The Science and technology park of Montenegro, in partnership with Montenegrin Telecom, successfully implemented the first pre-incubation startup program SkillsUp, primarily aimed at students in Montenegro. The program was designed to encourage entrepreneurial spirit and develop innovative ideas from young talents, and it culminated in a spectacular final event on November 29, 2024, in the Blue hall of the University of Montenegro rectorate.

The SkillsUP program included interactive lectures, workshops, and mentoring on key entrepreneurial topics. Participants had the opportunity to learn from renowned speakers such as Vladimir Vulić, Stjepan Udovičić, Jasna Pejović, Srna Sudar, Aleksandar Janičić, Danilo Niković, Marko Ljubenović, and Radivoje Drobnjak, who generously shared their experiences and knowledge.

The program was also distinguished by renowned mentors: Marjan Popović, manager of the Multimedia content service at Montenegrin Telecom, Ivan Šoć, founder of Five Group, Nikola Mićunović, Entrepreneurial nest University of Donja Gorica, Uroš Bulatović and Igor Goranović from the Union of young entrepreneurs of Montenegro, and Nikša Bulatović from Adriatic Bridge Partners.

Key activities of the program included the development of the Lean Canvas model, creative thinking and exploration of entrepreneurial potential, as well as inspirational discussions on leadership, financing, and intellectual property protection with top experts.

This comprehensive approach allowed participants to develop their projects to the level of concept ideas, providing them with the tools necessary to enter the world of innovation.

Seven teams of young innovators presented their projects to the audience and expert jury, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and entrepreneurial potential. The ideas were inspired by key areas defined in the Smart specialization strategy of Montenegro, and thus aligned with the strategic goals of the Science and technology park of Montenegro.

Participants of the first generation of the SkillsUP program demonstrated an exceptional ability to recognize the challenges of modern society and respond to them with innovative solutions. Each team developed a unique solution and showcased a strong understanding of the area in which they were developing their ideas. Their projects represent a reflection of creative thinking and a vision for the future. The projects presented were developed by the following teams:

1.          CulturaGo – Solutions for enhancing tourism through the application of technology.

2.         TutorMe – Innovations in education through advanced technological platforms

3.        HeritApp – Digitization and preservation of cultural heritage.

4.         Eko tim 2.0 – Initiatives for sustainable energy and environmental protection.

5. VirtuGuardians – Security systems for cybersecurity.

6.   Assist Sport – IT technologies for enhancing sports activities.

7.          MedPoint KVS – Technological advancements in healthcare.

The program of the final day began with introductory remarks by Radivoje Drobnjak, the project activities manager at the Science and technology park, who highlighted the significance of the program for the development of the startup ecosystem in Montenegro. Vladan Mašanović, the associate for implementing program activities, introduced the teams and announced the highly inspiring competition.

The expert jury, consisting of ms. Valentina Radulović, executive director of STP Montenegro, Đorđije Malović, executive director of IPC Tehnopolis, and Bojana Femić Radosavović,phd, executive director of the Innovation fund of Montenegro, evaluated the teams based on the innovation of the ideas, the quality of the presentations, and overall performance.

Special awards were won by:

•            Best team: TutorMe

•           Best idea: VirtuGuardians

•            Best presentation: HeritApp

•            Best performance: Assist Sport

All participants were awarded valuable gifts from the company FiveG, while the final cocktail brought moments of joy and networking in an informal atmosphere.

Through the SkillsUP program, the Science and technology park of Montenegro aims to empower young talents and strengthen the foundations for the sustainable development of an innovative society. The first generation of participants left a strong impression, demonstrating that Montenegro has the potential to become a renowned regional player in the development of the startup ecosystem.

Through the SkillsUP program, the Science and technology park of Montenegro aims to empower young talents and strengthen the foundation for the sustainable development of an innovative society.