The Innovation Fund has published the results of the Innovation Vouchers 2020 programme. A total of 8 vouchers were awarded to innovative individuals and companies, with a combined value of EUR 88,000.
The beneficiaries worked with accredited research and knowledge organisations in Montenegro to validate new product ideas, conduct feasibility studies and access specialised technical expertise. Projects covered areas such as smart home technology, AI applications, vertical farming, drone logistics, marine environmental monitoring and cybersecurity.
This first cohort of Innovation Vouchers established a model for short-term, accessible collaboration between the private sector and academia that has continued to be a core element of the Fund's support portfolio in subsequent cycles.
Winners
Project name
Smart Home Controller
Project description
Development of an affordable DIY smart home controller compatible with common IoT protocols, enabling home automation without vendor lock-in.
Project name
AI Chatbot for Hotels
Project description
Feasibility study and prototype for an AI-powered multilingual chatbot that handles hotel guest enquiries, bookings and complaints automatically.
Project name
Vertical Farming Prototype
Project description
Research and prototype development for a compact indoor vertical farming unit using LED lighting and hydroponic systems, targeting urban households and restaurants.
Project name
Drone Delivery Concept
Project description
Technical feasibility study for last-mile drone delivery in Montenegro, covering regulatory requirements, route planning and payload capacity analysis.
Project name
Beach Water Quality Monitor
Project description
Development of a low-cost floating sensor buoy that continuously monitors bathing water quality and transmits data to a public dashboard in real time.
Project name
Biotech Feasibility Study
Project description
Feasibility study assessing the commercial potential of locally developed biotech compounds for use in the food supplement and cosmetics industry.
Project name
SME Cybersecurity Scanner
Project description
Development of an automated cybersecurity vulnerability scanner tailored for small businesses, providing actionable risk reports without requiring IT expertise.
Project name
Recycled Plastic 3D Printing
Project description
Research into filament production from post-consumer recycled plastic for use in desktop 3D printing, reducing material costs and plastic waste.
