Support for Early-Phase Development of Start-ups
Status
Active
Maximum grant
35.000€
Minimum grant
10.000€
1 About the programme
About the Open Call
This open call supports highly promising teams aiming to validate their business ideas by empirically confirming their proposed problem-solution fit, and demonstrating the future usefulness of their new product, service, process or technology through development of a first prototype or a minimum viable product (MVP).
The programme is open to startup teams and early-stage companies across all sectors. Priority is given to projects with a clear innovation component, a defined target market and a team with the skills and commitment to execute the proposed plan within the project timeline.
Grant Amount
From EUR 10,000 to EUR 35,000 per project, covering up to 100% of eligible costs.
Eligible Costs
- Personnel costs directly engaged on the project
- External services and expert consultancy
- Equipment and materials necessary for prototype development
- Travel costs related to customer discovery and market research
Implementation Timeline
6 months from the date of signing the grant agreement, extendable up to 3 additional months in justified cases.
2 Eligible applicants
Startup teams and early-stage companies registered in Montenegro for no more than 5 years at the time of application. Teams must have at least one technically skilled founding member. Both individual innovators and teams of up to 5 people are eligible. Applicants must not currently be receiving support from another Innovation Fund programme for the same project.
3 Documentation
Reporting
Documentation
Public Call
4 How to apply
Applications are submitted exclusively through the online portal at fondzainovacije.me. The application package must include: completed application form, business model canvas, financial projections for the project period and a brief description of the team and their relevant experience. Shortlisted applicants may be invited to an interview with the evaluation panel. For questions, contact the Innovation Fund at [email protected].
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: 15 January 2025