In modern times, ideas are the most valuable asset. By strengthening the startup ecosystem, Montenegro strengthens its economy, and among the pioneers wholeheartedly supporting the development of this concept is the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis. Within the BoostMeUp pre-acceleration program, 10 innovative teams were selected to continue their development journey. This year, joining as an innovation enthusiast, the company One has become a partner, helping present ideas that bring tangible benefits to Montenegrin society.
Sentiment Scope: AI Tool to Combat Hate Speech Online
Freedom of expression in a democratic society is both a right and a responsibility. Misusing comments on web portals carries serious consequences, especially when targeting people and ideas perceived as different. Guided by ethical principles, portals must strive for successful moderation to prevent such negativity. For the Sentiment Scope team, this challenge inspired the creation of a tool to assist in this mission.
“We are developing a tool that detects inappropriate comments and hate speech on web portals and social networks. Our goal is to make the moderator’s daily life easier by partially automating the process of detecting harmful comments and content through artificial intelligence,” explained Aleksandar Plamenac, representing the team.
Tehnopolis’ BoostMeUp program provided mentoring support and the opportunity to connect with others to develop ideas beneficial to society. According to Plamenac, a significant asset in this journey is the involvement of the company One.
“One is a company with vast experience, and we count on their support, especially regarding customer service networks. Our next step is to enhance the tool’s functionality and expand our client base, enabling the product to launch, reach the market, and compete effectively,” he concluded.
Al Counter: Smart Fish Counting for an Ecologically Sustainable Montenegro
The vision of an ecological Montenegro shaped the idea that agriculture and fishing should be among the leading sectors of the country’s development. This gave rise to the Al Counter project, which supports fishing through smart solutions, adding value to the economy.
“Considering the wealth of water resources that represent a huge potential for our country, our team designed a special device that uses artificial intelligence to count fish digitally. We firmly believe that our idea will enable more efficient operations and better yields,” stated Bogdan Maksimović, speaking on behalf of the Al Counter team.
The BoostMeUp program provided an advantage in organizing and developing the business idea, with One as a crucial support network.
“Through its participation in BoostMeUp, One has contributed to many teams with its expertise. I believe our collaboration will become even more exciting in the future, especially since our devices require a good and stable internet connection. I think One offers the best coverage in Montenegro, especially in the areas we are interested in,” Maksimović added.
Although Montenegro is the birthplace of this project, Al Counter’s team does not limit their plans to its territory. They believe that an idea with such contributions can be applied throughout the region and later demonstrate its value across Europe and the world.
Sorriso: A Smile Within Reach – Affordable Access to Top Dental Care Worldwide
Sorriso, the Italian word for “smile,” inspired the team to recognize the potential of dental tourism. Their goal is to address the issue of financially inaccessible dental care in Western Europe and America, offering international patients a connection to clinics in more affordable destinations.
“Our platform integrates services such as online and telemedicine consultations, resource sharing, and travel organization. The BoostMeUp program provided essential mentoring support, helping us clearly define our idea and identify key elements,” said Filip Šuković.
He added that the program’s financial resources and continuous mentoring support are crucial, with One’s role as a major promoter and member of an international group being a significant factor in developing Sorriso’s marketing strategy for the international market.
“We look forward to starting the mentoring program, which will aid in further development. We hope to soon provide numerous platform users access to high-quality and financially accessible dental care,” he concluded.
Snaptronics: Innovation in Education – Interactive Solutions for Practical Digital Electronics Lessons
The Snaptronics team, led by twin brothers Miloš and Lazar Milićević, understands the potential of their project dedicated to developing software and hardware tools for practical lessons in digital electronics.
“Our goal is to improve the quality of practical lessons in this field by offering high-quality interactive teaching tools. BoostMeUp was very significant for us as we learned how to present ourselves to the market and showcase our idea in the best way,” said the talented brothers.
They emphasized that One, as part of the BoostMeUp program, provides mentoring support, bridging the gap between product launch and international market promotion.
“As a technology-based company, One has the potential to contribute significantly to the realization of a hardware-oriented idea,” noted Miloš.
“Our next steps involve creating the prototype and validating the idea on the market. Our ultimate goal is to turn our idea into reality and assist students in our country,” Lazar added.
The BoostMeUp program is led by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis. Its partners include the Montenegrin Science and Technology Park, the University of Montenegro, ICT Hub Belgrade, One Montenegro, Montenegro Electricity Company, and the Environmental Protection Fund – Eco Fund. The program is supported by the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, as well as the Government of Montenegro.
