The public call for this programme line was open from 23 April to 26 May 2025. With an initial budget of EUR 150,000, the programme aims to make a continuous contribution to strengthening Montenegro's competitiveness and fostering the development of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy.
Through this programme line, the Fund supports the engagement of distinguished professionals, scientists, innovators, and entrepreneurs from Montenegro and abroad to deliver educational programmes aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of young people, pupils, students, researchers, and professionals. The maximum grant amount per project is EUR 10,000.
A total of 65 applications were submitted under the call, of which 50 were forwarded for evaluation by the Fund's Internal Evaluation Committee, in accordance with the Rules on the Evaluation Process. Following the evaluation, 43 projects received a positive assessment. Thanks to the allocation of additional funding, 28 projects were approved for financing, with a total grant value of EUR 269,658.96. The final funding decision was made based on the ranking list proposed by the Committee, following budget negotiations and verification that all administrative requirements necessary for signing the grant agreements had been fulfilled.
The decision is published after grant agreements have been signed with all beneficiaries approved for funding under this public call.
Fund recipients
Project name
MOCAP LAB
Project description
**MOCAP LAB** is a specialised educational programme designed to introduce local artists, students and technical professionals to modern motion capture (MoCap) technology. Through a combination of theoretical and hands-on training, participants will gain practical experience using equipment such as the **Rokoko Smartsuit Pro II**, **Smartgloves** and **Rokoko Vision**, as well as integrating these tools with software including **Cinema 4D**, **Blender** and **Unreal Engine**. In addition to film and visual production, the programme highlights the broad application of motion capture technology in the gaming industry, digital character development, real-time animation and interactive applications. Its objective is to strengthen Montenegro's creative community by promoting innovative production methods in digital animation, video game development, visual effects (VFX) and virtual production.
Project name
Eco Sparks – Children Building a Greener Montenegro
Project description
The project "Eco Sparks – Children Building a Greener Montenegro" aims to educate and raise the knowledge and awareness of primary school pupils aged 7 to 10 from northern Montenegro through a theoretical and practical training programme focused on renewable energy sources (RES), energy efficiency, sustainable resource management and the green economy. Through this programme, pupils will develop environmental awareness, technical skills, creative thinking and teamwork abilities. The programme is aligned with the thematic priorities of Montenegro's Smart Specialisation Strategy, including strengthening cooperation between educational institutions and industry, enhancing human capacities, and engaging professionals and experts in the field of renewable energy sources (RES).
Project name
DIGIBIM – Digital transformation through BIM for a sustainable construction industry
Project description
DIGIBIM is an educational programme focused on the digital transformation of Montenegro's construction industry through the application of Building Information Modelling (BIM) technologies. The programme will bring together up to 60 participants, organised into two groups from the University of Donja Gorica (UDG), the Polytechnic and the Faculty of Architecture, and will be delivered through a combination of theoretical sessions and hands-on workshops. Its main objectives are to enhance participants' digital competencies, raise awareness of sustainable construction practices, and promote waste reduction in the construction sector.
Project name
Academy for smart systems
Project description
The overall objective of the project is to strengthen the competitiveness and capacities of young people in the fields of innovation, technology and sustainable solutions for rural development. The project's specific objectives are to: enhance young people's competencies in developing and implementing smart solutions for innovative and sustainable rural development; promote a culture of civic engagement and social innovation among young people; and strengthen cooperation between local institutions and companies to provide young people with the knowledge and skills needed to drive innovation within their communities. The project's main expected results include improved knowledge and skills among young people in applying smart technologies and innovative solutions for sustainable rural development, increased access to modern technologies that support the sustainable development of rural areas of the Royal Capital of Cetinje, and stronger institutional cooperation that enables young people to take an active role in the development of their local community through multidisciplinary and practical learning.
Project name
Smart 3D
Project description
The **Smart3D: Creative Education through Smart Printing** project aims to enhance the digital and technical competencies of children, young people and teachers through education in **3D modelling** and **3D printing**. The initiative is aligned with the thematic priorities of Montenegro's Smart Specialisation Strategy, particularly in the areas of technology, education and digital transformation. The programme includes the procurement of equipment and consumables (3D printers, computers and filament), the organisation of two workshops in each participating municipality combining theoretical and practical training, the development and printing of educational teaching materials for several school subjects, including mathematics, biology, chemistry and history, as well as a final conference dedicated to the role of 3D printing in education.
Project name
The Robo Vision: A Smart Future through Education and Innovation
Project description
The Robo Vision: A Smart Future through Education and Innovation project aims to empower young people aged 15 to 18 from different regions of Montenegro through modern educational programmes in robotics, artificial intelligence, programming and other ICT fields that support Montenegro's Smart Specialisation Strategy. The programme's key activities include the organisation of five educational workshops in five municipalities across Montenegro, covering topics such as robotics design and programming, artificial intelligence and machine learning, robotics and video game development, and robotics in mathematics. The programme will conclude with a five-day Science School in Podgorica for 15 selected participants from all three regions of Montenegro.
Project name
Training for Professionals: “Digitalization of Mobility”
Project partner
Biciklo.me
Project description
In an urban environment where new technologies and digital transformation are playing an increasingly important role, it is crucial to understand them in order to identify their impacts, as well as the challenges and opportunities they can offer in the mobility sector. The Digitalisation of Mobility training is a tailored professional training programme developed by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology’s Urban Mobility initiative (EIT Urban Mobility), together with the introductory Mobility Data training. The programme provides participants with both foundational and advanced knowledge on how to harness the potential of the vast amounts of data collected through the widespread use of electronic devices, with the aim of addressing the numerous and growing transport challenges in Montenegro.
Project name
Future NOW
Project description
The project involves the implementation of a six-month pilot educational programme in robotics, programming, electronics, drones and digital creativity, aimed at children aged 10–18 at the Centre for Science and Innovation in Ulcinj. The programme is inspired by the successful DENEYAP model from Turkey, adapted to the local context and education system. The training will include theoretical and practical work, a team project, competitions and the presentation of results. Participants will develop technical skills, creativity and problem-solving abilities, as well as teamwork and an entrepreneurial spirit. Through a selection process, up to 40 children from Ulcinj and neighbouring municipalities will be selected, with the aim of creating equal opportunities for all. The project seeks to spark young people’s interest in STEM fields, strengthen local capacities for education and contribute to the sustainable development of the region through innovation.
Project name
SkyLab Montenegro: From Idea to Orbit
Project description
The project aims to educate and engage children and young people aged 10–16 in the field of emerging technologies through hands-on work on the development and launch of educational CubeSat spacecraft in three cities across Montenegro. Through the training, participants will learn how to develop, test and implement mini satellite systems that will collect atmospheric data (temperature, pressure, CO₂, humidity, air quality index and more), with two-way radio communication with a ground station. The project directly contributes to Montenegro’s Smart Specialisation Strategy priorities in the areas of innovative technologies, advanced materials and digitalisation, while also aiming to ensure long-term sustainability through the development of knowledge, infrastructure and collaborative networks.
Project name
SmartStart: Digital Skills through Robotics and IoT
Project description
The SmartStart: Digital Skills through Robotics and IoT project aims to enable children and young people aged 9–16 to acquire digital skills through hands-on work with Sphero Bolt educational robots. Through structured workshops combining programming, mechatronics and the fundamentals of the Internet of Things (IoT), participants will develop logical thinking, creativity and teamwork skills. The programme is differentiated by age, enabling younger participants to learn through block-based programming and older participants through JavaScript. Special emphasis is placed on practical tasks and the development of participants’ own solutions, while promoting gender equality and regional inclusion. The training will last 14 weeks, with a total of 42 hours of effective instruction, and will conclude with project presentations and the awarding of certificates. SmartStart contributes to the development of future-ready skills and to strengthening Montenegro’s capacity in emerging digital technologies, with a particular focus on robotics and IoT.
Project name
NextGen Leap
Project description
NextGen Leap is an educational STEM initiative focused on strengthening digital competencies among teachers and primary school students in Montenegro. The project introduces a practical, creative and modern approach to programming and digital literacy through the use of Micro:bit devices and the Microsoft MakeCode platform. Through a series of structured and accredited workshops, teachers will be trained to apply the “Step by Step” methodology, accredited by the Institute for Education of Montenegro, and introduced to digital tools that they can directly implement in the classroom. Educators will acquire the pedagogical and technical skills needed to introduce programming and digital technologies into everyday teaching in an engaging and age-appropriate way. The workshops emphasise creativity and applied learning, enabling children to gain hands-on experience with digital tools that are shaping the future.
Project name
Generative Artificial Intelligence Education Platform
Project description
The Generative Artificial Intelligence Education Platform is designed to significantly enhance knowledge and practical skills in generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) across Montenegro. The initiative involves the development and launch of the innovative online platform klupa.me, which will offer a range of free, high-quality courses. These courses will be designed to meet the needs of a broad range of users, including students from diverse fields, professionals working in key sectors such as marketing, programming and finance, as well as anyone else interested in understanding and applying GenAI. The educational programme will cover fundamental topics such as “Introduction to GenAI”, as well as more specialised modules including “GenAI for Marketing,” “GenAI for Developers” and “GenAI for Finance.”
Project name
Technical Diagnostics Schools
Project description
The aim of the “Technical Diagnostics Schools” project is to expand the knowledge and competencies of professionals in the use of technical diagnostics methods and tools. This innovative educational programme is designed to enhance the professional competencies of employees in companies across Montenegro through a continuous lifelong learning programme. Through specialised courses and practical training, the project will enable workers to acquire and update their knowledge in the field of technical diagnostics, thereby improving operational efficiency, safety and business competitiveness. In line with the principles of lifelong learning, the programme provides continuous education tailored to the needs of the labour market and technological advancements, contributing to the development of qualified and responsible professionals. The project aims to promote the sustainable development of companies, enhance competitiveness and align workforce skills with the demands of the modern industrial sector in Montenegro.
Project name
Educational Programme for Youth on Smart Specialisation
Project description
An educational programme designed for young people in Montenegro, aimed at informing, motivating and empowering them to pursue educational and professional pathways in areas covered by the Smart Specialisation Strategy (S3), such as sustainable agriculture, energy efficiency, climate change and agritourism. The programme consists of five thematic one-day modules, which will be delivered over a two-month period at an eco-tourism facility in the central region of Montenegro. Expected outcomes include increased knowledge and motivation among participants to pursue education in line with the principles of smart specialisation, the development of final projects based on personal journals, and broader promotion of sustainable development topics among young people.
Project name
The IoTyssey project aims
Project description
The IoTyssey project aims to strengthen human resource capacities in the field of the Internet of Things (IoT) across Montenegro through workshops held in all three regions of the country. The “Internet of Things and Robotics” workshops will provide young talents in Montenegro with knowledge in microcontroller programming, the use of IoT radio technologies and the operation of mini robots. The workshop methodology is based on a hands-on approach, giving participants the opportunity to experiment directly with IoT equipment and mini robots. The workshops were designed by researchers from Inria, the French National Institute for Research in Digital Science and Technology, and are also being delivered in France independently of this project. The IoTyssey project includes three workshops in the central, northern and southern regions of Montenegro, with a total of 45 hours of practical training.
Project name
BIO4INNO Training Programme – Innovations for a Sustainable Future
Project partner
Karijerni centar Univerziteta Crne Gore
Project description
The BIO4INNO – Innovations for a Sustainable Future training programme is designed as a comprehensive educational cycle aimed at strengthening the capacities of individuals and institutions in the field of innovations that contribute to sustainable development, with a particular focus on biotechnology, environmental protection and a just transition. The programme responds to the needs of Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem to develop human resources prepared to engage in the green and digital transition, in line with the principles of smart specialisation, the European Green Deal, and the growing demand for responsible and ethical innovation. The training is structured around four interconnected modules and two additional thematic sessions, which together provide an integrated approach to linking scientific advances, public policies, practices and innovation entrepreneurship. Through theoretical lectures, case studies, practical workshops, field visits and simulations, participants will develop the skills, knowledge and networks needed to actively engage in innovation processes and national and EU projects, as well as to develop their own sustainable solutions.
Project name
Next Generation of SMEs – Empowering Businesses through Artificial Intelligence
Project description
The NextGenSME project aims to contribute to Montenegro’s economic development by empowering micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and strengthening their capacity to understand and apply artificial intelligence (AI) in their everyday business operations. Through a targeted training programme, the project will enable professionals from the IT sector and related industries to enhance their knowledge, skills and capabilities in AI-driven digital transformation. All sessions will be interactive, with opportunities for questions, discussions, group work and practical exercises. The ultimate goal of the NextGenSME project is to help companies recognise and harness the potential of artificial intelligence to automate and optimise their processes.
Project name
Edukacija o primjeni Vještačke inteligencije u Internetu stvari (AIoT Edu)
Project description
Through the AIoT Edu project, an educational programme on the application of artificial intelligence in the Internet of Things (AIoT) will be developed for Montenegro and the wider region. The programme will later evolve into a microcredential within the MANT microcredential platform, which is expected to be launched once the necessary legal framework for this type of activity is established in Montenegro. The overall objective of the training is to establish, pilot and ensure the sustainability of non-formal education in the field of applying artificial intelligence to the Internet of Things, with the aim of eventually developing it into a microcredential. Specific objectives include developing a curriculum for non-formal education and training in the AIoT field, piloting the developed curriculum with the first generation of participants, transforming AIoT Edu into a microcredential once the necessary legal conditions are in place, and developing the human resources needed to support the potential growth of this field in Montenegro. The AIoT Edu project is designed as a theoretical and practical non-formal education course intended for secondary school students, university students, technology professionals and anyone interested in further developing their skills in this field.
Project name
Innovative School – A Sea of Knowledge
Project description
The “Innovative School – A Sea of Knowledge” project involves organising five-day summer and winter schools during the period from July to February. The aim of the project is to enhance the knowledge and skills of students and teachers through the application of modern teaching methods, with an emphasis on making a continuous contribution to the development of innovation and knowledge in education. The expected project results include an increased number of good practice examples and greater integration of innovative tools into the educational process, as well as increased teacher motivation through the sharing of good practices.
Project name
From Glass to Décor – EcoFusion
Project description
The “From Glass to Décor – EcoFusion” project aims to train at least 15 young people and women in the innovative and sustainable use of recycled materials through a combination of theoretical instruction and intensive practical work. The project focuses on equipping participants with the skills to use waste glass in the production of decorative items made from jesmonite, in line with the principles of the circular economy and green chemistry. The training programme will last eight working days and include 32 hours of instruction, 22 of which will be dedicated to practical work. The project contributes to the thematic priorities of Montenegro’s Smart Specialisation Strategy by strengthening competencies in green technologies, promoting sustainable production, linking education with industry practice, and empowering target groups, particularly young people and women. By engaging an international expert, the project will also facilitate the transfer of knowledge from countries with more developed practices in the field of the green creative industries. The training will be organised by Maison de Créativité, in partnership with experts from Montenegro and Serbia.
Project name
Educational Programme for the Preservation and Promotion of Montenegro’s Indigenous Grapevine Varieties
Project description
The project aims to preserve and economically valorise indigenous, neglected and locally adapted grapevine varieties in Montenegro through the systematic identification, registration, clonal selection and promotion of genetic resources as a foundation for producing high-quality varietal wines with an authentic geographical and cultural identity. The project will contribute to biodiversity conservation, the prevention of genetic erosion and the strengthening of the competitiveness of Montenegrin viticulture in the context of climate change and the global wine market. Activities will include the genetic characterisation and cataloguing of grape varieties, the selection of clones with improved characteristics, as well as the development of new products – wines distinguished by their unique origin, character and quality. The project has a strong education and promotion component. Training will target winemakers, students, tourism professionals and the wider public, with the aim of raising awareness of the importance of indigenous grape varieties and their potential for developing high-quality and sustainable wine tourism.
Project name
ADV-WEBDEV
Project description
The ADV-WEBDEV project aims to empower young professionals in the field of information technology through intensive training, with a particular focus on frontend and backend application development, data processing and the integration of artificial intelligence. The programme includes theoretical lectures, practical workshops and team-based projects. The best-performing participants will have the opportunity to undertake a trial placement at Coinis, directly linking education with employment opportunities in Montenegro’s IT sector. The training is structured into 11 modules and 4 open workshops, with a particular focus on current technologies such as ReactJS, FastAPI, Docker and the OpenAI API. Participants will gain experience in teamwork and the use of collaboration tools, as well as receive mentoring support throughout all stages of application development.
Project name
A Game for Everyone: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive – IGRA+
Project description
The “A Game for Everyone: Smart, Sustainable and Inclusive – IGRA+” project aims to deliver workshops during the first three months covering 3D modelling, 3D printing, recycling, inclusive education, children’s toy design, marketing, communication strategies and the inclusion of persons with disabilities. In addition to two-hour lectures, students divided into two groups will have the opportunity to learn 3D modelling using Fusion 360 software and, after completing their final designs, print the toys using a 3D printer. Students will draw inspiration for their designs through collaboration with the Institute for Education and the Public Institution Library for the Blind, whose experts will participate in developing guidelines for inclusive toys. Students will design and develop 3D-printed educational toys adapted for children with reduced motor skills, visual impairments, autism and other developmental challenges. Recycled materials will be used for 3D printing the toys, together with a multi-head 3D printer that enables the production of multicolour models.
Project name
AIxCloud – From Prototype to Production
Project description
The “AIxCloud – From Prototype to Production” project represents the first educational programme in Montenegro to fully integrate generative artificial intelligence (GenAI), cloud technologies and industry approaches to the development of scalable AI solutions. The programme is designed in response to the growing need for education that keeps pace with rapid technological development, as formal curricula do not yet cover many of the modern tools and methods that are standard in industrial and research practice worldwide. Through five interconnected modules, participants will master concepts such as foundation models and large language models (LLMs), prompt engineering, retrieval-augmented generation (RAG), data orchestration, AWS cloud infrastructure, CI/CD processes, security, AI agent development and the responsible use of AI technology. The programme represents a significant step towards establishing modern, relevant and practical knowledge in the field of artificial intelligence in Montenegro.
Project name
Green Footprint – Innovation for a Sustainable Future
Project description
The project aims to engage primary school students and teaching staff in developing critical thinking and encouraging new, creative and innovative approaches to solving problems related to environmental sustainability through the application of circular economy principles and innovation. The project will contribute to creating a safer and healthier school environment through proper waste disposal, the use of waste as a raw material through recycling, and the adoption of environmentally responsible behaviours. These objectives will be achieved through five thematic approaches: Eco Workshop: Education for a Sustainable Future, Your 3D World, Eco-Heroes of the Future, From Paper with Love, and Digital Ecology. Through 20 workshops, at least 150 students and 10 education professionals will develop environmental knowledge and habits, acquire skills required by modern technologies through the use of 3D printers and PETKA, and strengthen the social skills essential for the 21st century.
Project name
DAMAR Academy: Applied Behavioural Analytics
Project description
The programme combines theoretical knowledge with the practical application of advanced behavioural research methods, including eye tracking, biofeedback, mouse tracking, implicit measures, and modern programming and data processing techniques, to address specific challenges and problems across various fields, in line with Montenegro’s Smart Specialisation Strategy priorities. The Academy enables participants to understand how people perceive, make decisions and behave in everyday and professional situations, and to apply this knowledge in areas such as healthcare, education, digital services, tourism, public administration and user communication. The programme’s educational model is based on project-based learning, teamwork and mentoring support. Participants will develop competencies in experimental design, the integration of behavioural and neurophysiological data, statistical analysis and visualisation using the R programming language, as well as in communicating findings to different target groups.
Project name
Interactive Career Training – ICT
Project description
The “Interactive Career Training – ICT” project aims to enhance the knowledge and skills of final-year and master’s students in the field of information and communication technologies (ICT) through specialised training and mentored work placements in cooperation with renowned IT companies in Montenegro. The programme includes a two-day workshop on soft business skills, five specialised training courses covering software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, network structures and application development, as well as work placements for the 15 highest-performing participants. The project connects academia and industry, contributes to improving the employability of young professionals and supports the objectives of Montenegro’s Smart Specialisation Strategy.
Project name
Be Internet Awesome
Project description
The programme is designed to teach children the skills they need to navigate and explore the internet safely and responsibly. It is intended for students from the 2nd to 6th grades of primary school, but has also proven useful for younger and older students due to a range of age-adaptable activities. Learning is further enriched through the interactive game Interland, which allows students to apply the knowledge they have acquired in a virtual environment. The curriculum consists of five core modules. The project is planned to run over a period of six months in the following primary schools: “Radojica Perović” Primary School in Podgorica, “Njegoš” Primary School in Cetinje, “Aleksa Đilas Bećo” Primary School in Mojkovac, “Risto Manojlović” Primary School in Kolašin, “Kekec” Primary School in Sutomore, and “Druga osnovna škola” in Budva. The Be Internet Awesome training will be delivered over two days at each school, with a total of 16 hours of effective work with students, parents and teachers.