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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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/