What does the GameDev industry look like in Europe? Our study visit to France unveils the future of video game development
The European video game industry is in full swing – innovation, education, and community go hand in hand in creating one of the fastest-growing sectors of the creative industries. During a recent study visit to France, our delegation from Montenegro – representatives from the companies Alicorn, CodeLab, and the ICT Cortex cluster – had the opportunity to take a behind-the-scenes look at the European GameDev scene and get familiar with the best practices shaping this exciting sector. Paris: The Heart of Esports and VR Innovations Our first stop was Espot Paris, one of the leading gaming and esports centers in Europe. It is a multifunctional space that combines gaming arenas, streaming studios, and professional competition spaces, as well as educational workshops and esports career promotions. Espot is not just a place for entertainment but also a hub for professionals, enthusiasts, and talents in the gaming world. We also visited VirtualTime, a center that has been offering unique VR experiences, escape room challenges, and a variety of interactive content since 2017. This center is a great example of how VR technology can be used for commercial entertainment, as well as a tool for education and the development of creative skills. Angoulême: The City of Creativity and Knowledge On the second day of our trip, we arrived in Angoulême, a French city known for its strong animation, comics, and digital media industry. The key point of our visit was Eurekatech, an incubator that brings together startups from the creative industries, with a special focus on the gaming sector. We learned about the various ways they support young teams – from business mentoring, technical resources, to connecting with investors and partners. One of the most inspiring stops was ENJMIN (École Nationale du Jeu et des Médias Interactifs Numériques), an international school specialized in video game development and digital interactive media. We got acquainted with their programs, multidisciplinary approach, and practices that encourage creativity and collaboration among students from different profiles – from designers and programmers to narrative designers. Montenegro is getting its own #GameDevHub! Inspired by this experience, we are excited to announce the upcoming opening of the first Game Development Center in Montenegro. Our GameDevHub will be based on the successful models we explored in France, combining education, mentorship, and support for young teams and individuals eager to dive into the world of video game development. The goal is to create a sustainable ecosystem that will support the GameDev community here and enable international collaboration and visibility. The project is being realized with the support of the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA Program Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro 2021–2027.
The International Conference “Use of Techniques and Auxiliary Tools for Occupational Health and Safety in Agriculture” was held
As part of the SAGRI project – Health and Safety at Work in Agriculture, funded through the Interreg IPA South Adriatic Program, a three-day international conference was held in Podgorica from March 25–27, 2025. The event focused on improving occupational health and safety (OHS) in agriculture, as part of a broader effort to create safer and more dignified working conditions in the agricultural sector across the region. The event brought together more than 30 participants from Montenegro, Albania, and Italy – including representatives of institutions, inspection bodies, agricultural companies, the academic community, OHS experts, and international organizations. The conference was opened by Milena Aković, Marketing Director at ICT Cortex, with the presence of representatives from the Ministry of European Affairs and the Ministry of Finance of Montenegro. In their opening remarks, the speakers emphasized the importance of cross-sectoral and regional cooperation, particularly in light of the growing challenges related to food safety, climate change, and the modernization of agriculture. Kana Tomašević, Head of the FLC Directorate at the Ministry of Finance—which is responsible for the first-level control of the program’s cost eligibility—addressed the participants on behalf of the Ministry. She spoke about the importance of participation and the benefits that such projects bring to Montenegrin institutions. She highlighted that cross-border cooperation programs contribute to the economic, social, and territorial development of border regions, while also building the capacities of local authorities and stakeholders to utilize structural and investment funds within the framework of territorial cooperation, as a key component of cohesion policy. These programs aim to support the population in border areas by promoting sustainable socio-economic development, fostering joint efforts in addressing shared challenges, ensuring efficient and secure borders, and encouraging joint actions involving local stakeholders from neighboring regions. “The new financial perspective we have entered is based on the lessons learned from the previous IPA perspectives (2007-2013 and 2014-2020), with the aim of ensuring the continued, smooth implementation of defined goals and priorities, which are in line with the EU enlargement strategy and Montenegro’s strategic goal regarding future EU membership.” In addition to bringing significant benefits to our citizens, Tomašević emphasized that the implementation of Interreg projects further brings us closer to European values and standards and enhances the capacities of Montenegrin institutions and beneficiaries. She also mentioned that Montenegro, despite being the smallest country in the region, has successfully implemented a significant number of cross-border projects in the past period, which confirms that we are effectively utilizing the available resources and opportunities provided by these programs. In conclusion, she emphasized the Ministry of Finance’s readiness to be a reliable partner and support to all beneficiaries in the implementation of their projects within this financial perspective. On behalf of the Ministry of European Affairs, Slađana Pešić, National Contact Point for the Interreg IPA CBC Italy-Albania-Montenegro program, addressed the participants. “The SAGRI project aims to improve working conditions for farmers and agricultural workers through the adoption of guidelines for occupational health and safety. This is crucial not only for the well-being of workers but also for the sustainability and productivity of the entire sector. Through joint efforts, we can create a safer working environment and ensure a healthier future for everyone working in agriculture, in line with the relevant European Union directives. The South Adriatic Program is one of the leaders among European territorial cooperation programs in terms of capitalization, as it provides users the opportunity to transfer results from previous projects into new geographical, social, and economic contexts. We are particularly pleased that, through this call focused on smaller-scale projects, we have been able to support new beneficiaries such as ICT Cortex, which brings valuable expertise in digital transformation and innovation. The role of ICT Cortex in this project is of particular importance, as this organization recently conducted a study and assessment of the agricultural sector and its potential in Montenegro. This program also offers many other opportunities to strengthen cooperation between institutions and organizations from the Italian regions of Puglia and Molise, Albania, and Montenegro. Under the recently concluded standard call, 43 projects were approved, with a total value of 41 million euros, involving 49 Montenegrin partners with a budget of over 11 million euros.” Mrs. Pešić also announced numerous new opportunities for cross-border and transnational projects in the upcoming period. She mentioned that the second call for projects under the Interreg IPA program for Croatia – Bosnia and Herzegovina – Montenegro, with a total value of about 30 million euros, was launched on March 6 and will be open until June 6. She invited interested organizations and institutions to familiarize themselves with the call’s content and to join the informational sessions organized by the Ministry of European Affairs, in collaboration with colleagues from partner countries, on April 2 in Podgorica and April 3 in Budva. During the opening panel, participants had the opportunity to learn in detail about the existing legislative framework in the field of occupational health and safety. Representatives from the Ministry of Labor, Employment, and Social Dialogue, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management of Montenegro, the Occupational Health and Safety Inspectorate, and the Occupational Safety Association of Montenegro presented national regulations, institutional responsibilities, and challenges in their implementation, while partners from Albania and Italy shared their experiences and best practices from their countries. A significant segment of the conference was the contribution of Michele Dinelli, a representative of the European umbrella institution for occupational health and safety – EU-OSHA. He pointed out the key steps that candidate countries need to take to achieve compliance with Directives 2009/104/EC and 2009/128/EC, as well as with Convention 184 of the International Labour Organization. His suggestions provide important guidance for fulfilling obligations that are crucial milestones for closing Chapters 11 – Agriculture and Rural Development, and 19 – Social Policy and Employment, in the EU accession process. The conference provided a comprehensive overview of the state of occupational health and safety in agricultural companies from the three partner countries. Special focus was given to digital
CBC GAIN – Investing in the Future: Video Game Development for New Generations
Montenegro is finally getting its first Game Development Center for video game creation! ICT Cortex, as a partner in the project “Investing in the Future: Video Game Development for New Generations (CBC GAIN)”, in cooperation with the Development Agency SI-MO-RA from Croatia and the INTERA Technology Park from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is bringing a completely new dimension to the technological landscape of our country. As part of the implementation of the CBC GAIN project, we conducted a visit to Mostar (November 2024), where we held a meeting with project partners SI-MO-RA and INTERA. During the meeting, we discussed the activities carried out so far and planned the next steps. The visit also included a conference at Code Hub Mostar, where our Executive Director, Tarik Zaimović, participated in a panel titled “The Gaming Industry as a Driver of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” The GameDev Center in Podgorica will be the first space in Montenegro dedicated to video game development, where young developers, designers, programmers, and all enthusiasts of the gaming industry will have the opportunity to learn, work, and create their own projects. This center will become a hub for talent and creatives, with the goal of supporting the video game development industry and opening new opportunities for professional growth. With the opening of the Game Development Center, Montenegro gains a range of benefits – from supporting youth and startups through education and mentorship, to creating new job opportunities in the fields of IT, design, animation, and digital marketing. Additionally, thanks to this project, our teams and talents will have the opportunity to collaborate with international experts and become part of the global gaming scene. The CBC GAIN project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA CBC cross-border cooperation program between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. By strengthening the creative industry and building an innovative technological ecosystem, this Gaming Center represents a significant step towards Montenegro’s digital future. The official opening of the center in Podgorica is coming soon, and this is just the beginning of a major story that will transform the local gaming scene.
Obuka o preduzetništvu i socijalnom preduzetništvu
Training on Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship 4o mini Training on Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship 4o mini Training on Entrepreneurship and Social Entrepreneurship 4o mini Obuka o preduzetništvu i socijalnom preduzetništvu Lorem ipsum doloret Objave Obuka o preduzetništvu i socijalnom preduzetništvu Inside Post 1 February 11, 2025/ Obuka o preduzetništvu i socijalnom preduzetništvu Inside Post 1 Lorem ipsum doloret Read More
Code and Play
Code and Play Lorem ipsum doloret Objave Code and Play Inside Post 1 February 11, 2025/ Code and Play Inside Post 1 Lorem ipsum doloret Read More
Cortex akademija
Cortex akademija Lorem ipsum doloret Objave Cortex Akademija Inside Post 1 February 11, 2025/ Cortex Akademija Inside Post 1 Lorem ipsum doloret Read More
SAGRI
SAGRI – Health and Safety in Agriculture The SAGRI Project Aims to Improve Efficient Public Administration Through Strengthening Legal and Administrative Cooperation Between Citizens, Civil Society, and Institutions The focus of the project is on addressing barriers in border regions related to occupational safety measures in agriculture, with the application of IT solutions. The project lasts for nine months, from November 2024 to July 2025, with a total budget of 162,986.74 euros. The consortium includes: Italian Confederation of Agriculture – PUGLIA, Albanian Agribusiness Council, Agricultural Technical Institute of Fier “Rakip Kryeziu,” LAG Molise Towards 2000, and ICT Cortex. Objave SAGRI Inside Post 1 February 11, 2025/ SAGRI Inside Post 1 Lorem ipsum doloret Read More
Interreg
CBC GAIN: Investing in the Future – Gaming for new generations The CBC GAIN project is aimed at developing the gaming industry in the region, and it is financed by the Interreg program – Croatia, Montenegro, Bosnia and Herzegovina. The project will run for two years, from August 15, 2024, to August 15, 2026, with a total budget of 858,279 euros. The consortium consists of organizations SIMORA (Croatia), INTERA (Bosnia and Herzegovina), and ICT Cortex (Montenegro). Key activities include the establishment and equipping of the first Game Development Hub in Podgorica, the creation of a methodology for developing gaming hubs, a pre-incubation program for gaming startups, and training for working with programs like Unity, Blender, and Unreal Engine. Objave Interreg Inside Page 1 February 11, 2025/ Interreg Inside Page 1 Lorem ipsum doloret Read More
Implementation of the MONTEDIH Project Has Started
Implementation of the MONTEDIH Project Has Started The implementation of the MontEDIH (Montenegrin European Digital Innovation Hub) project officially started on January 1, 2025. This project is of strategic importance for the digital transformation and innovation development in SMEs and public administration in Montenegro. The project has a budget of nearly 2 million euros. The European Union co-finances the project with 50% through the Digital Europe program, which highlights its significance for the European and regional digital agenda. The Government of Montenegro (Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, and the Ministry of Public Administration) co-finances 45% of the project’s value, while the project partners will cover 5% of the project’s costs. MontEDIH is part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network, which consists of more than 150 centers across Europe. The Project Coordinator is the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Montenegro The project consortium includes: the University of Donja Gorica, the Institute of Contemporary Technologies of Montenegro, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis – Nikšić, the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the Finance Center d.o.o. Podgorica, and the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro. This consortium, through its successful participation in the first call available to consortia from the Western Balkan countries, has confirmed the importance of synergy among institutions with the capacity and resources to contribute to the further development of the economy and public administration. Digital Europe is an innovative EU program designed to stimulate the digital transformation of European society and economy, contributing to economic recovery by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The implementation of this program is carried out through Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) as key support points for the economy and public sector in the process of digital transformation and the enhancement of innovation, which increases their competitiveness, efficiency, and success. As part of the EDIH network, MontEDIH represents a key platform for enhancing the digital capacities of small and medium-sized enterprises and public sector organizations in Montenegro. The project’s goal is to provide easier access to innovative digital tools, knowledge, and expertise across various fields, which will contribute to strengthening the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of Montenegro’s economy, as well as the efficiency of public administration. The MontEDIH Project Will: Provide free services for testing state-of-the-art digital solutions based on AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Blockchain, and HPC (High-Performance Computing) technologies, allowing SMEs and the public sector to assess the benefits and risks of adopting new technologies; Organize training and workshops to strengthen the digital skills and competencies of employees in public administration and companies in sectors such as agriculture, energy, tourism, construction, environmental protection, and trade; Connect businesses and public institutions with experts, technology centers, and international partners through the EDIH network; Promote innovation and support the development of pilot projects and experimental solutions tailored to the specific needs of the local community; Provide essential knowledge on business internationalization and access to finance; Contribute to sustainable development, green business transformation, and offer a wide range of other services. Given Montenegro’s need for accelerated development in order to align with European standards and remain competitive in the broader context, through MontEDIH, businesses and institutions gain the opportunity to: Strengthen their resilience to market challenges; Use resources more efficiently; Become part of the European digital community During the Project Implementation, the Public Will Be Timely Informed About Activities, Participation Opportunities, and Best Practice Examples Throughout the implementation of the project, the public will be promptly notified about the activities, opportunities for participation, and examples of best practices. All interested parties will soon receive detailed information about the opportunities MontEDIH offers. The project will last for four years
MontEdih
MontEDIH – Montenegro Becomes Part of the Prestigious EDIH Network MontEDIH Project Represents a Significant Step for Montenegro in Digital Transformation, Enabling Full Membership in the European Digital Innovation Hubs Network (EDIH) The MontEDIH project marks a significant milestone for Montenegro in the field of digital transformation, granting the country full membership in the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network. The project will run for four years, from January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2028, with a budget of 2 million euros, financed by the European Union and the Government of Montenegro. Through collaboration with leading European centers, MontEDIH will provide support to small and medium-sized enterprises and the public sector in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain technologies, and high-performance computing (HPC). Support includes financial and business consulting, knowledge and technology transfer, as well as assistance in the implementation of digital solutions and circular and green practices. The project’s focus will be on sectors such as tourism, agriculture, energy, retail, manufacturing, and public administration digitalization. Membership in the EDIH network will provide institutions and businesses in Montenegro with direct access to the latest European digital innovations and expertise. The project consortium includes: the University of Montenegro (Faculty of Electrical Engineering) as the coordinator, the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro, the University of Donja Gorica, the Institute of Contemporary Technologies of Montenegro, the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis – Nikšić, the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the Finance Center d.o.o. Podgorica, and ICT Cortex. No Posts Found!
Implementation of the MONTEDIH Project Has Begun
Implementation of the MONTEDIH Project Has Begun The implementation of the MontEDIH (Montenegrin European Digital Innovation Hub) project officially began on January 1, 2025. This project is of strategic importance for the digital transformation and innovation development in SMEs and public administration. The project’s budget is nearly €2 million, with 50% co-financed by the European Union through the Digital Europe program, highlighting its significance for the European and regional digital agenda. The Government of Montenegro, through the Ministry of Education, Science, and Innovation and the Ministry of Public Administration, co-finances 45% of the project, while partners will cover the remaining 5% of the costs. MontEDIH is part of the European network of Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH), which includes over 150 centers across Europe. The MontEDIH project is coordinated by the Faculty of Electrical Engineering at the University of Montenegro. The project consortium includes: ICT Cortex, University of Donja Gorica, Montenegrin Institute of Contemporary Technologies, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center Tehnopolis – Nikšić, Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, Center for Finance d.o.o. Podgorica, Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro The successful participation of this consortium in the first call available to Western Balkan countries confirms the importance of synergy among institutions with the capacity and resources to support the development of the economy and public administration. Digital Europe is an innovative EU program designed to stimulate the digital transformation of European society and the economy, contributing to economic recovery by supporting small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). The program is implemented through European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs), which serve as key support points for businesses and the public sector in the process of digital transformation and innovation enhancement, thereby increasing their competitiveness, efficiency, and overall success. As part of the EDIH network, MontEDIH represents a key platform for enhancing the digital capacities of SMEs and public sector organizations in Montenegro. The project’s goal is to facilitate access to innovative and digital tools, knowledge, and expertise from various fields, contributing to the competitiveness, productivity, and sustainability of the Montenegrin economy, as well as the efficiency of public administration. The MontEDIH project will: Provide free testing services for state-of-the-art digital solutions based on AI (Artificial Intelligence), IoT (Internet of Things), Blockchain, and HPC (High-Performance Computing) technologies, allowing SMEs and the public sector to assess the benefits and risks of adopting new technologies; Organize training sessions and workshops to strengthen digital skills and competencies of employees in public administration and companies operating in the agriculture, energy, tourism, construction, environmental protection, and trade sectors; Connect businesses and public institutions with experts, technology centers, and international partners through the EDIH network; Promote innovation and support the development of pilot projects and experimental solutions tailored to the specific needs of the local community; Provide essential knowledge on business internationalization and access to financing opportunities; Contribute to sustainable development and the green transformation of businesses, while also offering a comprehensive range of additional services. Given that Montenegro needs accelerated development to align with European standards and remain competitive in the broader regional landscape, the MontEDIH project will enable businesses and institutions to: Enhance their resilience to market challenges; Optimize resource utilization more effectively; Become an integral part of the European digital community. During the implementation of the project, the public will be regularly informed about the activities, participation opportunities, and examples of best practices. All interested parties will soon receive detailed information about the opportunities that MontEDIH offers. The project will have a four-year duration.
CBC GAIN – Investing in the Future: Video Game Development for New Generations
Montenegro is Finally Getting Its First Game Development Center! ICT Cortex, as a partner in the project “Investing in the Future: Video Game Development for New Generations (CBC GAIN)”, in collaboration with the Development Agency SI-MO-RA from Croatia and INTERA Technology Park from Bosnia and Herzegovina, is bringing a completely new dimension to Montenegro’s technology scene. As part of the implementation of the CBC GAIN project, we visited Mostar (November 2024), where we held a meeting with project partners SI-MO-RA and INTERA. During the meeting, we discussed the activities carried out so far and planned the next steps. The visit also included a conference at Code Hub Mostar, where our CEO, Tarik Zaimović, participated in the panel discussion “The Gaming Industry as a Driver of Innovation and Entrepreneurship.” The GameDev Center in Podgorica will be the first space in Montenegro dedicated to video game development, providing young developers, designers, programmers, and gaming enthusiasts with the opportunity to learn, work, and create their own projects. This center will become a hub for talent and creatives, aiming to support the growth of the video game industry and open new opportunities for professional advancement. With the opening of the game development center, Montenegro will gain numerous benefits – from supporting young professionals and startups through education and mentorship to creating new job opportunities in IT, design, animation, and digital marketing. Additionally, thanks to this project, our teams and talents will have the chance to collaborate with international experts and integrate into the global gaming industry. The CBC GAIN project is co-financed by the European Union through the Interreg VI-A IPA CBC cross-border cooperation program between Croatia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Montenegro. By strengthening the creative industry and building an innovative technological ecosystem, this Gaming Center represents a significant step toward Montenegro’s digital future. The official opening of the center in Podgorica is coming soon, and this is just the beginning of a great journey that will transform the local gaming scene.
Adizes leadership program
Adizes leadership program Brief description of the project: The projectcontribute to the development, growth and competitiveness of members of the ICT Cortex cluster, through the improvement of management and leadership skills of directors/managers of IT companies. It is a one-year leadership program that is based on the Adizes methodology and can be implemented immediately in the company, in order to achieve exceptional results and manage changes, organizations and human capital without destructive conflict. It focuses on different leadership styles and provides a holistic approach to company management, with the goal of developing managers to create outstanding organizations. Two groups of 25 participants each undergo training, and the trainings are held once a month. Upon completion of the training, all participants will receive certificates. Key activities: Selection and profiling of participants, Organization of monthly trainings for two groups of participants, Mentrostvo, Organization of three master classes, knowledge testing, Awarding of certificates. Project partners: Company Adizes Institute Duration: May – December 2023 Budget: 69,157 euros Funding by: EBRD office in Montenegro (logo) and co-financing of member companies Projects Curriculum development for soft skills December 29, 2023/No Comments Curriculum development for soft skills Brief description of the project: Based on the results fromof the first cycle of the… Read More Skills for the future of business December 29, 2023/No Comments Skills for the future of business Brief description of the project: As education is oneof the strategic goals of the… Read More Analysis of the IT sector of Montenegro December 29, 2023/No Comments Analysis of the IT sector of Montenegro Brief description of the project: The analysis isgave a deeper insight into the… Read More Više objava End of Content.
Curriculum development for soft skills
Curriculum development for soft skills Brief description of the project: Based on the results fromof the first cycle of the Cortex Academy, the second cycle included training for the development of soft skills. These are skills related to interaction with other people, communication, teamwork, problem solving, adaptability and other non-technical knowledge and abilities. They include: communication (verbal and non-verbal), cooperation and teamwork, leadership, time management, problem solving, adaptability, creativity, critical thinking, motivation, empathy, adaptability, flexibility. This program is a great complement to Cortex Academy’s technical courses and is intended for the best Cortex Academy candidates as well as employees of member companies, who want to upgrade their technical knowledge with soft skills. The course plan and program will be adapted to each target group, in accordance with its needs and specifics. Key activities: Curriculum development for Cortex Academy’s soft skills program. Project partners: – Duration: February – maj 2023 Budget: 4,667.50 euros Funding by: Reconomy logo
Skills for the future of business
Skills for the future of business Brief description of the project: As education is oneof the strategic goals of the cluster with the aim of solving the problem of lack of qualified staff and improving the employment of IT experts, this project was aimed at strengthening human resources, i.e. existing staff in IT companies that are members of the cluster, through professional certification of key employees. 12 participants from 4 cluster companies completed the training program. The greatest interest of the participants was in AWS courses. Upon completion of the courses, all participants had a period of time to prepare in order to successfully pass the exam and obtain the certificate. Key activities: Choosing a training provider; Selection of participants; Course selection; Organization of education programs, Testing; Awarding of certificates for positions in the IT industry; Promotion of the project. Project partners: The company SEMOS Education from North Macedonia Duration: November 2022 – March 2023 Budget: 10,665 euros Funding by: Reconomy logo Projects Analysis of the IT sector of Montenegro December 29, 2023/No Comments Analysis of the IT sector of Montenegro Brief description of the project: The analysis isgave a deeper insight into the… Read More Promotion of Cortex Academy December 29, 2023/No Comments Promotion of Cortex Academy Brief description of the project: The project was realized with the aim of presenting results, good… Read More Program for the development of cluster capacities December 29, 2023/No Comments Program for the development of cluster capacities Brief description of the project: The need for a cluster agent came naturally… Read More Više objava End of Content.
