Notice: This programme was closed on 1 June 2024 This page serves as an archive.
Proof of Concept Programme
Status
Closed
Maximum grant
35.000€
Minimum grant
10.000€
1 About the programme
About the Open Call
The Proof of Concept programme supports projects at the early stage of idea validation. The goal is to help innovators empirically confirm their proposed problem-solution fit and demonstrate the future usefulness of their product, service, process or technology.
Grant Amount
From EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000 per project.
Implementation Timeline
Up to 6 months from the date of signing the grant agreement.
2 Eligible applicants
Startup teams and individuals with innovative ideas registered in Montenegro. Previous Innovation Fund beneficiaries must have fulfilled all prior reporting obligations.
3 Documentation
Reporting
Documentation
Public Call
4 How to apply
Apply through the online portal at fondzainovacije.me. Complete all required fields and attach the project proposal and supporting documentation.
5 Questions & Answers
Support can be applied for by micro, small and medium-sized enterprises registered in Montenegro, as well as startup teams and individuals with innovative project ideas. Each programme has specific eligibility criteria which are detailed in the public call.
Eligible costs typically include: human resources (salaries and compensation for personnel directly engaged on the project), office rent and basic business support costs, equipment and supplies necessary for project implementation (new equipment only), and external services directly related to the project.
The review process typically takes 60 to 90 days from the deadline of the public call. This includes administrative review, eligibility check, and technical-financial evaluation by independent international evaluators. All applicants are notified of the outcome in writing.
The grant amount depends on the programme you apply to. Innovation Vouchers range from EUR 2,000 to EUR 10,000. Early-stage startup and Proof of Concept programmes offer up to EUR 35,000. The MSME Innovation programme offers EUR 50,000 to EUR 200,000. The GovTech programme offers up to EUR 200,000.
Generally, you cannot receive support from multiple Innovation Fund programmes simultaneously for the same project or same costs. However, you may apply to different programmes for different projects. Please review the specific terms and conditions of each public call for details.
6 Public call results
On the programme results page you can review the complete results of all previous public calls – from selected projects to the amounts of awarded funds and key outcomes.
7 Public call archive
In the public call archive you will find all relevant documents: conditions, deadlines, criteria and lists of selected projects.
Published: 1 March 2024