The Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre Tehnopolis has marked a significant year of growth and expansion in 2023, solidifying its role as a pivotal institution in Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem. The centre has demonstrated continuous capacity building and increasing international influence, providing comprehensive support for innovative ideas, entrepreneurship, and digital transformation.
During a recent event held at the Digital Revolution House, Đorđije Malović, Executive Director of Tehnopolis, reflected on the dynamic and challenging year that has passed, highlighting the institution’s notable achievements. The business incubator continues to serve as the foundation for the development of new entrepreneurial ventures. With 21 applications received and 60 residents by year’s end, the incubator has revitalized the innovation scene, having supported a total of 175 ideas since its inception.
The pre-accelerator program, BoostMeUp, has also made strides in establishing a recognizable brand of support for the startup community. This year, it successfully completed five cycles, engaging 217 teams and offering professional and infrastructural support to 100 ideas. Notably, 17 startups developed through this program are now present in global markets, showcasing the sustainability and quality of the support provided.
Tehnopolis has made remarkable progress in project management, collaborating with 266 partners across 28 countries and generating over €5.7 million through various projects. With 13 active and 34 successfully completed projects, Tehnopolis confirms its position among the most active institutions in the region regarding the preparation, management, and implementation of international and development programs.
The centre has maintained its reputation as one of the key gathering points for innovators, researchers, students, and entrepreneurs. Over the past year, Tehnopolis hosted 154 events, attracting 7,657 participants and continuing its mission to foster an open innovation community. Key events included the Montenegro Pitching Competition, Cross Border Coworking Conference, student startup camp, StartUP Week BoostMeUp 5.0, and the official opening of the Digital Revolution House.
A strong emphasis has also been placed on knowledge and skills development through various educational programs and professional training. This year, 363 participants completed 33 training sessions covering topics ranging from artificial intelligence to design, animation, and specialized technical skills. Tehnopolis has contributed significantly to youth education, collaborating with local schools and kindergartens to teach children about 3D modeling, robotics, Arduino, and coding.
The BioLab facility has further strengthened its position in the fields of science and agriculture. In 2023, the lab served 104 users, conducted 203 analyses, and tested 44 devices, reaching a total of over 1,000 analyses and nearly 300 users. The lab’s efforts include monitoring 50,000 m² of production areas using drones and participating in international proficiency testing programs.
The TechLab has continued to be a space for creating new models and prototypes, offering training, mentorship, and hands-on experience for students, entrepreneurs, and partners from industry and education. This year, the lab supported the development of 25 prototypes and conducted 12 training sessions aligned with a curriculum designed by lab staff.
The Data Centre has provided vital support to startups and academic institutions, further enhancing Tehnopolis’s digital infrastructure. A significant achievement for this year is the opening of the Digital Revolution House, a new infrastructural segment dedicated to creativity, education, and the development of digital innovations. This multifunctional centre is already seen as a crucial impetus for future generations of innovators.
Tehnopolis’s accomplishments this year extend beyond projects and programs to the people who contribute to its success. The team of 29 employees has continuously enhanced their competencies through training, conferences, and study visits to over 30 cities worldwide, including Japan, Italy, Israel, and Belgium, thereby improving the organization’s quality of work and international engagement.
In 2023, Tehnopolis became a member of the prestigious EBN network, paving the way for potential BIC certification. The centre has also contributed to the candidacy process of Nikšić for the title of European Capital of Culture 2030, integrating its work into one of the most significant cultural and developmental projects in the country.
As the year concludes, Tehnopolis proudly reflects on a period filled with results that demonstrate its commitment to generating ideas that transform communities, economies, and society. The mission remains steadfast: to be a strong support for innovators, entrepreneurs, and researchers while building a sustainable, advanced, and globally competitive innovation ecosystem in partnership with various stakeholders.
