The Innovation Fund of Montenegro, as part of the Science and Innovation Days 2024 event, is organizing a series of events, workshops, and activities aimed at strengthening Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem. These events offer a unique opportunity for networking, knowledge exchange, and collaboration among researchers, students, entrepreneurs, and the general public. A special focus is placed on connecting the innovation community with the business sector, fostering the development and implementation of innovations. The goal of these activities is to highlight the importance of innovation in modern society and support the long-term economic and social development of Montenegro.
Innovation Fund of Montenegro Activities during Science Days 2024:
Matchmaking: Support of the Innovation Fund
Date: September 23rd
Time: 10:00h
Location: Science and Technology Park (STP)
Description: Fund managers and grantees will provide participants with detailed information about available support programs through brief 1:1 sessions and answer their questions. The event is designed as an opportunity for direct communication with the Fund’s staff and users of their programs. In a “speed dating” format, participants will have individual sessions with Fund representatives and beneficiaries, who will explain the application and project implementation processes. The goal is to provide entrepreneurs, innovative teams, and researchers with support in developing their projects.
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What is Needed to Raise Funds?
Date: September 25th
Time: 9:00 h
Location: Science and Technology Park (STP)
Speaker: Christoph Berndt – With extensive experience in finance and management, he advises international companies and startups in the fields of corporate finance, business models, and fundraising. He is also an active mentor and member of investment committees, with a particular focus on supporting innovative projects and developing startup ecosystems.
Description: This workshop is designed to provide practical advice and guidelines on what is necessary to successfully raise funds for the further development of innovative projects. It will focus on key aspects of fundraising, building and maintaining relationships with investors, and strategic planning for future growth and business scaling. Participants will learn how to position themselves as attractive to investors, how to prepare effective presentations and business plans, and how to develop long-term strategies for successful growth.
Target audience: Innovation Fund program beneficiaries, entrepreneurs, startups.
The workshop will be conducted in English.
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Risk and Reward: Encouraging Growth through Startup Investment
Date: September 25th
Time: 10:30 h
Location: Science and Technology Park (STP)
Speaker: Maria Carolina Romero – An active investor, trainer, mentor, and advisor specializing in the creation and development of investor communities and sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystems worldwide.
Description: This lecture will explore how taking the risk of investing in startups can yield more than just financial rewards. Participants will learn how engaging in this dynamic field can improve their business skills, gain insights into the latest industry trends, and leave a lasting impact on emerging markets, positioning themselves as leaders of the future business world.
The workshop will cover the significance of investing in startups and the role of angel investors, providing a detailed insight into the importance of these investments and their key role in the growth and development of companies.
Target audience: Business owners, company directors, investors seeking new growth opportunities.
The workshop will be conducted in English.
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University and Industry as a Hub for Entrepreneurship and Innovation: Legends, Lessons Learned, and Examples
Date: September 25th
Time: 12:00 h
Location: Science and Technology Park (STP)
Speaker: Gordon McConnell – Co-founder and Chief Innovation Officer at Arkane Innovation, with extensive global experience in innovation management, technology scouting, and the development of entrepreneurial ecosystems. For over 15 years, he has mentored startups and been involved in investment decisions through accelerator programs.
Description: Faced with growing challenges worldwide, innovation and entrepreneurship stemming from research have never been more important for society. This is particularly evident in the post-pandemic world and with the accelerated adoption of Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies. This lecture will provide an overview of innovations and entrepreneurship in research, with real case studies of products and startup companies, showcasing how research and development within universities, government research centers, or industry has evolved. Through the creation of new startups or spinout companies, the commercialization of research has become a key indicator of modern organizations’ success. Entrepreneurship plays a key role in economic development and is one of the main drivers of innovation, job creation, and markets. However, the entrepreneurial path is not always clear, which this lecture will explore in detail.
Target audience: Researchers, students, academic staff, entrepreneurs.
The workshop will be conducted in English.
EduRobotic – Demo Class and Workshop
Date: September 27th
Time: 12:00 h
Location: Science and Technology Park (STP)
Workshop led by: Professor Snežana Šćepanović, Project Manager and Author of the EduRobotic project, Manager for International Cooperation at the Innovation Fund.
Description: This workshop is designed for children to learn the basic concepts of financial literacy through play and programming robots. Children will go through various challenges related to saving, earning, and spending money, navigating with the robot through a map that leads them to fun stations such as a store, a bank, and earning coins. Through this interactive workshop, children will acquire practical programming skills as well as basic knowledge of how to manage money wisely.
Target audience: Elementary school children – lower grades.
Organizers: Innovation Fund, Central Bank, Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation.
Joint Conference – Synergy for Innovation
Date: September 27th
Time: 10:00 h
Location: Science and Technology Park (STP)
Description: The conference aims to present the activities carried out by the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro (STP MNE), Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis, and the Innovation Fund of Montenegro. This collaboration aims to strengthen the innovation ecosystem through joint projects, support for startup development, and the promotion of technological entrepreneurship. The focus is on creating sustainable solutions that connect researchers, entrepreneurs, and investors, contributing to the acceleration of technological and economic development in Montenegro.
For more information or additional inquiries, you can contact us via email at info@fondzainovacije.me or by phone at 020 653 891.
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Innovation Fund of Montenegro
