Notice: This programme was closed on 15 March 2026 This page serves as an archive.
Startup Accelerator Programme 2026
Status
Closed
Maximum grant
40.000€
Minimum grant
15.000€
1 About the programme
About the Open Call
The Startup Accelerator Programme 2026 offered intensive support to early-stage startups in Montenegro combining financial grants with structured mentorship, coaching and access to international networks. The programme was designed for teams with a validated idea ready to build and launch their product on the market.
Grant Amount
From EUR 15,000 to EUR 40,000 per team.
Programme Benefits
- Grant funding for product development and market entry
- 12-week structured acceleration programme
- Access to mentors from the regional and international startup ecosystem
- Investor networking sessions and pitch coaching
- Co-working space access throughout the programme
2 Eligible applicants
Startup teams and early-stage companies registered in Montenegro with a working prototype or MVP and evidence of initial customer validation. Teams must have at least 2 founding members with defined roles. Companies older than 3 years at the time of application were not eligible.
3 Documentation
Reporting
Documentation
Public Call
4 How to apply
Applications were submitted online at fondzainovacije.me. The application included a completed form, a 3-minute video pitch, a one-page executive summary, evidence of prototype or MVP and letters of intent from potential customers or partners where available.
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: 10 January 2026