The Startup Camp for students, organized by the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis in collaboration with the Faculty of Economics, has officially begun.
From October 21 to 26, 17 students from the Faculties of Economics, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Electrical Engineering, and Mechanical Engineering will gather at the Vučje tourist complex in Nikšić to develop their business ideas, gain practical skills, and establish connections with experts from the world of innovative entrepreneurship. During the camp, participants will have the opportunity to attend educational workshops, listen to motivational speakers, and exchange experiences with successful entrepreneurs and startups.
At the opening ceremony, Djordjije Malović, the Executive Director of IEC Tehnopolis, welcomed the attendees to Niksic and Vucje.
“In addition to wishing you an enjoyable experience with everything we have prepared for you, both in the formal and educational segments, I would also like you to focus on everything you will hear over the next five days. You will meet mentors who work with startups that have already taken off and who are among the best in their fields, not only in Montenegro but beyond. I believe this is a prelude to some future actions you will take in your professional lives, and perhaps in a few years, we will see you again through one of the programs like BoostMeUp, the national platform for startup development and launch,” Malovic said.
He expressed confidence that students would return to their duties full of enthusiasm and energy, motivated to work on realizing the ideas developed during the camp.
Next to speak was Prof. Dr. Mijat Jocovic, Dean of the Faculty of Economics, who welcomed the participants on behalf of the faculty, a co-organizer of the camp.
“This is the beginning of a long-term project aimed at changing the mindset of students at the University of Montenegro, encouraging them to talk more and engage more with entrepreneurship. Our society and country need more entrepreneurs, and the best way to stimulate entrepreneurship is through events like this one, organized in partnership with Tehnopolis,” Jocovic said, concluding that the camp would undoubtedly provide added value to all students.
Finally, Nemanja Vukovic, President of the Municipal Assembly of Nikšić, addressed the audience, expressing his satisfaction with the camp.
“We are pleased that, through the cooperation between the Faculty of Economics, Tehnopolis, and other university units, we have such a beautiful and representative event in our city, reflecting the goals of the local government, which is to base the economy on entrepreneurship. Supporting startups is the best way to achieve this desired effect, and it requires the involvement of all institutions and stakeholders in the development of our society and state.”
He encouraged students to dream boldly and work hard, stating that this is the way to achieve the goal of a better future for everyone.
The camp will place a particular emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration—teams will be formed to include students from different fields, encouraging networking and idea exchange. Each team will be tasked with designing and developing a unique business idea with the mentorship of experienced professionals and entrepreneurs. The best teams, as judged by a panel of experts, will receive awards.
This year’s camp is supported by the Municipality of Niksic, the University of Montenegro, the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation, and the Government of Montenegro.