three regions of Montenegro, aimed at introducing students to the role and importance of the Smart Specialisation priority areas for the country's overall development.
Project name
Innovation Makers
Project description
Enhancing STEM education in Montenegro by introducing advanced robotics and programming into the learning process. The project will deliver interactive workshops across all regions of Montenegro, providing students with hands-on experience in robotics and programming.
Project name
Innovation Lab
Project description
Fostering innovation through the establishment of an Innovation Lab at the Public Institution Primary School "Mirko Srzentić". The project includes teacher training, the development of innovative models with mentor support, and the organization of two-day workshops for primary school students.
Project name
Innovation HUB for MARitime competencies promotion
Project description
Organization of events (workshops, webinars, and other activities) at the newly established IT Hub at the Faculty of Maritime Studies, aimed at raising awareness of the importance of innovation for sustainable development and enhancing competencies in the maritime sector.
