Podgorica, September 30, 2024 – The Innovation Fund of Montenegro actively participated in the 2024 Science and Innovation Days, successfully organizing a series of events, workshops, and activities aimed at strengthening the country’s innovation ecosystem.
The activities kicked off with the event “Matchmaking: Support from the Innovation Fund of Montenegro,” held on September 23 at the Science and Technology Park (STP), where participants had the opportunity to receive detailed information about support programs and the application processes through individual sessions.
On September 25, three workshops were held. The first, titled “What Does It Take to Raise Money?” led by Christoph Berndt, provided practical advice on fundraising and strategic planning for business growth. Following that, investor Maria Carolina Romero delivered a lecture titled “Risk and Reward: Fostering Growth through Startup Investment,” highlighting how investing in startups not only brings financial returns but also significant professional development. The third workshop, led by Gordon McConnell, co-founder of Arkane Innovation, addressed the topic “Universities and Industry as Hubs for Entrepreneurship and Innovation,” emphasizing the key role of university research and industry in developing an entrepreneurial and innovative ecosystem.
A special highlight was the interactive workshop for children titled “EduRobotic – Demonstration Class and Workshop,” held on September 27, where primary school children learned basic financial literacy concepts through play and programming robots.
The pinnacle of the activities was the “Synergy for Innovation” conference, which featured a lecture by Marijeta Barjaktarović – Lanzardi, State Secretary at the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and a panel discussion titled “Partnership for Innovation Development.” The discussion explored the importance of synergy between the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, IPC Tehnopolis, and the Innovation Fund in creating a dynamic innovation ecosystem in Montenegro.
The Executive Director of the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, Bojana Femić Radosavović, expressed her satisfaction with the success of this year’s activities. “I am extremely pleased with the interest and active participation of all actors in the innovation ecosystem during our activities at the Science and Innovation Days. This enthusiasm and engagement confirm that we are on the right path toward strengthening innovation in Montenegro, opening doors to new opportunities, and fostering development that will enhance our economy and society.”
Additionally, Femić Radosavović announced a significant step forward in educating the youngest: “In line with the Cooperation Protocol between the Central Bank of Montenegro, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and the Fund, we will soon begin the procurement of robots for all primary schools in Montenegro, making the EduRobotic project a national initiative.”
