Following the evaluation of 53 submitted concepts in this year’s Social Impact Award (SIA) program, the expert jury has shortlisted ten final ideas that will receive support over the next three months through an intensive development program.

Finalists will benefit from mentorship and a well-structured educational program featuring practical workshops aimed at transforming their ideas into sustainable social businesses.

The selection was made by an expert jury, including notable representatives from various institutions and the private sector, with deep expertise in innovation, entrepreneurship, and social development: Jelena Doderović from Idea-CG, Bojana Femić-Radosavović from the Innovation Fund, Gordana Jovanović from Razvojna banka, Ivan Lero from GRAWE Non-Life Insurance, Marica Melović from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, Anđela Nikčević from IPC Tehnopolis, Valentina Radulović from the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, Ivan Šoć from Five Group, Đorđe Vratnica from the Central Bank, Biljana Vučetić from the Ministry of Labor, Employment and Social Dialogue, Zvezdana Vuletić from Coca-Cola HBC Serbia and Montenegro, and Nebojša Vučurović from Erste Bank.

Using criteria such as innovation, social impact, and feasibility, the following ideas were selected: Cat Zoi and Njegujuće klubko – an app that instills good values in children, Sindikat – a platform connecting youth in the event industry, Youth Exchange Glamping Center – an eco-tourism hub made from recycled materials, MonteMarket – a platform linking local producers with consumers, and Tourist Passport – an engaging guide that encourages playful exploration of the city.

Additional selected ideas include Scholarly – a platform assisting students in finding suitable educational opportunities, PillPoint – an app for quickly locating medicines in their area, AgriAi – a platform suggesting optimal plants based on local conditions, BuildYourDreamHome – a digital platform for citizens interested in co-building, and Clarity – a digital detox platform helping youth manage social media addiction.

“The final teams will soon select their mentors to develop their business models and prepare for the final presentation. From July 3 to 6, the finalists will participate in the Regional Boot Camp in Divčibare with teams from Serbia, Slovakia, and the Czech Republic, focusing on idea development and networking,” the statement explained.

At the competition’s conclusion, three teams will receive starting capital of 1,500 euros each, mentorship support, three months of complimentary access to the co-working space at the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, and a trip to the international SIA Summit in Slovenia. The fourth awarded team will be determined through an online community vote, qualifying for the same prize as the jury-selected teams.

“This year’s SIA program further validates the increasing significance of social entrepreneurship and social innovation in Montenegro, particularly in terms of youth participation, with ideas that address real societal challenges,” the statement concluded.

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