Informative EIT & EIC Event Held in Podgorica
A high-impact information and dialogue event was held in Podgorica, bringing together members of Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem to explore opportunities within the Horizon Europe programme. The focus was on two flagship EU instruments—the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) and the European Innovation Council (EIC)—and how they can accelerate innovation efforts in less developed regions.
Organized by the EIT Hub Montenegro in cooperation with the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, the event highlighted new support pathways for startups and researchers, particularly through the EIT partnerships and newly launched EIC Pre-Accelerator, tailored for scalable enterprises in countries with emerging innovation systems.
Branka Žižić, EIT Community Officer for Montenegro, emphasized EIT’s mission to build innovation capacity through thematic Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) that connect universities, companies, cities, and institutions across Europe. She noted that Montenegro’s EIT Hub – active since 2024 – provides valuable local access to the EU innovation network, making EIT a practical entry point into the European Research and Innovation Area (ERA).
Ivana Janković Mijanović, Director General for Innovation and Smart Specialization, addressed Montenegro’s low participation rate in Horizon Europe despite the availability of national support mechanisms. She urged greater involvement in EU calls, pointing to the EIC Pre-Accelerator as a strategic opportunity. She invited the participants also to take part in Montenegro’s upcoming entrepreneurial discovery process linked to the new Smart Specialization Strategy.
Speakers from the European Commission, EIT, and regional consultancy firms provided insights into the new EU Startup and Scale-up Strategy, participation levels in EU programmes, and examples of successful projects in urban mobility and university intellectual property management.
Notable contributions included:
- Cedric Adam, European Commission, introduced the EU’s Startup and Scale-up Strategy, adopted in May 2025.
- Laurent Roux, EIT, discussed growing opportunities for Western Balkan countries via EIT support and the importance of having EIT Hubs available locally.
- Claudio Parrinello, TEA Group Italy, presented a Podgorica-based urban mobility project backed by EIT Urban Mobility, improving traffic and pollution monitoring.
- Marina Banović, University of Montenegro, detailed the university’s new IP policy aiding research commercialization.
- Aleksandra Mugoša, Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, outlined national financial support for Horizon Europe applicants and EIT partners.
- Ilija Stojanović, consultant from Belgrade, urged local startups to apply, citing competitive success rates despite low regional participation.
To receive event presentations or updates on EIT activities, contact: montenegro@eitcommunity.eu
Montenegro’s innovators are invited to step into the European innovation flow – resources, networks, and momentum are all within reach.