Call for Expressions of Interest – AIM Innovation Week

AIM Innovation Week is a high-level international forum focused on learning, exchange, and ecosystem development around Montenegro's emerging innovation landscape, with a particular emphasis on sustainability, digital transformation, and priority growth sectors.

Hosted by the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro on 30 March and 1 April and framed within Montenegro's EU accession pathway, the event is designed as a platform for exploration, knowledge-sharing, and early connection, bringing together startups, experts, corporates, and investors to collectively map opportunities, challenges, and future collaboration pathways.

We invite expressions of interest from the following groups:

1. Startups

Innovative startups from Montenegro, the Western Balkans, and selected international ecosystems are encouraged to apply to:

• Present solutions, products, and early-stage projects in curated showcase sessions
• Participate in thematic workshops across key sectors (ICT, agribusiness, finance, energy, logistics)
• Learn from peers, experts, and ecosystem builders while building visibility within the regional innovation community

The focus is on learning, feedback, and exposure, helping startups refine their models, understand market dynamics, and connect with relevant stakeholders as the ecosystem continues to evolve.

2. Investors and Corporate Representatives

Venture capital funds, corporate innovation teams, and international financial institutions are invited to participate in AIM Innovation Week as:

• Ecosystem observers and opportunity scouts, gaining early insight into emerging startups and sectoral trends
• Contributors to discussions on what investors and corporates look for at later stages of growth
• Participants in dialogue on how investment-readiness and pipelines can be developed over time

This stage of engagement is exploratory and discovery-oriented, supporting longer-term relationship building rather than immediate transaction activity.

3. Experts from International Organizations and Academia

Experts, researchers, and practitioners from international organizations, development institutions, think tanks, and academia are invited to:

• Share international experience, research, and best practices in innovation, sustainability, and sectoral transformation
• Contribute to workshops and discussions focused on capacity-building and ecosystem design
• Engage with startups and policy-makers to strengthen knowledge exchange and learning

Their contribution will help anchor the event in substance, expertise, and long-term perspective.

Participation in AIM Innovation Week is limited. Interested startups, investors, and experts are invited to submit an expression of interest by clicking here by the submission deadline of 13 March 2026 - 23:00CET.

For further information, please contact [email protected].

We look forward to welcoming you to a collaborative and forward-looking week dedicated to learning, exchange, and the foundations of future innovation-driven growth in Montenegro.

What to expect?

AIM Innovation Week capacity building, sector matchmaking, and investment pipeline creation under the AIM initiative.

The week will open with a half-day entrepreneur training bootcamp, strengthening pitching, negotiation, and investor readiness skills. It will be followed by thematic sector sessions (ICT & AI, agribusiness & retail, Finance & fintech, renewable energy & green tech, and transport & logistics), each structured around innovation trends, corporate challenges, startup-corporate collaboration opportunities, mentorship, and concrete action points.

A dedicated Funding & Investment session will bring together IFIs, venture capital funds, business angels, and public institutions to present financing instruments, launch the present the Montenegro Innovation Fund, and facilitate dealflow matchmaking.

Who can participate?

Applications are welcome from all actors with a relevant role in the implementation of Montenegro's emerging innovation landscape such as startups, experts, corporates, and investors active in key sectors (ICT, agribusiness, finance, energy, logistics).

Evaluation of the outcomes of the expression of interest

Every application will be reviewed by two people from the AIM (Accelerating Investment in Montenegro) based on the following criteria:

• The applicant's experience in sustainability, digital transformation, and priority growth sectors (ICT, agribusiness, finance, energy, logistics).
• The quality and engagement demonstrated in the submitted motivation text.