The public call for the programme line "Implementation of Educational Programmes in the Smart Specialisation Areas of Montenegro" was open from 29 May to 1 July 2024.
A total of 27 project proposals were submitted under this call, of which 25 were forwarded for evaluation by the Fund's internal Evaluation Committee, in accordance with the Rules on the Evaluation Process. Following the evaluation, the Committee awarded a positive assessment to 20 project proposals.
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 contract signing had been fulfilled.
The total budget allocated to this programme line in 2024 amounted to EUR 150,000. In accordance with the conditions of the Public Call, applicants could receive up to EUR 10,000 in funding, enabling the Fund to support 17 positively evaluated projects within the available budget.
The remaining three proposals, although positively evaluated, could not be funded due to budget limitations.
Of the funded projects, 11 are in the field of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT), 3 in Energy and Sustainable Environment, 2 in Sustainable and Health Tourism, and 1 in Sustainable Agriculture and the Food Value Chain.
Fund recipients
Project name
Unreal Engine Bootcamp
Project description
Implementation of a bootcamp, through which participants will acquire advanced knowledge and skills required for video game development using Unreal Engine, with a particular focus on practical application and real-world projects. The program includes lectures, workshops, mentoring, and a Game Jam competition in game development.
Project name
FoodInno 4.0: Inovativna rješenja za održiv i efikasan lanac vrijednosti hrane/FoodInno 4.0: Innovative Solutions for Sustainable and Efficient Food Value Chain
Project description
Implementation of interactive workshops and hands-on activities covering the most significant STEM innovations across all stages of the food value chain, following the "from farm to fork" approach. The project addresses topics such as precision agriculture, smart sensors, robotics, blockchain technology, and personalized nutrition.
Project name
Eko3D: Training in 3D modeling and 3D printing
Project description
Training in 3D modeling and 3D printing for the sustainable use of resources. Focusing on the use of recycled materials, particularly plastic bottles, the project aims to equip young people in Montenegro with the knowledge and skills needed to use 3D modeling and printing technologies to develop creative and sustainable solutions.
Project name
Authentic touristic products in service of sustainable development
Project description
A series of educational workshops delivered through five thematic modules, aimed at enhancing the knowledge and skills of young people pursuing careers in tourism, as well as entrepreneurs seeking professional competencies to successfully develop and market their tourism products.
Project name
Basics of E-commerce and AI for Digital Entrepreneurs
Project partner
Ekonomski fakultet, Univerzitet Crne Gore
Project description
Providing comprehensive training for future digital entrepreneurs through a combination of theoretical and practical modules. The program covers key aspects of e-commerce and the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in digital business.
Project name
Winter school: Sea of knowledge
Project partner
NVO Društvo za kultutni razvoj BAUO, Petrovac
Project description
A five-day educational program for primary school students from the Municipality of Budva. The program combines theoretical instruction with practical workshops. As part of the project, activities focused on innovation in education will be organized, including lectures and workshops led by both national and international experts. Partners: NVO Društvo za kulturni razvoj Bauo, NVU Eduteka
Project name
Cyber Physical and Internet of Things Academy
Project description
The non-formal CPS & IoT Academy aims to deliver lifelong learning programmes through specialized training at different levels in the fields of the Internet of Things (IoT) and Cyber-Physical Systems (CPS). The Academy offers a beginner-level course for secondary school students, as well as intermediate and advanced-level courses for university students and professionals.
Project name
Winter school of web and game development for high school and university
Project description
As part of the Winter School of Programming and Game Development, university and secondary school students receive training in web application development using React and Laravel, as well as game development using the Unity engine.
Project name
STEM Adventure - robotics and technology for youth
Project description
Promoting science, technology, innovation, and STEM skills among young people in Montenegro through a series of workshops on robotics, artificial intelligence, game development technologies, mathematics, and machine learning.
Project name
EPIC: Educational Economic Partnership for Lifelong Education
Project partner
Filozofski fakultet, Univerzitet Crne Gore
Project description
Through specialized training programmes, the project develops both technical and soft skills required for the labour market, career advancement, and the development of entrepreneurial ventures, in line with sustainability goals.
Project name
Youth Innovations Laboratory
Project description
As part of the project, 40 top-performing secondary school students will work with 20 mentors—Master's and PhD students—to develop and implement innovative ideas. The project will culminate in the presentation of the 15 best projects before an expert jury and a wider audience, with the aim of promoting innovation and inspiring young people to pursue innovation-driven entrepreneurship.
Project name
AI Fusion: Artificial intelligence in agriculture, medicine and energy sectors
Project description
Implementation of training programmes on the application of artificial intelligence (AI) in the smart specialization priority areas of Montenegro for final-year university students.
Project name
Intensive Full-Stack Training: ReactJS and FastAPI
Project description
Implementation of basic and advanced training programmes for university students in frontend development (React JS) and backend development (FastAPI), as well as the use of collaborative tools for project-based work.
Project name
Protection of the cultural heritage of Montenegro and promotion of sustainable tourism through 3D printing of art objects with recyclable filament
Project description
Implementation of a series of multidisciplinary lectures and hands-on workshops on innovations in 3D modeling and 3D printing, recycling, blockchain technologies, marketing, communication strategies, cultural heritage, and sustainable tourism.
Project name
Workshops on Recycling, Sustainable Development, and Creative Waste Managament
Project description
Implementation of 17 workshops at "Novka Ubović" Primary School for students and teachers, aimed at fostering critical thinking and encouraging the development of creative and innovative solutions to environmental sustainability challenges through the application of circular economy principles and innovation.
Project name
From notebook to production - writing scalable data pipelines;
Project description
The project aims to provide six months of advanced training for 12 postgraduate students, early-career researchers, and professionals, equipping them with advanced IT skills not covered by formal education programmes. It also seeks to raise awareness of the potential of innovative solutions, particularly in the smart specialization priority areas.
Project name
Child-friendly biotechnology laboratory
Project description
As part of the project, a research laboratory for the development of innovative pedagogical methods will be established, including a child-friendly biotechnology laboratory. The facility will enable the local community and local biotech companies to showcase their work and support educators in developing new ideas, with the goal of promoting smart and sustainable management of local natural resources.
