IT SPOT Conference Returns to Podgorica for Its Fourth Edition on 15–16 October at the Montenegrin Music Centre

IT SPOT Conference Returns to Podgorica for Its Fourth Edition on 15–16 October at the Montenegrin Music Centre IT SPOT, one of the leading conferences dedicated to information technology and digital transformation in Montenegro and the region, will return for its fourth edition on 15 and 16 October 2026 at the Montenegrin Music Centre in Podgorica. The organisers have confirmed that the conference will once again take place in the capital, emphasising the importance of keeping an event of this scale in Podgorica. IT SPOT brings together key stakeholders from the ICT industry, business sector, public institutions and the wider innovation ecosystem, contributing to the development of a modern digital society. Over the past three editions, IT SPOT has grown into a central meeting point for experts, business leaders and innovators. This year’s conference continues that mission by creating a platform for exchanging knowledge, experiences and ideas that shape the future of business and technology. The programme will focus on digital transformation across industries, with special attention given to artificial intelligence, emerging technologies, modern marketing, business development and innovation. Through keynote speeches, panel discussions and interactive sessions, IT SPOT 2026 will once again explore the trends and challenges transforming the way we work, do business and live. The conference will bring together leading experts from Montenegro and the region, alongside representatives of companies, institutions and startups, fostering collaboration and encouraging innovation that supports the growth of the digital economy. In the coming weeks, IT SPOT will also announce an exciting lineup of regional and international speakers who will take the stage at this year’s conference. IT SPOT 2026 further strengthens its position as one of the region’s leading platforms for dialogue on the future of technology and business, while Podgorica remains its natural home. The conference is organised by the non-governmental organisation ICT Cortex.

Successful Completion of the Third Edition of IT SPOT Conference: Open Discussions on AI Applications and Advancing the Fintech Sector

The final panel of the third edition of Montenegro’s leading technology conference, IT SPOT 2025, was dedicated to the fintech sector in the Balkans. Nataša Raičević, Director of the Directorate for Regulation, Licensing, Approvals, Supervision, and Measures at the Central Bank of Montenegro, as one of the panel participants, highlighted the achievements in the fintech field made so far in Montenegro. “We have achieved a complete regulatory overhaul and are part of the SEPA project. Now that all Montenegrin banks have joined the SEPA credit transfer scheme, we can announce the arrival of the TIPS Clone system. This will be an exact replica of the unique European payment system, which we believe is the most appropriate way to bring instant payment capabilities to Montenegro. There have long been desires and plans to establish instant payments, and now it is finally happening. We can expect implementation to begin in mid-2026,” Raičević stated. Raičević emphasized that there are high expectations for the introduction of instant payments.“We believe this will provide a strong incentive for new products, new applications, and new e-wallets. We expect such innovations to arrive in our country. Everything will be instant, which is great for the new generations who want everything to be fast, but also secure,” Raičević stated. She noted that the Central Bank is not the only institution that can contribute to the further development of the fintech sector in Montenegro.“The fintech strategy encompasses all regulators, the government, educational institutions, and both the private and public sectors. Many activities are needed to enable the continued development of the fintech sector as a whole,” added the Director of the Directorate for Regulation, Licensing, Approvals, Supervision, and Measures. Aleksandar Borozan, Director of Product Development, Digital Channels, and Insurance Representation at Addiko Bank, also expressed satisfaction with Montenegro joining the SEPA system. “As a bank, we are investing heavily to be ready to support all preparations for the introduction of instant payments. After instant payments are implemented, the payment ecosystem will no longer be the same. It will enable Peer-to-Peer (P2P) payments and create opportunities for many fintech companies to find favorable ground for further business development. By July next year, we will reach a point where we are ready for such an ecosystem,” Borozan stated. Ivan Vučinić, CEO of 2BI, recalled that the transformation began with paying for parking by card and the digitalization of taxi services. “Since we still do not have instant payments but do have digitalization, taxi drivers do not allow payment via digital kiosks. The problem is not with the technology, but with the business model, which relies on cash and thus cannot receive money immediately. With instant payments, we can solve these problems. SEPA provides the infrastructure we will need for future services,” Vučinić stated. Deivis Shomo, Chief Commercial Officer at Easypay, compared the situation in Montenegro with the development of the fintech sector in Albania. “We feel that more has been achieved this year than in the entire past decade. We started with open banking when Easypay became the first licensed institution. Easypay introduced real-time payment capabilities 15 years ago. It is good to think globally, but act locally. It is important to address local challenges first and then consider the global perspective. The main goal is to convert as many cash users as possible into e-wallet users,” Shomo explained. Fedor Bauer, representative of the KEKS PAY application from Croatia, pointed out that significant changes are still needed in the Balkans regarding the fintech sector. “We need to progress faster; we need to work at fintech speed. However, I believe Montenegro is on the right path. I congratulate you on this great achievement, which is significant for the entire region. You are one step ahead in preparing for the next phase. I believe this transformation will change commerce entirely,” Bauer stated. The final part of this year’s IT SPOT conference program provided an opportunity for participants to hear several insightful presentations. Matteo Rizzi, founder of Timepledge.org, delivered a presentation on how fintech can contribute to society. Dragan Petrić, CEO of Bug Magazine, spoke about how technology can redefine human lifespan, while Radosław Sznajder, Head of Support at Voluum / Codevise, further introduced the audience to the new generation of artificial intelligence. Thanks to a diverse program in which participants had the chance to hear experts in the fields of artificial intelligence, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation—and to learn through masterclass sessions and practical examples how the latest trends can be applied in everyday business—IT SPOT once again justified its status as Montenegro’s leading technology conference. The NGO ICT Cortex proved to be an excellent host once again, welcoming nearly 500 participants to the conference space at the Montenegrin Music Center, as well as representatives of companies such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), Infobip, TikTok, X, SmartCat, Bug, and many others. This year’s edition of the IT SPOT conference was successfully realized thanks to the dedicated work of the ICT Cortex team, with the support of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Central Bank of Montenegro, the Innovation Fund, and many other partners.

Second Day of the IT SPOT 2025 Conference: Enhancing Enterprises with AI Agents and Skepticism in the IT Industry

The program for the second day of the IT SPOT conference, organized by the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex in Podgorica, began with a presentation titled “Enhancing Enterprises with AI Agents,” delivered by João Souza, Data Scientist at Amazon Web Services. “The concept of autonomous systems is not new. Aristotle is credited with the foundation of this concept. At that time, they envisioned machines that could be managed by intelligence and anticipation. We have progressed significantly since then. Between 2020 and 2025, we experienced a great rise of AI. What has changed is that technology has enabled mathematical discoveries from the past to reach new heights and contribute to sophisticated data integration. We have entered a new era, and from 2026 onwards, we will reach what decision-makers often call economic AI. This refers to AI systems that will achieve a new level of autonomy, will negotiate, manage risk, and will hire and fire people to achieve complex goals. This is not just technological evolution; it will be a social revolution that will increase autonomy, efficiency, and impact on businesses to an incredible level,” Souza pointed out. He notes that the number of AI agents is rapidly increasing day by day. “Currently, we have approximately billions of agents employed in production worldwide, and that number is only growing. We have long passed the level of a few thousand; we have long passed the level of a few million. All of this brings a lot of opportunities, but also many risks. AI agents mostly cooperate with people in the service sector, in enterprises and organizations, and in industrial environments… They do not just perform simple, one-off tasks; instead, they orchestrate sophisticated work environments, multi-step processes, understand complex environmental contexts, make decisions, and take actions. That is the future we are heading toward,” said Souza. As part of the panel on the topic of industrial transformation driven by artificial intelligence, Nenad Božić, co-founder and CEO of SmartCat, said that there is strong resistance to artificial intelligence even within the IT industry. “AI is a new thing that not everyone fully understands; there are skeptics who believe the old way is better. I am a skeptic myself. It is clear that AI is changing the way we work, and I think this is a good change for those who want to improve their skills. Skilled and young developers adapt more easily. Progress has been made in productivity time,” Božić pointed out. The CEO of the company Codelab, Aleksandar Dlabač, pointed out that he is also a skeptic when it comes to AI. “There are big challenges with artificial intelligence in various fields. AI is a big bubble which, if it bursts, will bring tectonic changes. Most AI companies are not even making money. I also see a major problem with data learning. A problem could arise when we replace data with AI-generated data,” Dlabač stated. Jovan Kovačević, CTO of the company “Coinis,” agreed that AI brings both positive and negative changes. “Using AI is a skill in itself that we need to understand and learn. The best way to learn is through practice. We need to be open to these new tools and not expect them to work on the first try. You should find the tool that is best for your job. This is a learning process, and sometimes it takes us more time than the standard process without AI, but as time goes by, we become faster. I expect that in the future we will have even more benefits from artificial intelligence,” Kovačević pointed out.

How to Coexist with Artificial Intelligence? AI in Focus at the Third Edition of the IT SPOT Conference

The two-day IT SPOT 2025 conference, organized by the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex in Podgorica, offered attendees a combination of inspiring lectures, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities during its first day. In the second part of today’s program, cybersecurity expert and CISO, Jelena Zelenović Matone, spoke about the complex role of artificial intelligence in the cybersecurity sector. “Artificial intelligence can magnify both the good and the bad. AI depends on what we choose to do with it. We decide what we will do with AI. On the good side, we see that artificial intelligence helps us detect anomalies much faster than before; we can also see and predict cyberattacks. Automated responses are also very important. Previously, it would take analysts several hours or even several days to detect cyberattacks. Now, with artificial intelligence, we have a response that takes seconds. We are working at the speed of machines. The negative sides are that we have deepfake attacks where it is very difficult to discern what is real and what is not. The problem is that we, as experts, do not have enough tools to detect what is real and what is not. We also see that AI is mutating and fighting against our defense. The most important thing is how we manage AI and what we do with it,” stated Zelenović Matone. As part of the panel “Who is Building Cybersecurity in the Region,” Dr. Andreja Mihailović, President of Women4Cyber Montenegro, pointed out that the way we think about artificial intelligence needs to change. “The most important knowledge we can have today is not how to compete with artificial intelligence, but to learn how to coexist with it. Cybersecurity once closed digital doors, but today it understands both human and artificial ways of thinking. The European Union’s Artificial Intelligence Act clearly states that responsibility, human oversight, and transparency are not philosophical concepts, but are obligations in practice,” Mihailović stated. Miloš Martinović, Head of the Business Continuity and Information Security Department at the Central Bank of Montenegro, presented plans for the implementation of the Digital Operational Resilience Act (DORA) Regulation. “We have created the first draft of the Law on Digital and Operational Resilience for credit institutions, but the Financial Stability Council requested amendments and asked for the inclusion of insurance companies and investment funds. Therefore, we will have a law on digital and operational resilience for the entire financial sector. Implementation will be challenging because banks have a cumbersome information security structure, especially those banks that are part of large foreign groups,” Martinović stated. Gilles Schwoerer, Program Director and Head of the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Centre (WB3C), stated that change in the cybersecurity sector must start with universities. “We started with long-term training programs leading to a degree. In February, we are starting a Bachelor’s program in Digital Forensics. We need people not only with a degree but also those who will be ready to provide answers to the problems faced by administrations, ministries, or companies in the cybersecurity sector. We need practice/exercises in that sector,” said Schwoerer. Duško Karaklajić, Security and Compliance expert from Amazon Web Services (AWS), drew attention to the localization of cybersecurity issues. “European regulation is very fragmented, which means that even though we have common regulations such as DORA, there are always local specificities. It is important to know how to establish local regulatory standards to achieve resilience. These activities can range from workshops for lawmakers to educational conversations. Partnership with the academic community is also important, and it is necessary to know how to apply theoretical knowledge in real-life scenarios,” stated Karaklajić. The final panel today was dedicated to the new generation of AI. “Today, we are not just using chatbots to answer questions within set constraints; we are creating virtual agents that have autonomy and the ability to reason and learn from experience. The goal is for them to be able to predict and react, but also to learn in order to create new iterations of the same actions,” explained Vlada Sebastiao, Solutions Engineer at Cloudflare. Boris Bilecki, Chief Solutions Architect at Backbase, explained how the development of the new generation of AI came about. “First we had chatbots, the next step was copilots and assistants—these are entities that had tools and could execute activities that you approved. And now we have agents—entities that have their own brains and have access to tools, capable of remembering conversations, making decisions, and having interaction with other agents,” explained Bilecki. João Souza, Data Scientist at Amazon Web Services (AWS), indicated that today they are giving systems enough autonomy to make decisions independently. “Now we have systems that interact with the world through API calls and web navigation, which is all connected to the shift towards AI autonomy. The explanation for why all of this is happening now is because the infrastructure is being improved, and we have models like GPT-4,” Souza stated. Radosław Sznajder, Head of Support at Voluum / Codewise, stated that they use artificial intelligence to answer the simplest, repetitive questions daily, in order to ensure employees have more time to deal with more complex issues, clients, and personal development. “The most important thing when introducing any new technology is education. People should be allowed to play with AI bots. The more interaction they have with the AI model, the better they can get to know it and not be afraid. The worst-case scenario is being uninformed. The better they understand artificial intelligence, the more they will know that AI is there for them, not to replace them. The goal is not for them to lose their jobs, but to make them more productive. AI should do things for employees, not instead of them,” Sznajder concluded. The interesting panels and presentations within the third edition of the IT SPOT conference will continue tomorrow at the Montenegro Music Centre starting at 10 AM.

The third edition of Montenegro’s leading technology conference – IT SPOT 2025 – is currently underway

Vujović: A digitalized Montenegro – a country that will use new technologies for the benefit of its citizens. The third edition of Montenegro’s leading technology conference — IT SPOT 2025 — was officially opened today in Podgorica. The non-governmental organization ICT Cortex is hosting this event, which has become a must-attend gathering for the tech and business community of the country and the region. Following the success of the previous edition, today’s and tomorrow’s program, on October 31, at the Music Centre of Montenegro, offers a blend of inspiring talks, interactive workshops, and networking opportunities, providing participants with an experience to remember. IT SPOT 2025 was opened by Branimir Bukilić, Chairman of the Board of the ICT Cortex cluster, who highlighted the significance of this prestigious conference. “This is a place where we can exchange experiences, where we talk about technology and shaping our digital space in Montenegro and the region. I believe IT SPOT should be a place where new communities and new ideas are born. My heart is full to see such interest in these topics in our small country, as the IT sector is one of the leading economic sectors in Montenegro. We are committed to continuous improvement. We want to create better conditions for IT companies to achieve goals that will enable digital and AI transformation for all of us,” Bukilić stated. This year’s edition of the IT SPOT conference is being held with the support of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, the Ministry of Culture and Media, the Central Bank of Montenegro, and the Innovation Fund. The Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro (CCM) also expressed its pleasure in participating as a partner in organizing IT SPOT this year. Nina Drakić, President of CCM, particularly emphasized the importance of discussions on artificial intelligence. “This year’s focus of the conference on artificial intelligence comes at a time when the world is rapidly changing the way we do business, communicate, and make decisions. AI is no longer a topic of the future, but a reality of the present. Today, it affects almost every sector of the economy, from energy and tourism to finance and education. The Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro recognizes that this change presents an opportunity for our economy. Through projects such as eKomora and MontEDIH, we are creating an environment in which digital solutions become accessible and applicable, and collaboration between the IT sector and other industries gains a new quality. Montenegro has the knowledge, energy, and potential to seize this moment,” Drakić stated. She emphasized that the Chamber of Commerce will continue to serve as a bridge between knowledge and business, between vision and implementation. “We believe that success in the digital age does not depend on the size of the economy, but on the willingness to collaborate, openness, and collective action. And that is why the message we send from this gathering reminds us of what connects us all: the strength is within all of us,” the President of CCM concluded. The numerous guests at the IT SPOT conference were also welcomed by the Minister of Culture and Media, Dr. Tamara Vujović. “IT SPOT 2025 symbolizes a fundamental progress in how we perceive and shape our society and economy. By focusing on topics such as artificial intelligence, fintech solutions, and cybersecurity, this conference provides an opportunity to connect with global trends and innovations. I encourage all participants to continue building a digitalized Montenegro — a country that will use new technologies for the benefit of its citizens, thereby strengthening the economy and preserving its cultural heritage,” Vujović emphasized. She highlighted the significant impact of digital transformation on Montenegro’s economy. “According to current data, Montenegro’s digital sector is growing at a rate of eight percent annually and contributes around five percent to the GDP. Thanks to the intensive development of 5G infrastructure, the digitalization of public services, and support for innovative entrepreneurial ideas, more than 1,200 new jobs are created each year, positioning Montenegro as an important regional player in digital technology,” the Minister emphasized. After the opening remarks, an engaging presentation on the impact of artificial intelligence on cybersecurity was delivered by Vlada Sebastiao, Solutions Engineer at Cloudflare. “Since 2022, AI and tools like ChatGPT have had a significant impact, enabling ordinary users to harness artificial intelligence. This has led to the democratization of AI, making it an important part of our daily lives. We are now concerned about the automation of certain processes and granting AI the authority to act independently. We use very powerful tools that require an equally intelligent security system,” Sebastiao emphasized, presenting the cybersecurity tools offered by Cloudflare. As part of the panel on Responsible AI and Regulation, Dr. Irina Mirkina, Chief AI Scientist at Fugro and former Head of AI at UNICEF, highlighted that over the past year there has been a growing number of examples of AI being integrated into business processes and various aspects of daily life. “Some of these examples are impressive and well-received, but they also come with security risks, exposure, data leaks, misinformation, and bias — issues we ideally want to avoid. The more we see AI being adopted, the greater these challenges become. What is changing is that both the public and businesses are shifting the way they think about AI. Today, there is much greater awareness of what AI truly means. It is necessary to demonstrate to businesses that AI genuinely contributes to operations, clients, and customers,” Mirkina explained. Dr. Balázs Hohmann, a docent at the University of Pécs, noted that new legal regulations are needed for the development of AI. “If artificial intelligence comes into contact with EU citizens, websites, and markets, AI data must be regulated by law. The Artificial Intelligence Act is paramount. It is a difficult task for developers to adapt to all the obligations. I think if you want to meet these obligations, you have to follow European, but also national AI legislation, which is very difficult. In the artificial intelligence sector, we

Amazon, TikTok, and Cloudflare are coming to Montenegro – Podgorica becomes the center of innovation this October

This October, Podgorica will become the gathering place for leaders of the global tech scene. The non-governmental organization ICT Cortex is organizing the third edition of the IT SPOT conference, which will take place on October 30 and 31, 2025, at the Music Centre of Montenegro. The event is set to become the most important regional gathering for digital innovation and technology. This year’s IT SPOT brings new perspectives, global names, and trends that are shaping the future of business and innovation. The stage will host representatives from companies such as AWS (Amazon Web Services), TikTok, X (formerly Twitter), Cloudflare, Infobip, SmartCat, BUG, and many others whose products and solutions are transforming the way we live and work every day. Through inspiring talks, masterclass sessions, and interactive workshops, participants will have the opportunity to learn how the latest technologies in AI, fintech, cybersecurity, and digital transformation can enhance business performance and accelerate innovation. IT SPOT is much more than a conference — it’s a place where ideas are born, connections are made, and visions turn into reality. From the dynamic EXPO zone, where companies and startups showcase their innovations, to informal meetups that spark new partnerships, the atmosphere at IT SPOT is known for its energy, creativity, and spirit of collaboration. At a time when digital transformation is erasing boundaries, IT SPOT 2025 stands as a key meeting point for everyone who wants to be part of the global technological future. The conference is supported by the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, the Central Bank of Montenegro, the Innovation Fund, the Ministry of Culture and Sports, as well as numerous partners and friends of the ICT sector. Find more information about the IT SPOT conference on the official website and social media channels.

Podgorica Hosts Regional Video Game Development Hackathon

Within the CBC GAIN project, co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027, and co-financed by the Ministry of Regional Investment Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations, the NGO ICT Cortex organized the Regional GameDev Hackathon 2025 at the Montenegro Science and Technology Park from October 10 to 12. The event brought together 16 teams from the region, who spent 48 hours developing their video games, showcasing the strength and creativity of the game development community in this part of Europe. The hackathon provided participants with the opportunity to present innovative ideas, test their skills, and build professional networks. Winners of this year’s hackathon: 1st place: Intera TP (team from Bosnia and Herzegovina) 2nd place: Simora (team from Croatia) 3rd place: Gamebreakeri (team from Montenegro) “The Regional GameDev Hackathon confirms that Montenegro and the region have enormous potential in the field of video game development. Such intensive events bring together knowledge, technology, and creativity, providing young developers with the opportunity to test their ideas and build professional networks,” emphasized the NGO ICT Cortex. All teams received special recognition for their creativity and dedication, while mentors and experts contributed to the quality of the competition with their experience. The hackathon concluded with positive energy and an agreement to continue developing and connecting the community through future initiatives. The first game development center, GameDevHub, will soon open in Podgorica, providing the community with a space to continue working on ideas developed during the hackathon as well as new projects in a professional environment with proper equipment. The center will also host future meet-ups, trainings, and lectures on relevant topics.

High School Competition within the Cortex Academy Shows Growing Interest in the IT Sector

The President of the Board of the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex, Baranimir Bukilić, emphasized that Cortex has been organizing the Cortex Academy for the fourth consecutive year — a nine-month educational program designed for high school students, university students, as well as adults who wish to acquire knowledge in the field of information technology. “The member companies of CORTEX organize themselves to provide free mentoring support. Today, we attended the final competition for high school students, which they usually participate in with the support of their teachers. The companies assign mentors who work with the students for a period of three to six months. During that time, the mentors give them access to modern technologies, guidance on testing, code organization, design, as well as suggestions on how to best present their solution. This is an excellent initiative because it allows students to experience real work within business entities, understand the challenges of that environment, take on additional responsibility, and gain valuable knowledge through informal education. These are students who are genuinely interested in the field of software development,” Bukilić emphasized. He also added that the quality of the competition has been increasing year after year, with the competition becoming stronger, reflecting the growing interest of young people in the IT field: “This year as well, we had the opportunity to see inspiring solutions. Although they are not yet professional, that is not the goal at this stage – what matters more is that the participants gain new knowledge, experience, and build connections with one another.” Among the awardees, a team from the “Vaso Aligrudić” Electrotechnical School in Podgorica stood out, winning first place with their application “NestAndRest”, created by Ivan Nikčević and his colleagues. The application operates similarly to platforms such as Airbnb and Booking.com. “We integrated advanced technologies that caught the jury’s attention. I had the opportunity to learn many things that can’t be found on the internet. The experience we gained through collaboration with mentors and the companies that are part of the Academy was especially valuable. I would recommend the Cortex Academy to anyone who wants to pursue a career in IT,” said Nikčević. Another interesting solution was presented by the team from the Secondary Vocational School in Nikšić, who developed the application “Click and Stay.” According to Vuk Todorović, the app was designed to help users find quality vacation options, as, in his words, “it’s becoming increasingly difficult nowadays to find time for a break from work and everyday obligations.” “The process was challenging because we had to research and follow global trends in order to develop a solution that provides users with easy access. We received excellent training with our mentors and had great opportunities, as well as additional motivation to continue researching on our own. The Cortex Academy gave us an incredible opportunity — through courses, mentorship, and collaboration with some of the most successful IT companies in Montenegro,” added Todorović. This year, participants of the Cortex Academy included students from the Secondary Electro-Economic School in Bijelo Polje, the Secondary Vocational School in Berane, the Secondary Vocational School in Nikšić, the “Vaso Aligrudić” Electrotechnical School, and the “Slobodan Škerović” Gymnasium. Throughout several months of work, the students were supported by mentors from the companies Bild and Data Design, both members of the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex. The teams’ projects were evaluated by a professional jury consisting of Nada Rakočević, Secretary of the ICT Committee of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro; Aleksandar Plamenac, professor at the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, University of Montenegro; and Omar Đečević, backend developer at Codeus. The program was supported by Crnogorski Telekom, the ICT Committee of the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro, and the Čini Dobro Foundation, all of whom recognized the importance of investing in young IT talent and connecting them with the real sector. The Cortex Academy continues to serve as a bridge between education and industry, enabling young people across Montenegro to step into the world of IT through hands-on experience, mentorship, and the creation of innovative solutions.

Regional Scrum Gathering Belgrade 2025 – the only event of its kind in Europe this year

Agile Serbia, this year, it once again brings together experts in agile management, product and project management, AI in business, as well as all those dedicated to improving teams and organizations. Regional Scrum Gathering Belgrade 2025 will take place on November 7 in Belgrade, and what makes it particularly important is that this year it will be the only event of its kind in Europe. New Concept and Program Instead of traditional lectures, over 90% of the program consists of workshops, discussions, and interactive sessions. Everything is focused on practical application: participants work together with speakers on real challenges, share experiences, and try out concrete tools and techniques. The result? Knowledge and skills they can start applying in their work and teams as early as the next day. The topics are broader than ever before; it’s not just about Agile, but also about how we build culture, communicate, and leverage new technologies. We will discuss how to improve collaboration and align goals, how artificial intelligence is changing the way we work and make decisions, and how to build teams that are resilient to change. Each session is designed so that participants leave with practical insights and tools they can immediately apply in their work. Keynote Speakers Among the speakers are world-renowned and regional experts known for their practical approach and interactive workshops: Niels Pfläging – management expert and author who pushes the boundaries of leadership and innovation. James Coplien – pioneer in software design and one of the founders of the pattern discipline, whose work laid the foundations for Scrum and Extreme Programming. Aaron and Ben Kopel – agile coaches from Project Brilliant, inspiring leaders and teams to adopt Business Agility through practice. Jonathan Frankenberger and Jutta Bechtloff – consultants with extensive experience in leading teams and implementing complex solutions. Predrag Rajković – Agile Coach from Agile Serbia and host of RSG Belgrade 2025, known for translating complex concepts into practical, immediately applicable solutions. Why Participate? Regional Scrum Gathering Belgrade 2025 is not just an ordinary conference. This is an event where participants become an active part of the program – you are not just an audience, but part of a community that learns and shares experiences. Here’s what awaits you: Unique format and practical knowledge: workshops, interactive sessions, and concrete tools you can immediately apply in your work. Exceptional trainers from Europe and the region: speakers with hands-on project experience who inspire and demonstrate how Agile, leadership, and innovation are applied in practice. Networking and experience sharing: meet colleagues from different industries, exchange challenges and solutions, and build professional connections that last. A community shaping the future of work: become part of a global movement that is transforming the way teams and organizations operate. Since Belgrade is hosting the only event of its kind in Europe this year, this is an opportunity you don’t want to miss. You can find more information about the conference on the official website: https://agile-serbia.rs/conference/regional-scrum-gathering-belgrade-2025/

Dissemination Seminar Held as Part of the SAGRI Project – Guidelines for Improving Occupational Safety and Health in Montenegrin Agriculture Presented

A dissemination seminar was held yesterday at the Science and Technology Park in Podgorica as part of the SAGRI project – “Occupational Safety and Health in Agriculture”, implemented through the Interreg IPA CBC South Adriatic programme. The seminar brought together representatives of key institutions, agricultural enterprises, and occupational health and safety experts, with the aim of presenting the project results and recommendations for improving occupational safety and health in Montenegro’s agricultural sector. In her opening remarks, Zorka Vojinović from the NGO ICT Cortex, the event organizer, highlighted the importance of institutionalizing the OSH (Occupational Safety and Health) guidelines developed through several months of research, testing in ten local agricultural enterprises, and consultations with the relevant institutions. During the seminar, Đina Janković, an occupational safety and health expert, presented the document titled “Situation Analysis and Guidelines for Risk Prevention in Agriculture in Montenegro.” The document identifies key challenges in the field of occupational safety, such as insufficient institutional support, outdated regulations, and low awareness among employers and employees about the importance of preventive measures. Dr. Miljan Joksimović from the Biotechnical Faculty addressed the economic aspect of OSH measures, emphasizing that investing in employee safety contributes to the long-term competitiveness and sustainability of agricultural enterprises. The panel discussion drew particular interest from participants, featuring speakers from the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Social Dialogue, the Occupational Health and Safety Inspectorate, the Food Safety Authority, as well as the private sector. The panelists highlighted the need to strengthen inspection capacities, improve injury reporting, and integrate OSH guidelines into agricultural support programs. At the end of the seminar, recommendations for further institutional development were presented, and all relevant stakeholders were invited to support the broader implementation of the proposed guidelines in the agricultural sector. The SAGRI project is being implemented in partnership with organizations from Montenegro, Italy, and Albania, with activities funded through the Interreg IPA CBC South Adriatic programme.

Digital Skills

Digital Skills Level B – Empowering Youth for the Labor Market Project Digital Skills Level B – Empowering Youth for the Labor Market, funded by FORUM MNE, was implemented from February to July 2024 with a budget of €13,990. During the project, training sessions were organized for 25 unemployed young people from Podgorica, Nikšić, and Cetinje on the following topics: Introduction to the Internet, Social Media Marketing, Scrum Master and Product Owner, and Product Manager. The trainings were conducted by the companies Digital Bee, Bild, and Logate. Upon completion of the trainings, a presentation day was organized where participants showcased their newly acquired skills to potential employers, creating employment opportunities. Objave Digital skills Inside Post 1 February 11, 2025/ Digital skills Inside Post 1 Lorem ipsum doloret Read More

EBRD and ICT Cortex Join Forces to Enhance Sales Skills of Montenegrin IT Companies

EBRD and ICT Cortex Join Forces to Enhance Sales Skills of Montenegrin IT Companies With the aim of strengthening the competitiveness of the domestic ICT sector and empowering IT companies to enter the global market, the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex, with the support of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), implemented a specialized sales training program for member companies of the cluster. The training program, conducted in May 2025, consisted of a two-day workshop and will also include a series of individual online B2B meetings between a renowned consultant and representatives of Montenegrin IT companies: Alicorn, Bild, 2BI, Codeus, Coinis, Codepixel, Fleka, Fin-Ing, Čikom, Pos4me, and We Are Ai. The training focused on improving sales strategies, optimizing the sales process, identifying clients, and strengthening negotiation skills — all key components for successful international business. The training was led by international expert Thomas Wittig from the consulting company Wittigonia Digital, known for his decades-long experience in developing sales teams and scaling businesses in a digital environment. “We are pleased to have successfully launched a training and mentoring project aimed at the internationalization of ICT companies in Montenegro, with the goal of strengthening their positioning in foreign markets. This group project, implemented with donor support from the European Union through the WB EDIF fund, enabled the participation of 11 companies and 26 representatives from the ICT sector, with the active support of ICT Cortex – one of our key partners in Montenegro, with whom we continue our successful cooperation. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) remains strongly committed to supporting the development of the SME sector in Montenegro through concrete initiatives that contribute to enhancing the competitiveness, innovativeness, and international presence of domestic companies.”- Matija Dautović – EBRD “Our mission is to continuously empower domestic IT companies and help them reach their full potential on the global market. Through our partnership with the EBRD and the engagement of top international experts, we provide our members with access to the knowledge and tools they need for growth and internationalization. We believe that such programs are essential for positioning Montenegro as a recognized digital destination in Europe.” – izvršna direktorica ICT Cortex, Maja Laušević Odalović This initiative is yet another example of the strategic collaboration between the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex and the EBRD, with the shared goal of creating a sustainable and globally competitive digital ecosystem in Montenegro. Thanks to this program, Montenegrin IT companies have been further empowered to identify and seize opportunities in international markets, thereby strengthening Montenegro’s position as a growing regional hub for digital innovation.

Analysis of the ICT Sector for 2024 – ICT Cortex and the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro

ICT is the most resilient and dynamic sector. After several years of growth, 2024 saw a decline in the ICT sector, but it has been assessed that strengthening the sector is crucial due to its strong potential and importance for digital transformation. This conclusion was presented during the event “The ICT Sector through Financial Statements for 2024,” held on June 13 and organized by the Chamber of Economy and ICT Cortex. The event focused on presenting key financial indicators of the information and communication technologies sector, as well as discussing institutional support and development perspectives of this strategic branch of the Montenegrin economy. “To harness the exponential momentum of the ICT sector’s development, we must work together to establish a supportive business environment, improve competitiveness, and create better conditions for innovators,” said Branimir Bukilić, Chairman of the ICT Association Board of the Chamber of Economy, in his opening remarks. He particularly highlighted the export potential of this sector, which, according to him, already makes a significant contribution to Montenegro’s exports, emphasizing that it serves as a strategic pillar for economic diversification and technological advancement. Maja Laušević Odalović, Executive Director of the ICT Cortex cluster, pointed out the importance of bringing together all relevant stakeholders around a common goal — the further development of the domestic ICT sector. “I’m glad that you’ve recognized the ICT sector’s potential for further growth and development. Although, unfortunately, it is still not officially recognized as a strategic industry, we believe it deserves special attention, as it demonstrates exceptional vitality, resilience, and the ability to contribute to the transformation of the entire economy,” she emphasized. She reminded that the mission of the ICT Cortex cluster is precisely to build an innovative, digital, and competitive environment where knowledge and technology form the foundation of sustainable development. “As Cortex, we are actively involved in shaping the new Smart Specialization Strategy — a key document that will guide the development of the country’s innovation policies. Our goal is for the ICT sector to be recognized not only as a horizontal but also as a vertical domain, with clearly defined priorities and allocated resources,” she stated . The analysis of the sector through the 2024 financial statements was presented by Nada Rakočević, Secretary of the ICT Sector Board of the Chamber of Economy, and Ratko Nikolić, Director and Owner of BI Consulting. According to Rakočević, after several years of stable growth, 2024 brought a decline in almost all key indicators of the ICT sector — the number of companies, employees, revenue, and profit. Nevertheless, the sector remains one of the key drivers of digital transformation, she emphasized, adding that precisely because of its strategic importance and strong potential, support measures must continue in order to overcome the current slowdown phase and ensure sustainable development. Rakočević stated that this situation is not a sign of weakness, but rather an indication that the sector is entering a more mature development phase — one in which tailored policies are essential to further strengthen its resilience, competitiveness, and long-term growth capacity. She particularly highlighted the need for stronger integration of ICT with traditional industries, so that the full potential of technology can be harnessed to modernize business processes, increase efficiency, and open up new market opportunities across all sectors of the economy. Nikolić presented the results of the analysis conducted this year as part of the Top Business Montenegro initiative, which shows that the entire sector, both overall and in the monitored segments, recorded a decline in revenue after several years of intensive growth. In addition to the drop in revenue, there was also a decrease in the number of companies operating in the sector across all three segments analyzed: Telecommunications, IT Equipment and Software Trade, and IT Services. The most significant revenue decline was recorded in the IT Services segment, where the largest part consists of companies engaged in software development and computer programming. In nominal terms, the revenue drop in 2024 amounted to 12.27%, while the real decline, after excluding the impact of price increases for these services, reached as much as 18.01%. “This significant drop in revenues should be seen as a warning and a strong signal that the sector may be facing considerable challenges that could hinder the realization of its full potential. Despite substantial growth over the past five years, revenues from this sector accounted for only 4.3% of Montenegro’s total economy revenue in 2024, nearly half of which came from the Telecommunications sector, while only 1.26% was contributed by the IT Services segment, which includes the results of software companies. Such a low share should be understood as a signal that this sector has significant growth potential, especially as we enter the era of digital transformation ahead of us,” Nikolić concluded. After the analysis presentation, a roundtable was held where key support programs for domestic companies seeking to develop innovations and strengthen their business models were introduced. Aleksandra Mugoša from the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation presented the co-financing call for participation in EUREKA projects for 2025, with a total fund of 200,000 euros. The goal is to develop products, services, or technologies with a high degree of innovation through international cooperation. Bojana Femić Radosavović from the Innovation Fund of Montenegro spoke about national support for participation in the Horizon Europe program — Pillar III: Innovative Europe, in which Montenegrin entities have open access thanks to an agreement with the European Union. For preparatory activities, the Ministry and the Fund have provided co-financing of up to 20,000 euros per application. Matija Dautović, representative of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), emphasized that EBRD provides both technical and financial support to SMEs through its digitalization and innovation programs. He highlighted that they actively monitor the needs of the ICT sector in Montenegro and encourage companies to apply for digital business transformation. Tanja Radusinović, Director of the Projects Sector at the Chamber of Economy of Montenegro (PKCG), presented the EmBRACE project, funded under the Interreg IPA

Montenegro will soon get its first Game Dev Hub

Montenegro will soon get its Game Dev Hub As part of the CBC GAIN project, co-funded by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Programme Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027 and co-financed by the Ministry of Regional Development and Cooperation with Non-Governmental Organizations, the ICT cluster Cortex organized a meetup on the topic “GameDev in Montenegro” on June 5 at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro. This event, which brought together enthusiasts, experts, and video game lovers, marked an important step toward building a strong game development ecosystem in Montenegro and announced the opening of the country’s first game development centre. The GameDev Centre will soon open its doors in the capital and become a meeting place for knowledge, technology, and creativity. The centre will be dedicated to education, mentorship, and support for all individuals and teams interested in video game development – whether as indie developers, startups, or part of larger outsourcing teams. “The opening of the GameDev Centre will be a turning point for the Montenegrin gaming scene. Our goal is to provide space, knowledge, and equipment to inspire young people to create, connect, and build careers in this fast-growing industry,” stated the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex. At the event, industry experts spoke about game development, challenges, funding, and opportunities facing Montenegrin teams. “The opening of the GameDev Centre in Podgorica marks a milestone for the development of indie games in Montenegro. This initiative provides free access to the latest equipment and knowledge, lowering the barriers to entry into this industry to an absolute minimum. This Centre is not only an investment in the future of game development but also a clear signal that the enormous creative potential of young people in Montenegro deserves the support it merits. As someone who actively invests in the development and promotion of games worldwide, I will be a strong ally in the effort to build a strong and internationally recognized indie scene in Montenegro.” – Miloš Šćepanović, Game Manager on the project The event concluded with a discussion about the challenges and potentials of developing the gaming industry in Montenegro, as well as an announcement that the GameDev Centre will be an open space for everyone who wants to learn, experiment, and create games with both local and global potential. For more information about the CBC GAIN project and activities related to the GameDev Centre, you can follow the official channels of the non-governmental organization ICT Cortex.

ICT Cortex and Addiko Bank Sign Memorandum of Cooperation

Addiko Bank AD Podgorica and the ICT Cluster for Information Technologies, Innovation, Education, Design, and Technological Development of Montenegro – Cortex, have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with the aim of further strengthening their mutual collaboration and jointly fostering the development of digital innovations in Montenegro’s financial sector. The Memorandum was signed by Christoph Schoen, Chairman of the Management Board of Addiko Bank, Danijela Vuksanović, Member of the Management Board of Addiko Bank, and Maja Laušević Otašević, Executive Director of the Cortex ICT Cluster. On this occasion, Danijela Vuksanović expressed her satisfaction with the cooperation between the two organizations so far and shared her expectations regarding future joint initiatives: “The collaboration between Addiko Bank and Cortex is not new – through our joint efforts in the Fintech Committee and participation in drafting the Strategy for the Development of this sector, we have already achieved tangible results. With this memorandum, we reaffirm our commitment to continue driving innovation and building bridges between the financial and IT sectors.” The document outlines a framework for strategic cooperation focused on the implementation of local IT solutions, enhancement of digital services, strengthening of financial and digital literacy, as well as joint participation in key events such as the Addiko SMEvolution Conference and IT SPOT ’25. Additionally, the creation of tailored financial products for the IT and business community is planned, along with support for innovation in the small and medium-sized enterprise sector. Maja Laušević Odalović, Executive Director of the Cortex ICT Cluster, stated: “Signing this memorandum represents an important step in strengthening the collaboration between the ICT industry and the financial sector, particularly in the area of digital transformation and the development of fintech solutions. As a cluster that brings together leading players in the field of information technology and is committed to enhancing the digital ecosystem in Montenegro, we recognize the importance of partnering with institutions that share our vision of a modern, efficient, and technologically advanced economy. In line with our strategic goals – to foster innovation, develop sustainable digital solutions, and build bridges between tech companies and other key sectors – we believe that through joint initiatives with Addiko Bank, we will further strengthen the fintech community and contribute to the accelerated development of digital services in Montenegro.” The signatories agreed that all joint activities will be carried out in accordance with the principles of sustainable development, professional standards, applicable laws, and ESG business principles.