The Public Call, which was open from 1 June to 1 September 2023, attracted significant interest from innovative companies, resulting in 51 applications being submitted.
Following the administrative review, 35 applications were referred for international evaluation, with three independent experts assigned to each individual project. The experts were selected from the Innovation Fund’s evaluator database based on the expertise required by the project content. After the first round of evaluation, 15 project teams met the passing threshold and proceeded to the second round of evaluation.
In the second round of evaluation, the teams presented their ideas in person and answered questions from a three-member international committee. Following the second round, the scores from both rounds were combined, and eight projects were ultimately nominated for grant funding: seven in the field of information and communication technologies and one in sustainable agriculture and the food value chain.
The final funding decision was made in accordance with the proposed ranking, and the total budget for this Public Call amounted to EUR 986,488.00.
The programme supported projects whose technological maturity was beyond the proof-of-concept stage but which were not yet ready for the market, i.e. projects with a Technology Readiness Level (TRL) between 5 and 8, corresponding to the experimental development stage.
List of approved projects:
Fund recipients
Project name
Bleak Faith: Forsaken – Preparation & Development for the Release of the Video Game on Consoles
Project description
Bleak Faith: Forsaken is an action RPG (Role-Playing Game) set in an open third-person world within a fascinating cyberpunk and dark fantasy universe. The game has already undergone a soft launch on the PC platform via Steam. It offers a challenging experience that provides players with an unforgettable adventure. With procedurally generated levels and authentic design throughout, Bleak Faith: Forsaken creates an intense atmosphere, promising players an extraordinary experience. The support will enable the game to be made available on additional consoles, allowing players around the world to access and enjoy it.
Project name
Innovative Feeding Method for Fish Fry
Project description
Achieving the objectives of organic fish production involves eliminating substances in fish feed that may have negative effects on human health as well as on fish welfare. This is achieved through an innovative approach to feeding fish fry. Comparative cultivation of natural food (zooplankton) in dedicated tanks for feeding fish fry can lead to improved outcomes. Feeding fish with live prey offers multiple benefits. In previous practice, 90% of the feed was of artificial origin. Through the solution presented within this project, the aim is for 90% of fish feed to be of natural origin. The focus is on cultivating zooplankton near the intake gates, where biological waste generated by the metabolism of fish and algae accumulates. This waste is used as a resource for zooplankton cultivation, contributing to the production of fish fry. In addition, the project contributes to environmental protection by reducing dependence on industrially produced artificial fish feed.
Project name
Platform for Generative AI-Powered Intelligent Process Automation
Project description
The “Platform for Intelligent Process Automation Using Generative AI” project represents a transformative initiative aimed at revolutionizing the financial industry. The concept is to transform business operations through the integration of advanced AI-powered automated solutions that combine Fine-Tuned Large Language Models (LLMs), a low-code framework, and process automation workflows. This innovative technology promises to significantly improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the customer experience within the financial sector.
Project name
LimoExpress – Complete SaaS Solution for Limo Transfer Agencies
Project description
LimoExpress is a platform that provides limo transfer management services for limo agencies, hotels, and taxi associations. The main purpose of the platform is to significantly simplify the limo transfer booking process, improve communication, and digitize all operations, thereby eliminating data loss. Unlike existing platforms, LimoExpress centralizes all operations, facilitates communication, and enables digital tracking of the entire process. This innovative platform aims to improve the operations of limo agencies by providing greater efficiency and clarity throughout the entire process. The platform consists of two components: a mobile application for drivers and a back-office web platform for operators.
Project name
Development of a Fully Qualified AI/IoT-Based Sensor System for Real-Time Landslide Monitoring – ALARMslide
Project description
The project aims to develop an innovative geosensor technology for the continuous monitoring of unstable terrain and artificial structures. ALARMslide will promote innovation in the field of geodetic monitoring through the development of an artificial intelligence (AI)/Internet of Things (IoT)-based geosensor system for real-time landslide monitoring. The system will also include a platform for data collection, analysis, and visualization. The geosensor is designed to be user-friendly and cost-effective, while providing highly accurate real-time data. Through the ALARMslide project, Montenegro will gain an advanced system for real-time monitoring of unstable terrain, thereby increasing infrastructure safety and reducing the risk of loss of life. This innovation has significant potential for application in the fields of geodetic monitoring and landslide risk management.
Project name
BeBeep – Development of a Commercial Prototype in the Form of a Mobile Application
Project description
BeBeep is an innovative ride-sharing platform (application) aimed at transforming the way people travel by enabling convenient ride and cost sharing for users travelling between cities. The platform connects two distinct groups of users—drivers and passengers—creating a dynamic ecosystem for easy trip planning and cost sharing. The mobile application will feature a comprehensive set of functions and options, providing a fully equipped, user-oriented platform for user interaction.
Project name
Crnogor.Ski: Winter Magic, No Waiting
Project description
The “Crnogor.Ski: Winter Magic, No Waiting” project aims to revolutionize winter tourism in Montenegro through digital transformation. Given the growing popularity of the winter season and the absence of a centralized online tourism platform, the initiative is to create a comprehensive online destination that will enable ski enthusiasts to easily book ski passes, rent equipment, schedule lessons, and reserve accommodation. Using an existing application connected to hotels and apartments, the project will provide users with a simple and efficient experience, allowing them to make the most of everything Montenegro’s mountains have to offer, without unnecessary waiting and complications.
Project name
OpenProvider
Project description
OpenProvider is a product consisting of a set of network functions within the core network system of every telecommunications operator. This technological component plays a critical role in ensuring internet user authorization and, consequently, access to the internet. As such, OpenProvider must maintain 99.999% availability and continuously keep pace with technological trends in order to enable telecommunications operators to develop innovative types of services and, consequently, enhance their competitiveness. OpenProvider is the only software solution of its kind developed in Montenegro and one of the few in the world based on this approach.
