Results of the collaborative innovation grants programme 2024
The Public Call for collaborative innovation grants was open from 29 May to 2 September 2024, with the Innovation Fund of Montenegro allocating a total budget of EUR 1,000,000 to support innovative projects.
A total of 32 applications were submitted. Following the administrative compliance check, 28 applications proceeded to the international evaluation process, which was conducted in two stages. During the first stage, each project proposal was assessed by two independent evaluators with expertise in the relevant technological field, selected from the Fund's pool of evaluators. Upon completion of this stage, 21 projects met the eligibility threshold and advanced to the second stage of evaluation.
During the second stage of evaluation, project teams presented their proposals to a three-member international expert committee and responded to the committee's questions.
Following the completion of the evaluation process, the scores from both stages were consolidated, and the expert committee recommended six projects for funding.
In accordance 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 grant agreements had been fulfilled.
Under the terms of the Public Call, individual grants ranged from EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000, enabling the Fund to finance the six highest-ranked projects, with a total of EUR 941,111.61 awarded.
Distribution of the approved projects by sector:
- Information and Communication Technologies (ICT): 3 projects
- Energy and Sustainable Environment: 2 projects
- Sustainable Agriculture and Food Value Chain: 1 project
Fund recipients
Project name
Intelligent Solutions for the Optimisation of Ventilation and Air Conditioning Systems
Project partner
Fakultet za informacione tehnologoije, Univerzitet Mediteran
Project description
This project focuses on the development of an Intelligent HVAC Management System (IHMS), an advanced platform designed to optimise the operation of heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems. The IHMS combines edge computing technology with integrated sensor networks and artificial intelligence-based algorithms to enable more efficient management of energy resources. The system is designed to integrate seamlessly with existing Building Management Systems (BMS), providing a comprehensive solution that improves energy efficiency, reduces operating costs, and enhances occupant comfort.
Project name
The 3D Tunnel
Project partner
Građevinski fakultet, Univerzitet Crne Gore
Project description
The 3D Tunnel project aims to develop a mobile photogrammetric solution for the 3D digitalisation of tunnels. The interdisciplinary project team combines structure-from-motion technology, large-scale photogrammetric surveying techniques, and automation to enable the collection of high-quality visual data. The result of this process will be detailed 3D models of tunnels, supporting visual inspection, maintenance, reconstruction, and more efficient infrastructure management.
Project name
The XO Automatic Hygienic Bee Waterer
Project partner
Mašinski fakultet, Univerzitet Crne Gore
Project description
The XO Automatic Hygienic Bee Waterer is an innovative solution that represents a significant advancement in the watering of honey bees. Its design conserves water while ensuring that it remains clean and continuously available, providing bees with optimal hydration conditions.
Project name
AI System for the Pathological Analysis of Adenocarcinoma
Project partner
JZU Klinički centar Crne Gore
Project description
The project focuses on the development of an advanced AI system for the pathological analysis of adenocarcinoma. By leveraging state-of-the-art machine learning techniques, the system will enable detailed analysis of medical images to detect and identify key pathological changes, including dysplastic and malignant cells.
Project name
Speech and Music: Ready to Rock!
Project partner
Institut za napredne studije, Univerzitet Crne Gore
Project description
This project offers an innovative and effective solution that harnesses the strong connection between music and language development to improve children's speech and communication skills. Music not only fosters the development of language and speech abilities but also strengthens emotional engagement and encourages creative expression. By using this tool, children build a strong foundation for holistic development, enhancing their cognitive, linguistic and socio-emotional skills through natural, enjoyable and rhythm-based interaction.
