Community & Event Manager – Join a Creative, Dynamic Team and Be a Part of Montenegro’s Largest ICT Community!
ICT Cortex, a cluster with a primary focus on education, internationalization, and digital transformation, is in search of a new team member, a Community and event Manager who will assist us in creating and executing renowned ICT events, significantly contributing to strengthening the Cortex brand and the entire ICT community. Our team communicates daily with over 45 member companies, as well as representatives from public institutions and the private sector. We work on daily growth and development, and the number of events annually is truly challenging, featuring numerous creative and dynamic elements that are a real test. For this reason, we are looking for a talented and ambitious team member, motivated to advance and build their career in this industry. If you love challenges, and a dynamic environment, and want to be part of projects of national importance, then this job position is perfect for you. Who Are We Looking For? We are seeking a Community and event Manager ready to execute numerous events, including humanitarian activities, community team-building, networking evenings, professional events, and high-level conferences. Required Qualifications and Experience: What We Expect From You: We Offer You: So, if you enjoy organizing events of various formats, see yourself as an ambitious individual who achieves top-notch results and performance, and want to make a strong impact on the ICT community, join our team to contribute together to the development of Montenegro’s ICT sector! If you’re interested, please send your CV and a motivational letter to contact@ictcortex.me. The deadline for applications is June 16, 2023.
NLB Bank – One of the Partners in the Housing Security Project
The housing security project was initiated by the business sector – 19 IT companies that provide full support for their 115 employees and their families in addressing an important life issue. In this way, ICT Cortex, as members of the cluster, as well as project partners, contribute to creating an environment that will reduce the departure of IT professionals from Montenegro and enable them to have a better and more secure future in our country. Our intention to solve the housing issue for progressive young people from the IT community has also been supported by NLB Bank. Read on to find out why they have supported the project, its significance for them, and the benefits that employees will have. Collaboration between Cortex and NLB Bank NLB Bank has already collaborated with certain member companies of ICT Cortex, who proposed the bank’s involvement in this project. In January 2022, after presenting the idea and the basic intention (retaining IT professionals in Montenegro), NLB Bank decided to support the project, which was still in the conceptual phase at that time. As a responsible business entity aware of the importance of this project in a broader economic context, the bank offered extremely favorable conditions. These conditions include a fixed interest rate of 4%, no loan processing fee for a period of up to 300 months, with 10% realization upon loan approval and 90% upon mortgage registration. In this way, NLB Bank has enabled significant savings and benefits for employees in IT companies within the cluster and contributed to creating a better future for all members of society. A Step Closer to the Community We Desire An important part of NLB Bank’s mission is to create a better life and a better future for the entire region. They firmly believe that home is where people are, and they want to contribute to reducing the outflow of IT professionals from Montenegro and demonstrate their social responsibility by providing favorable conditions that will enable young people to stay in the country and build their homes. Through their previous operations, the bank has been focused on the needs of current generations and creating better opportunities for the future. Therefore, they perceive participation in this project as a step closer to the community they themselves want to create. As a member of the NLB Group, NLB Bank in Montenegro is aware of its role that goes beyond the scope of the financial sector. In their relationships with employees, clients, and all stakeholders, they strive to adhere to the principles of socially responsible business practices. They believe that integrating sustainability into their operations leads to the bank’s long-term reputation in financial, ecological, social, and ethical aspects and actively contribute to the alignment of the economic and social systems in the areas of sustainable business practices, financing, and corporate social responsibility. Impact of the Residential Security Project on the IT Community Considering the challenges that young people face when starting employment and securing conditions for independent living, a home, and a family, this project will greatly influence the decisions of young individuals to take such steps. The bank believes that through this project, young people gain an additional reason to stay in their country. They consider digitization to be the path to sustainability that we all strive for, and the knowledge and skills of IT professionals will be crucial in the coming years to work on the digitization process and achieve desired results. The bank has previously participated in similar projects, demonstrating its responsible approach and seeking the most favorable solutions for addressing housing issues for employees in various public administration sectors. They offer precisely the most favorable conditions, as well as knowledge, experience, and advice that will assist young professionals in their journey of building their own future and contributing to the future of the entire community. NLB Bank will continue to carefully listen to market needs in the future, and any project that incorporates sustainability and helps create new values for the benefit of society as a whole will be at the center of their attention. Other Socially Responsible Projects The Residential Security Project is not the only socially responsible project supported by NLB Bank. The bank carries out its philanthropic activities through donations primarily granted to socially significant organizations (educational, healthcare, public institutions for individuals with special needs, etc.) as well as organizations dedicated to community assistance or directly engaged in humanitarian work. One project they are particularly proud of is the Assistance Framework project, in which they supported and rewarded innovative ideas that go beyond boundaries and best address sustainability challenges in the region. Success Through Synergy Despite the challenges we encountered, we were aware that this was a significant project that would not have come to fruition without synchronized, active, and dedicated work from all partners involved. In the market conditions prevailing since the middle of last year, and which continue to this day, the Bank has maintained exceptionally favorable conditions for financing employees in cluster member companies. In addition to a special financing offer, NLB Bank provided logistics, support, and assistance throughout the project and the challenges faced by the main project team.
Celebrating Two Years of ICT Cortex Cluster: A Community with 1,388 Employees and Revenues of 162 Million Euros
The newly elected President of Montenegro, mr Jakov Milatović, congratulated the cluster on its achievements, promised continued support, and emphasized the cluster’s importance as a cornerstone of technological development, economic growth, and social prosperity. ICT Cortex Cluster marked its two-year anniversary by bringing together renowned ICT companies and communities in Montenegro, creating new business opportunities through synergy, and contributing to the digital transformation at the national level, while also promoting Montenegro internationally as a significant destination for IT investments. In the past year, the cluster initiated eight projects worth 20 million euros, organized over 30 events, enrolled 400 participants in the Cortex Academy, launched a housing project, and expanded the Cortex community with 11 new members. Vladan Tabaš, the President of the Board of the ICT Cortex Cluster, addressed the attendees at the celebration, highlighting their proud achievements. “40 Cortex members employ 1,388 workers in the IT sector, and last year we generated revenues of 162 million euros, with a profit exceeding 11.5 million euros. We are growing rapidly, having multiplied our revenues, turnover, and number of employees in recent years, and the number of companies has also increased,” emphasized Tabaš. He also mentioned the significant influx of IT experts from Ukraine, Belarus, and Russia, who brought additional knowledge and expertise, expressing hope that they would serve as excellent catalysts for the development of Montenegro’s ICT scene. Tabaš presented acknowledgments to partners who provided significant support in the implementation of activities in 2022, including representatives from the EBRD, UNOPS, Crnogorski Telekom, Help Montenegro, and special recognition for personal contributions to the work of ICT Cortex to Mr. Džemal Lekić. The event at the CUE Hotel was attended by the newly elected President of Montenegro, Jakov Milatović, who, during his ministerial tenure in the Montenegrin government, supported the idea of the ICT Cortex Cluster. In his address, Milatović said, “I am pleased to be here tonight to congratulate you on your second anniversary, to congratulate this exciting and growing ICT community in Montenegro on everything you have achieved in the past two years. Today, this is a respected community of 40 members with revenues close to 200 million euros. As the President of Montenegro, I promise you that I will continue to support your work, efforts, and dedication even more strongly because I truly believe that you are a crucial foundation for technological development and serve as a pillar for economic growth and social prosperity.“ Tarik Zaimović, the Executive Director of ICT Cortex, highlighted the cluster’s new project, Cortex Village, worth 16 million euros, which will provide housing solutions for 115 employees and their families, but he also announced new projects. “Now, we want to take it a step further and initiate the first phase of the ICT Hub’s construction. We already have seven companies eager to invest in this complex, which will create an environment enabling them to generate new revenues, start-ups, and investments. Within it, we aim to have a research-technology center, showcasing true collaboration with the academic community. We have demonstrated our ability to manage investments worth 16 million euros, starting from scratch with the housing project,”announced Zaimović. Branimir Bukilić, the President of the ICT Cortex Assembly, attributed this great success to the friendship and synergy among employees in the ICT sector. He also reminded attendees of the challenges that lie ahead for the community. “I would like to mention the Smart Specialization Strategy S3, which has positioned the ICT sector as a horizontal branch of the economy. Together with my colleagues, I would like to transform it into a vertical branch, as the figures we have presented indicate it is possible. Therefore, I call upon everyone to invest maximum effort and energy to achieve this in the coming period,” said Bukilić. The celebration of the second anniversary of the ICT Cortex Cluster was preceded by the 2nd Annual Assembly, during which new members of the Cluster’s Board of Directors were elected: Miloš Milošević (Fleka), Filip Vulić (Ai Solution), Filip Anđelić (Oykos Development), and Branimir Bukilić (Data Design). They joined the existing board members: Vladan Tabaš (Čikom), Dejan Petković (Coinis), and Danilo Purić (Bild Studio).
Open Applications for the First Online Hackathon for High School Students “MAKE SCHOOL BETTER”
The Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the Innovation Fund, and ICT Cortex are organizing the first online hackathon for Montenegrin high school students on the topic “MAKE SCHOOL BETTER”, which will take place on April 27th and 28th. The aim of the hackathon is to motivate high school students to actively participate in solving current problems in schools by devising ways in which the school can approach problem-solving with the involvement of students, parents, and the wider society through their proposals/ideas. Some of the current questions/problems that teams can consider are: The organizers of the hackathon, the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the Innovation Fund, and ICT Cortex, invite all interested high school students to apply for the hackathon and actively participate in creating an innovative environment and improving educational conditions in Montenegro. Teams composed of a minimum of three students who regularly attend any high school in Montenegro can apply for the hackathon. Team members do not have to be students from the same school, in fact, it is desirable for team members to come from different schools. The TAIKAI platform will be used for organizing the online hackathon, which easily connects teams, mentors, and jury members, enabling the entire competition to be held online. The platform is user-friendly, and technical knowledge is not required to participate; you only need a good team and innovative ideas! Teams that pass the preselection process will participate in a 48-hour final online competition, where they will have the opportunity to improve their idea with the help of mentors and prepare for the final presentation before the jury. The prize fund for the hackathon is provided by the “Čini dobro” Foundation and the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro for the top three solutions: •1st prize: 500 euros •2nd prize: 300 euros •3rd prize: 200 euros In addition, all participants will have the opportunity to network with other creative individuals, industry experts, and potential employers. Applications for the hackathon are open from April 5th at 12:00 PM until April 22nd at 11:59 PM. To participate in the hackathon, registration on the TAIKAI platform is required, where participants will have the opportunity to submit their solutions in the form of text, video, or presentation. All team members must have individual accounts registered on the platform. To APPLY FOR THE HACKATHON, visit the TAIKAI platform, where you can find detailed instructions for participant registration, project submission, and other relevant information for participants. YOUR IDEA CAN MAKE SCHOOL BETTER! Applications close on April 22nd, and after ranking the received applications, three to five teams will be selected for the final phase of the competition, which will take place on April 27th and 28th.
We explain what software testing is
Last week, another meetup in the series of Cortex Academy meetups took place, primarily aimed at future participants, but also for anyone who wants to directly get answers to all their questions and resolve uncertainties regarding IT professions. The topic of the third meetup was software testing, and it was discussed in more detail by one of the best software testers in the region, Marko Dragović. If you were unable to attend, read everything you need to know about software testing in today’s blog through the interview we had with Marko. Read a detailed explanation of software testing and this field below. Can you explain what software testing is in terminology understandable to someone who is a beginner in the field of information technology? Software testing is the process of evaluating and verifying a software product with the aim of ensuring that the application/system/modules do what they are supposed to do, in order to prevent errors, reduce development costs, improve system performance, and increase client trust, among other things. Testing can also be defined as the process of assessing a system or its components to determine if they meet the specified requirements or not. In simple terms, testing is the execution of a system to identify any gaps, errors, or missing requirements. Software testing identifies errors and issues in the development process so that they can be fixed before the product is launched. This approach ensures that only quality products are delivered to clients, which in turn increases customer satisfaction and trust. What is the difference between automated and manual software testing, and what are the ultimate goals of the software testing process? In terms of execution, testing is divided into manual and automated testing. Initially closely related, they also have some fundamental differences that need to be distinguished. There are many ultimate goals of the testing process, and I would say that each is equally important. First and foremost, through testing, we evaluate the product and ensure that all technical requirements are met. Accordingly, we build trust with clients and provide information to stakeholders. During the testing itself, functional defects are found, and not only that, but we also work on their prevention, all with the aim of minimizing product risks. Compliance with laws and regulations is also a significant goal. It should be noted that any changes in laws can have varying effects on existing functionalities or the creation of new ones. Therefore, compliance with laws is a very important testing goal that often doesn’t take precedence on the priority list among other testing goals but is still significant. This is where we see the connection between two domains, legal terminology, and software engineering, as an interesting fact. Can you tell us more about the course curriculum and program? Why is it designed that way, and what can participants expect after successfully completing it? What knowledge and skills will they acquire? The course curriculum and program are designed based on my more than a decade of rich experience in this field. The program combines all the fundamentals of software testing with advanced training in one of the most important processes in software testing, which is the creation of complex test design calendars with a detailed analysis of the technical documentation describing the problems. It also integrates the issues related to databases and Unix/Linux and their application in software testing. The course plan combines the implementation of static and dynamic testing and explains the role, application, and functionality of testing within the complex software development life cycle. The course is based on extensive practical work, which will also touch upon theoretical aspects and demonstrate their implementation in practice. The curriculum is comprehensive and requires full attendance, independent work, and numerous exercises to successfully complete. Candidates will be exposed to time pressure to simulate real business situations as much as possible and will be constantly evaluated and graded, as knowledge assessments with scoring will be conducted after each module. After completing the training, participants can expect to gain the following knowledge and skills: How developed is this profession in our country, and is there formal education for it? When comparing the timeframe from the past 10 years to the present, I can say that this profession is on an upward trajectory with an increasing demand for this profile by companies. This is partly due to the excellent performance of our IT companies that provide services to international companies, which require precise testing of software products. Another reason is the increasing presence of international IT companies in our region, opening their branches, and such companies already have established QA departments. Therefore, their presence in our region leads to the creation of QA positions. Unfortunately, I haven’t detected any formal education for this profile, and I believe that engineers in software testing deserve formal education in all technical faculties that include the study of programming skills or related IT institutions. I also believe that we should work on licensing such a profile for engineers. Do domestic companies recognize the importance of software testing, and how do you see the future of this profession in our country? Domestic companies definitely recognize the significance of software testing, as they have likely encountered situations where software products have lower quality than expected, leading to a potential loss of customer trust. To minimize this risk, companies have realized the importance of proper and comprehensive testing to increase the accuracy and reliability of systems, ensuring that all described and agreed-upon functionalities are delivered. However, I believe that the pace of investment and transformation in this area should be faster. It is necessary for companies to genuinely believe in the benefits of testing and invest and plan accordingly for the long term, as this is the only way to guarantee good results. The future of this profession in our region has significant potential, and we are gradually moving forward each day. Is knowledge of programming languages, UX/UI design, or other IT skills necessary for the profession of
Open applications for the second cycle of Cortex Academy!
The Cluster for Information Technology, Innovation, Education, Design, and Technological Development of Montenegro, ICT Cortex, continues its educational program in the field of ICT. In December, the education of a new generation of high school students from Bijelo Polje, Podgorica, and Nikšić started, and today, applications are open for educational programs designed for students and adult participants who want to enter the world of IT. The new cycle of Cortex Academy offers an opportunity to gain knowledge and improve skills in the field of programming (front-end and back-end) and software testing. The top-performing participants will also have the opportunity to attend courses on soft skills development (communication, teamwork, time management, problem-solving, etc.) during the training. Applications for students and adult participants will be open until February 26, 2023, and can be submitted by filling out the application form on the Cortex Academy website. Regarding front-end and back-end programming, participants will have free opportunity to choose one of five career paths (Angular, React, PHP-Laravel, C# and ASP.net, or Node.js) based on personal preferences and prior knowledge. Through the educational platform, participants will be able to prepare for real projects and practical work in companies from the comfort of their homes or any other location (all that is needed is a computer, internet access, and willingness). The online part of the education, which includes introductory and advanced courses, will last for 5 months. After completing the online courses, academy participants will have the opportunity to gain practical experience in one of the renowned Montenegrin IT companies that are members of the cluster, with mentoring provided by experienced IT professionals, and even employment opportunities! Software testing, as a specialized focus, is the only commercial education program within Cortex Academy that will be fully conducted in person, with lectures and mentoring by one of the top experts in this field in Montenegro, Marko Dragović (Testing expert at Amdocs). This course is particularly suitable for career changers, as it does not require prior experience and provides a comprehensive overview of the testing domain while equipping participants with the necessary tools, ideas, concepts, and techniques to become proficient software testing engineers. The course fee and more information can be found on the Cortex Academy website. During the second cycle of Cortex Academy, the executive office of ICT Cortex will pay equal attention to enhancing the skills of the existing workforce in cluster member companies. Various training programs are planned to improve technical skills, as well as workshops and networking events aimed at enhancing the soft skills of employees in cluster member companies. The educational program of Cortex Academy is implemented with the support of the Ministry of Science and Technological Development of Montenegro, Help Montenegro (Reconomy Project), and the “Čini dobro” Foundation.
ICT Cortex and The Montenegrin Chamber of Commerce are organizing a meetup on the topic of innovation laws
ICT Cortex meetup Vol 8 will be organized on the 25th of May in hotel CUE at 18h, with the purpose to resolve doubts related to the legislative framework that encourages innovation activity: the Law on Innovation and the Law on Incentives for the Development of Research and Innovation. Incentives and measures arising from innovation legislative framework related to subjects of innovation activity: companies (regardless of the sector in which they operate), startups, spin-offs, researches institutions, centers of excellence, and higher education institutions that perform innovative activities, inventors, innovators, freelancers, and other natural persons, which together represent an important segment in the development of the innovation ecosystem of Montenegro and they are a generator of the Montenegrin economy development and society in general. In an organization with the Chamber of Commerce, the cluster aims to bring together all participants of the innovative ecosystem: representatives of public administration, the academic sector, businesses, corporations, SMEs, startups, and the ICT community, but also all stakeholders who want to get answers to the question how to achieve the benefits offered by the application of the mentioned laws: redirection of profit tax to innovative projects, exemption from paying part of the tax for startups and freelancers, exemption from the real estate tax, creation of spin-off companies, etc. The organizers of the meetup announce a quality and interesting discussion that aims to launch an “innovation wheel” that will be based on the application of these laws. The interested auditorium will have the opportunity to receive answers to questions from eminent experts in this field:
The “StepUp with Cortex” project successfully finalized
The “StepUp with Cortex” project, which the ICT Cortex cluster implemented in cooperation with the Capital City of Podgorica, with the support of the Kingdom of Norway through the “Norway for you – Montenegro” project, was closed by marking the final event of the project on November 14, 2022. In the period from March to November of this year, five training programs were implemented, a total of 10 trainers were engaged, and about 100 employees from 12 companies underwent training; employees from the ICT Cortex executive office also successfully completed agile project management training; recommendations were made for improving the business environment for IT companies at the level of the Capital City. The following companies participated in this project: Alicorn, Amplitudo, Archimede, Bild studio, Codepixel, Codeus, Data Design, DigitalBee, Fleka, Logate, Omnitech, and Oykos Development. The final event of the project was attended by training participants, representatives of companies – project users, trainers, and lecturers, as well as representatives of the Capital City and ICT Cortex. The cooperation of the Capital City and ICT Cortex on this project is another confirmation of joint action aimed at improving the overall business environment and creating an innovative ecosystem for IT companies at the level of the Capital City, where conditions are created for the development of innovative products and their placement on international markets.
Study visit: Bosnia and Herzegovina
The period behind us was marked by a study visit to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The ICT Cortex team together with representatives of the companies Amplitudo, Bild Studio, Čikom, and Simes Inženjering and accelerator Digital Den was in Sarajevo and Mostar from 6-9. December. Within four days of a condensed schedule, we visited leading IT companies and innovative organizations in Sarajevo and Mostar, the companies Atlantbh, Authority Partners, Bosnia, and Herzegovina Futures Foundation, Fondacija Mozaik, Isatis, Klika, NSoft, Ministry of Programming, Mistral, PING Software & Services, Symphony, Verlab, and Zira. Our hosts in Sarajevo were representatives of the Bit Alliance association, while in Mostar it was the Science and Technology Park Intera, where B2B meetings with IT companies from Mostar were organized. This study visit was an ideal opportunity to connect and exchange the knowledge of the representatives of our delegation with the most important actors in the ICT market of BiH.
7 Key Takeaways: Study Visit to Serbia
Aware that successful business results arise from networking and continuous learning, we organized our first study visit to the region – Serbia, from September 12th to 16th. In addition to representatives from the cluster’s executive office, our delegation consisted of member companies: Alicorn, Amplitudo, Bild Studio, AI Solution, Codeus, Oykos Development Hub, Čikom, and Simes Engineering. Study visits provide an excellent opportunity for knowledge and experience exchange, and the highly intensive agenda included visits to numerous IT companies, innovative organizations, and businesses in Belgrade and Novi Sad, such as BioSense Institute, Vega IT, Zesium, Inkubator, Nordeus, Levi9, Schneider Electric, Fond za inovacionu djelatnost Beograd, Nova Iskra, Naučno-tehnološki parkovi Novi Sad i Beograd, and Savez igara Srbije. Our hosts, to whom we owe special gratitude and without whom this study visit would not have been so successful, were Nebojša Bjelotomić from “Digitalna Srbija” and Milan Šolaja from “Vojvođanski klaster”. In the following paragraphs, read the main conclusions drawn from this study visit, ranging from the impact of professors in the IT industry to various methods used for employee stimulation and the importance of synergy between the economy and science. Throughout the study visit, we observed the significance and contribution of university professors to the development of the ICT scene in Serbia. The “Digitalna Srbija” initiative carries out projects with a focus on hybrid work models and close collaboration between the academic sector and the industry to prevent the loss of teaching assistants who can become professors. This need arose due to low salaries in universities, leading companies to enable professors to work part-time in the industry, gaining experience and securing a decent income. In the Business Incubator Novi Sad, they emphasized the importance of teaching with many associations and concrete examples from life. Most of their mentors are professors who strive to ignite interest and impart knowledge to the younger generations. Interestingly, the initiators of this institution were three professors. Considering that we live in the era of the “internet generation,” it is essential to work with professors who can effectively transfer knowledge in an engaging and captivating manner to the new generations. Schneider Electric recognized the need to invest in the education of young people. They understood that people are crucial for their development, leading them to create a foundation to finance the education of young talents. After introducing an online teaching module, they experienced a significant increase in talent applications. Interestingly, the scholarship does not bind students to work for Schneider Electric; it provides unconditional support and freedom of choice. Another interesting fact is found in HTEC Group, where the oldest engineers are not billable but instead serve as mentors to others. Positions include TEO, PIO, PMO… Youth is an incredible resource, and the IT sector offers high salaries, making professors as mentors a perfect match. 2. Companies’ Care for Employees Employee satisfaction is crucial for retaining them in a company, but it is not solely measured by salary increases. There are many other factors that contribute to it. For example, the company “Levi 9” pays special attention to various employee activities through sports and social events, while at Schneider Electric, employee benefits include: Enhancing work-life balance, transparency, excellent benefits, and expressing gratitude more often help boost employee morale. When asked how they retain people, Vega IT responded with: In the well-known gaming company Nordeus, employee care is demonstrated through numerous facilities that employees can use to relax when taking breaks from work. They have recreational rooms, gaming consoles, table tennis, foosball, and even an arcade machine on their premises. They also have a restaurant, cafeterias, a children’s club, and many other amenities for employees. The conclusion is that investing in the development and motivation of employees comes at a cost but yields results. 3. Support for the Startup Community …especially those focused on IT innovations. Collaborating with the startup community enables companies to stay updated with trends and be in constant touch with new ideas, mindsets, and approaches. This subsequently allows companies to better utilize their own resources and technology. In the Business Incubator in Novi Sad, we received confirmation of the necessity to connect the academic and business communities to scale up as many ideas as possible and prepare them for the market. Besides offering favorable conditions for office spaces, the Business Incubator provides mentoring support, monthly consultations, and meetings. A common mistake is to have a startup team solely consisting of members from the same field, resulting in situations where they possess technological knowledge but lack business expertise. A favorable aspect is that the Innovation Fund recognized the importance of this topic and has programs to encourage innovation and provide financial support to innovative startups. Not all support needs to be financial or mentoring. “Nova Iskra” provides an open space where digital nomads and startup enthusiasts gather, work, and exchange experiences and ideas. They believe that space without a community is useless, and the strength of the community is the key benefit here. ICT HUB also provides a space and community where startup enthusiasts and digital nomads gather, connect, and receive consultations, education, and support. Key takeaway: Supporting the startup ecosystem encourages job creation, talent development, and overall, by promoting entrepreneurial efforts, it stimulates growth in the IT sector’s economy and the overall economy. Bonus key takeaway: We noticed that Montenegro lacks a map of freelancers. 4. Technology in Action Here we return to the primary function of technology: improving the quality of people’s lives. The BioSense Institute is working on enhancing agriculture and the environment through innovative technical solutions. They develop software tools that make predictions, preserve biodiversity, optimize yields, and streamline business processes in agriculture. A few years ago, based on input data in the United States, they developed software that efficiently distributes seeds by detecting which seed variety thrives best on each micro-location. They also developed software that detects, based on stem details, whether a tomato will spoil in the next 5 days, which can lead to faster spoilage of other tomatoes
The ICT Cortex cluster received a special award from the Union of Employers
At the solemn ceremony celebrating the 20th anniversary of the Union of Employers, the ICT Cortex cluster received a special recognition for the activities carried out in 2022: Recognition for a business policy that connects socially responsible business and information and communication technologies, and applies them in regular practice. The award was presented to Marketing Director Tanja Dukić, who thanked the Union of Employers for the award and expressed her satisfaction that the cluster’s contribution to the community was recognized through numerous projects, of which the Cortex Academy and the First Podgorica ICT Week stood out. “Established with the aim of being a leader in the digital transformation of the economy and public administration, as well as improving the framework and ecosystem that is necessary for the provision of digital innovations in industry and education, the Montenegrin cluster ICT Cortex has, in less than two years of operation, gathered 34 renowned IT companies that have recognized the importance and need for the existence of this organization for the digital development of Montenegro. We managed to connect with the academic and public sector, launch numerous projects, including the largest education program in the field of ICT education, the Cortex Academy, organize the first ICT week, realize several projects in the field of internationalization, and establish a foundation through which we will continue to give back to the community. in which we operate.” In her presentation, Tanja approached the idea of the “Čini dobro” Foundation, which gathers Montenegrin companies known for their socially responsible business for years. “Through the Foundation, united, we invest in healthy and progressive ideas, create opportunities for education, rely on green initiatives, and support the development of digital services. The“Čini dobro” foundation is open for new members of socially responsible companies, and I hereby invite you to join us, to do good together! ”
Vladan Tabaš is the new president of the Board of Directors of ICT cluster Cortex
The management board of the Montenegrin ICT cluster Cortex, at the session held on 10th of November 2022, unanimously decided that Vladan Tabaš, executive director of the Čikom company, should be the head of this administrative body of the cluster. The newly elected president of the Management Board of the cluster, which gathers renowned Montenegrin IT companies, expressed his satisfaction with the trust shown by the Management Board and reflected on the period and achievements of the cluster so far. “In the first year of work on the Montenegrin IT scene, Cortex has laid recognizable foundations and built on them in the field of association and strengthening of the IT community, education at various levels, internationalization and promotion of digital standards and digital transformation. It is a great honor and pleasure for me to be trusted to be the head of the Cortex Board of Directors, and I hope that with my work and experience, together with the other members of the Board of Directors, I will help the executive team and all members of Cortex to continue on well-prepared paths. Our ambitions have been great since the start, but our strength is also great and is a guarantee of the success of the vision that is our guiding principle – a digitally transformed Montenegro with a strong IT sector capable not only of providing services on the local market but also of being appreciated in the international framework. ” – said Vladan Tabaš. Sanja Gardašević, executive director of the company Alicorn, performed the role of president of the Management Board of the Cortex ICT cluster, from the establishment of the cluster until the appointment of a new president, who will continue to be a member of the Management Board of the cluster, together with: Nenad Novović, Ivica Tatar, Dejan Petković, Aleksandr Bošković, and Nikolom Ljumović. Founded to be a leader in the digital transformation of the economy and public administration, as well as improving the framework and ecosystem necessary for providing digital innovations in industry and education, the Montenegrin ICT Cortex cluster has gathered 34 renowned IT companies over the past two years that have recognized the importance and need for the existence of this organization for the digital development of Montenegro. He managed to connect the academic and public sectors and launched numerous programs, including the largest program in the field of ICT education, the Cortex Academy, implemented several projects in the field of internationalization, and founded the “Čini dobro” foundation.
Notification on the status of the Competition for the co-financing of innovative activities in 2022
In connection with the status of the implementation of individual program lines that are part of the Public Competition for the co-financing of innovation activities in 2022, the innovation community is informed of the following: Program line of support for EUREKA projects Total budget €120,000: €45,000 (ongoing EUREKA projects), €45,000 (Danube Call), and €30,000 (Network EUREKA) Ongoing projects. Funds in the amount of €30,000 were allocated (two projects). The remaining funds in the amount of €15,000 were not allocated. Special Multilateral Public Call for financing EUREKA projects for the Danube region. €15,000 (one project) will potentially be awarded, while €30,000 will not be awarded. The financing of a positively evaluated project is conditioned by the official acceptance of the project by the EUREKA network. Network EUREKA projects: funds in the amount of €30,000, which were available for 2022, have not been allocated. Registration for EUREKA projects for 2022 is closed. Contact person (NPC for Eureka): Aleksandra Mugoša, te. 405 335, e-mail: aleksandramugosa78@gmail.com, invozije.gov.me@gmail.com Program line for stimulating the protection and development of inventions The total amount available was €20,000. Funds in the amount of €9,382 (6 inventions) were allocated. The amount of funds that have not been allocated is €10,618. The new deadline for submitting applications is December 12, 2022, by 2:00 p.m.; Contact person: Nevena Radović, tel. 405 335, email: nevena.radovic@mntr.gov.me and invojcije.gov.me@gmail.com Program line for encouraging innovation culture The total amount available was €20,000. Funds in the amount of €16,000 (8 projects) were allocated. The amount of funds that have not been allocated is €4,000. The new deadline for submitting applications is December 12, 2022, by 2:00 p.m.; Contact person: Aleksandra Mugoša, tel. 405 335, e-mail: aleksandramugosa78@gmail.com and invojcije.gov.me@gmail.com Program line for the implementation of educational programs in S3 areas The total amount available was €30,000. Funds in the amount of €30,000 (4 projects) were allocated. The program line is closed. Program line to support participation in the EU Framework Program for Research and Innovation “Horizon Europe” – Pillar III Innovative Europe The total amount available is €40,000. Funds in the amount of €5,000 were allocated (1 project). The amount of funds that have not been allocated is €35,000. The new deadline for submitting applications is December 12, 2022, by 2:00 p.m.; Contact person: Aleksandra Mugoša, tel. 405 335, e-mail: aleksandramugosa78@gmail.com and invojcije.gov.me@gmail.com At the link https://www.gov.me/clanak/obavjestenje-o-statusu-konkursa-za-sufinansiranje-inovacione-djelatnosti-u-2022-godini you can view the entire announcement and download the content of the competition.
The “StepUp with Cortex” project of ICT Cortex and the Capital City of Podgorica improved the competitiveness of 12 small IT companies
ICT Cortex, in cooperation with the Capital city of Podgorica, realized the project “StepUp with Cortex”, which was supported by the Kingdom of Norway through the project “Norway for you – Montenegro”. The “StepUp with Cortex” project, which the ICT Cortex cluster implemented in cooperation with the Capital City of Podgorica, with the support of the Kingdom of Norway through the “Norway for you – Montenegro” project, in the period from March to November of this year, was aimed at improving and education of employees from 12 member companies, to improve competitiveness through the upgrading of institutional, administrative and organizational capacities and business skills of employees. The following companies participated in this project: Alicorn, Amplitudo, Archimede, Bild studio, Codepixel, Codeus, Data Design, DigitalBee, Fleka, Logate, Omnitech, and Oykos Development. The final event of the project was organized yesterday, which was attended by training participants, representatives of companies – project beneficiaries, trainers, and lecturers, as well as representatives of the Capital City and ICT Cortex. Chief Project Officer,, Ferida Mandić, emphasized the importance of this project. “The “StepUp with Cortex” project, in the period from March to November of this year, was aimed at the training and education of employees from 12 member companies, to improve competitiveness through upgrading the institutional, administrative, and organizational capacities and business skills of employees.” pointed out Mandić and added that the results of the training were very successful. “Five education programs were implemented, a total of 10 trainers were engaged; about 100 employees from 12 companies underwent training; employees from the ICT Cortex executive office also completed agile project management training; recommendations were made to improve the business environment for IT companies at the level of the Capital City.” Director of the Center for Information System of the Capital City, Džemal Lekić, pointed out that the administration of the Capital City is dedicated to the improvement of the sector of micro, small and medium enterprises, which is one of the key factors for accelerated economic development. “The ICT sector in the capital is recognized as one of the most important sectors for the future economic development of Podgorica because it supports all other sectors of the economy. In recent years, the administration of the Capital City has recognized digitization as one of the priorities in the development of Montenegrin society in terms of processes that can affect the improvement of the quality and standard of life of citizens. The goal is for ICT to become a strong sector of the economy that could become Montenegro’s leading export activity. Through the cooperation of the actors in the ICT community, there will be an increase in the number of employees, primarily professional staff, so the development and application of ICT are of crucial importance for economic development”, stressed Lekić. The project manager of the UNOPS office in Montenegro, Armen Čekić, pointed out that he was particularly glad that the ICT sector recognized the benefits of human resource development. “The development of human resources is the most important for the development of a company, and for the growth of the economy, which also entails the development of technology. So it should be continuously developed. I also hope that the others will follow this approach to their further development”, Čekić concluded. Trainer and NLP coach at NLP Network, Danka Ćetković, expressed her gratitude for the idea of such a project and emphasized that she is very proud of her students. “We hung out and worked together for three months, and at first it wasn’t easy, but over time we realized that the hidden goal was to connect, that we are not competing with each other, but supporting each other. The topics we covered were everyday ones that everyone needs. Especially in the IT sector, because the focus is on professional knowledge, and technological knowledge, to be the best programmers, and designers. That’s how it should be because the ICT industry is the bright spot of our economy. However, for it to be able to deliver everything that is expected, someone must also think about people. Who will develop all that, master it… Because it is an industry that changes very quickly, is very flexible, and prioritizes efficiency, short deadlines, and innovation. So we have to support people, work on their development, communication and negotiation skills, to overcome their fears, nervousness and the like”, described Ćetković. At the very end, participants were presented with certificates and certificates of completed training, where they shared their impressions from the training. A lot of interaction, group work, and exercises, as they said, facilitated the learning process and the acquisition of new skills and knowledge, and they recommend this type of education to people from different spheres because it is of great benefit to everyone. The cooperation of the Capital City and ICT Cortex on this project is another confirmation of joint action aimed at improving the overall business environment and creating an innovative ecosystem for IT companies at the level of the Capital City, where conditions are created for the development of innovative products and their placement on international markets.
Professional training program at ICT Cortex
ICT Cortex, a cluster for information technology, innovation, education, design, and technological development in Montenegro, opens its doors to students again this year, through the Professional Training Program. Working in a team, experienced mentors, education, participation in great projects, working with the best IT companies, and great energy await you. Applications are open until December 10, and if you have questions, feel free to write to us on social networks, by email, or send a pigeon. Apply, become part of our team, and support us in the mission of digital development of Montenegro! Who are we looking for? Journalist! The year ahead will be marked by the establishment of the first Montenegrin comprehensive media for technology – the portal itspot.me! Our team is already working hard on creating a portal where we will deal with news from the world of ICT at all levels, promotion of opportunities within the local community, education, and debates on current problems and topics. What skills/traits do you need for this position? You master the basic journalistic forms You are interested in the world of technology in a broader sense You want to write about innovation, design, marketing, and the startup ecosystem You have a proactive approach to work You are responsible and respect the given deadlines You are independent, but you work well in a team You like to research and creatively approach topics of importance to the wider community What do we offer you? A chance to grow and develop with the support of experienced mentors Access to pieces of training by relevant local and global experts/organizations Daily contact with professionals who have decades of experience in various segments of ICT The opportunity to be part of an innovative community that includes the most successful Montenegrin IT companies and some of the most important partners of the innovation ecosystem A dynamic job with the opportunity to be part of great projects outside the daily routine An opportunity to perfect agile approaches to business At Cortex, we do not waste paper, but use numerous modern tools for functioning every day, among others: Slack, Google Meet, JIRA, Confluence, Google Sheets/Doc/Forms. If you are interested in all of the above, apply for the professional training program for the position of journalist and take advantage of the opportunity to become part of the team. We are waiting for you! Who are we looking for? Social Media Manager! Social Media Manager is a person who is in charge of managing business accounts on social networks of certain brands, these can be organizations, institutions, catering facilities, and companies, etc., and creating campaigns for the needs of their online appearance. ICT Cortex owns 4 accounts, namely: ICT Cortex, Cortex Academy, “Do Good” Foundation, and “It Spot”. What qualities/skills do you need for this position? You should be familiar with how social networks are used You are a creative person and think proactively You have a love for writing You have an eye for detail You are curious and like to learn new things and learn As in all other jobs, it is very important that you are an organized person, that you have good communication skills, and that you have the ability to work in a team, but also to solve problems independently. What will you learn doing this job? To properly manage social networks To design a complete online campaign for your target group To use the results of the implemented campaign and improve it To allocate the budget correctly To give guidelines for visual identity and what to pay special attention to Rules for writing posts Other activities in the marketing sector At Cortex, you will also have the opportunity to apply your knowledge practically, with the help of experienced mentors. What do we offer you? Lots of space to learn and explore the world of digital marketing An opportunity to be at the source of information, knowledge, contacts, and world trends The chance to constantly grow, develop and get out of your comfort zone Access to all courses and pieces of training by the most eminent local and global experts/organizations Daily contact and opportunity to learn from professionals who have decades of experience in business, marketing, strategic planning, education, project management, IT An innovative work environment that includes the most successful Montenegrin IT companies and the most important partners of the innovation ecosystem At Cortex, we do not waste paper, but use numerous modern tools for functioning every day, among others: Slack, Google Meet, JIRA, Confluence, Google Sheets/Doc/Forms. Do you like marketing and want to have social networks on your little finger? Sign up for the Professional Training Program for the position of Social Media Manager and take advantage of the opportunity to become part of the team, we are waiting for you! Who are we looking for? Administrative assistant! What does the job of an Administrative Assistant entail? Management of executive orders Sending documentation to accounting (invoices, statements, contracts) Use of existing and adopted new software systems in business Ordering office supplies Registration and de-registration of workers Management of personnel files of employees Keeping records of taxi transportation costs Keeping records of expenses Other obligations: Support in the organization of meetings Support in the organization of events and conferences Taking minutes at the meeting of the Board of Directors Assistance in the HR function of the organization by maintaining up-to-date personnel records Dealing with correspondence, complaints, and inquiries Assisting all team members What do we offer you? The chance to constantly grow, develop and get out of your comfort zone Access to all courses and pieces of training by the most eminent local and global experts/organizations Daily contact and the opportunity to learn from professionals who have decades of experience in business, marketing, strategic planning, education, project management, IT An innovative work environment that includes the most successful Montenegrin IT companies and the most important partners of the innovation ecosystem At Cortex, we do not waste paper, but use numerous modern tools for functioning every
