The application process has begun for the third generation of the “BoostMeUp” pre-acceleration program, through which the best Montenegrin startups are developed and launched to the market. All creatives, innovators, entrepreneurs, and companies teamed up in groups can apply their idea or creative solution by filling out the form on the website www.boostmeup.me until September 15, 2023.

The benefits for participants include support from renowned experts in all necessary fields through six modules, financial support for idea development amounting to 7,000 euros for the six best teams, as well as covering the costs for participation in international conferences to promote their startups for the top three teams in the program’s finale, with 4,000 euros per team.

At least six teams will go through a six-month training program, during which they will complete six modules:

• business model development;

• marketing research and market analysis;

• technology development and prototyping;

• intellectual property protection;

• financial management;

• pitching and presentations.

For each of the mentioned modules, participants will have access to a mentor with regional and international experience, as well as a local mentor.

In addition to expert support, teams will receive financial support of 7,000 euros each. Upon completion of the program, participants will also be provided with support from the business incubator, which includes access to the resources of the Data center, the industrial design laboratory TechLab Tehnopolis, FILA innovation laboratories, the biotechnology laboratories BioLab Tehnopolis, as well as access to coworking spaces and other infrastructure from project partners.

A special award for the three most successful teams will be the opportunity to present their idea at a major regional event, where representatives of VC funds, business angels, accelerators, and other potential investors will be present, with expenses covered up to 4,000 EUR per team. A special quality of the program this year is provided by international, regional, and national mentors:  Petra Karanikić,phd, (Croatia), ms. Marija Janjušević (Montenegro),Vladimir Nedović,phd, (Netherlands), Miloš Milošević,phd, (Serbia),  Đorđe Ćelić,phd, (Serbia), mr.Vladimir Vanja Vulić (Montenegro), and others. For the specific needs of the teams, appropriate mentors from the University of Montenegro and the mentoring base of STP Belgrade will be provided later.

The “BoostMeUp” pre-acceleration program is a national platform aimed at increasing the competitiveness and digitalization of Montenegro’s economy through the development of an innovative ecosystem and the creation of innovative companies, enhancing knowledge and skills, creating new values, fostering entrepreneurial culture, and providing easier access to regional and international markets for innovative and entrepreneurial projects. The program is fully aligned with the priorities of the S3 national strategy, which emphasizes a new model of economic development based on targeted support for research, innovation activities, and addresses multiple UN Sustainable development goals (SDGs).

The program is led by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center “Tehnopolis”, with partners including the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, University of Montenegro, Montenegro Telekom, and Science and Technology Park Belgrade. The program is co-financed by the Innovation Fund of Montenegro.