Aiming to strengthen the capacities of Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem and promote a culture of innovation, the Innovation Fund of Montenegro announces a public call for six support programs with a total value of €2.4 million. These programs are designed to enhance the innovation capacity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises, startup teams, researchers, and other key players in the innovation ecosystem, offering support through all stages of development – from idea validation to product or service commercialization.
The programs enable users to develop their innovative ideas, improve competitiveness, and contribute to the growth of the innovation community in Montenegro.
Interested applicants can apply to the following support programs:
- Program for Strengthening Innovation in Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises – With a budget of €1,200,000, this program promotes collaboration between MSMEs and research institutions. It focuses on projects that contribute to the development of new products, services, technologies, or processes. Grant amounts range from €50,000 to €200,000 per project.
- Proof of Concept (PoC) Program – With a budget of €400,000, this program supports innovations at the earliest stages of research, aiming to demonstrate the technical feasibility and market potential of new technologies, processes, or solutions. It provides pre-commercial funding for technical and commercial validation and strengthens the R&D capacities of the private sector and research institutions. Support per project ranges from €20,000 to €40,000.
- Startup Early-Stage Development Support Program – With a budget of €400,000, this program intends to boost the startup ecosystem in Montenegro by supporting the growth and development of both new and existing startups. Teams or established startups developing high-growth-potential solutions can apply. Grants of up to €35,000 per project are available, including not only financial but also valuable mentoring support.
- Innovation Vouchers Program – With a budget of €150,000, this program offers a fast and efficient way to support MSMEs looking to improve their products, services, or processes through collaboration with research institutions. Voucher values range from €2,000 to €10,000.
- Encouraging Innovation Culture Program – With a budget of €100,000, this program provides up to €8,000 per application for organizing events, idea competitions, and other activities that promote creativity and innovation and actively encourage a culture of innovation.
- Implementation of Educational Programs in Smart Specialization Areas – With a budget of €150,000, this program aims to continuously contribute to Montenegro’s competitiveness and the development of a knowledge- and innovation-based economy by engaging prominent professionals, scientists, innovators, and/or entrepreneurs from the country and abroad. These experts will conduct structured training sessions of up to six months to improve the knowledge and skills of young people (students, researchers, and young professionals). Maximum support is €10,000 per project.
“Behind every innovation are people – ideas that change our everyday lives, teams that believe in a better tomorrow, and a community that recognizes the value of knowledge and creativity. This year, through six carefully designed programs, we want to be allies to all who have the courage to develop new technologies, drive change, and conquer markets. The Innovation Fund is here to help turn their solutions into reality,” said Bojana Femić-Radosavović, Executive Director of the Innovation Fund of Montenegro. She added, “Our goal is that no good idea goes unnoticed – but instead receives the support and opportunity to succeed.”
Public calls and the necessary application documentation are available on the official website of the Fund: https://fondzainovacije.me/.
The Innovation Fund will organize info days and online information sessions for potential applicants to better explain the opportunities these calls provide. Info days will be held in several cities, and online sessions will take place every Wednesday starting from May 14 via Zoom (the link will be available on the Fund’s website and social media channels).
Info Days Schedule:
- Podgorica (Science and Technology Park, April 30 at 10:00 AM) Hybrid model: Join Zoom Meeting: LINK Meeting ID: 892 4713 4753 Passcode: 902136
- Tivat (Business Info Center, May 5 at 11:00 AM)
- Bijelo Polje (Municipality Building, May 7 at 11:00 AM)
- Nikšić (Tehnopolis, May 8 at 11:00 AM)
- Bar (Olive House, May 9 at 11:00 AM)
IDEAS PAY OFF!
For all current calls, training sessions, and information, interested individuals can visit the Fund’s website (www.fondzainovacije.me) and follow updates on social media: LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
