As the bees in his apiary suffered from thirst and disease, Obrad Drakulović was unaware that his challenges would lead to an invention revolutionizing beekeeping in Montenegro and beyond. Simultaneously, Sokolj Vuljaj contemplated damaged boats on the Bojana River, envisioning an automatic mooring system to address boat tying difficulties. Two breakthroughs and a narrative of determination that reshaped industry standards.

In an era of rapid technological advancement, two Montenegrin inventors have demonstrated that even smaller nations can contribute significant global innovations. Drakulović, a seasoned beekeeper, and Vuljaj, a musician turned inventor, were honored in June with the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MPNI) award for the most impactful innovations of 2023, which redefine traditional methods in their respective fields.

Drakulović created his innovation, a self-leveling hygienic bee drinker, over the years, motivated by the daily challenges he encountered in his apiary.

“Having engaged in beekeeping for numerous years in an arid area, providing water for bees has always posed a significant challenge. I attempted various traditional watering methods, yet recurrent issues persisted—drinkers would dry out, bees often drowned, and water quickly became polluted. Many similar, mostly improvised, and outdated drinker systems are still in use worldwide today, failing to meet basic hygiene or safety standards. These challenges compelled me to devise a long-term, reliable, and innovative solution—a device ensuring continuous water supply without risking bee drowning or interruptions, enhancing their health and lightening the workload of beekeepers,” he elaborates.

His device, tested with support from the Innovation Fund, not only resolves these issues but also sends SMS alerts to the beekeeper when water is depleted. Internationally recognized, his invention has been showcased at fairs in Belgrade and Novi Sad, and featured in the Croatian Beekeeper publication.

On the other hand, Vuljaj offers a groundbreaking solution for maritime operations—a vessel mooring device that negates the necessity for specialized personnel and mitigating damage risks.

The inspiration, he shared, stemmed from personal experiences on the Bojana River.

“As a recreational boat aficionado, I possess several smaller boats that I enjoy on the Bojana River. Yet, traditional mooring methods, particularly at these jetties, pose significant challenges due to frequent tides and waves causing neighboring vessels to shift, frequently resulting in vessel and pier damage. This personal challenge primarily motivated me to discover an effective solution. I have developed two types of manual mooring devices that have proven extremely efficient. These innovative systems have been acknowledged by the World Intellectual Property Organization. Over two years, we refined the prototypes and geared them for mass production. They will soon hit the market at a reasonable price. Additionally, I’ve developed an automatic device aimed at more upscale users, capable of mooring various vessel types—from leisure boats to military crafts. This latest invention is the pinnacle of my endeavors to enhance mooring safety and efficiency and I’m confident it will significantly advance and modernize the maritime industry,” Vuljaj explained.

His device, which continuously monitors a mooring point irrespective of wave conditions, received preliminary approval from the WIPO, and he claims to have obtained a European patent without objections.

Despite the global acknowledgment of their inventions, both candidly discuss the hurdles faced by Montenegrin innovators. Vuljaj, who filed a record six patent applications in 2023 alone, noted that Montenegro’s annual budget for all inventors is a mere 20,000 euros, which he argues barely covers the expenses for a single European patent. Drakulović adds that, without the Innovation Fund’s assistance, realizing any substantial project seems daunting; he emphasizes the pressing need for more systematic support for innovators.

VULJAJ: CREATIVITY UNLEASHED BY SUPPORT DEFICIENCIES

According to international experts, Vuljaj’s invention can potentially supplant traditional vessel tying methods globally.

In an interview with “Vijesti,” Vuljaj remarked, “Vessels are among the oldest and vital means of transportation worldwide,” highlighting that their mooring “remains a crucial safety and efficiency factor in maritime traffic today.”

His invention enables automatic mooring, boasting key benefits such as maximized dock space utilization, reduced need for specialized crews, autonomous mooring and unmooring by a single operator, mechanical safety features, a minimized risk of human error, collision avoidance, and perpetual monitoring of the mooring point regardless of sea conditions.

He has also introduced an automatic device meant for affluent clients, designed to moor all types of vessels—from leisure to military.

“This latest creation exemplifies my commitment to enhancing mooring safety and efficiency. I am convinced it will significantly contribute to maritime industry modernization. Currently, the automatic vessel mooring prototype is undergoing functional verification and initial testing. Developed with the Innovation Fund’s support and my personal involvement, we have achieved a working model that convincingly demonstrates its core functionality and effectiveness. Despite being tested in real conditions on a limited budget, the prototype exhibited remarkable functionality and stability. However, this prototype represents just the beginning and requires further development using materials that are both corrosion-resistant and suited for diverse conditions, aimed at accommodating all vessel sizes, from top to bottom. In the forthcoming phase, we intend to create and test additional prototypes customized for varying sizes and vessel types, incorporating more durable materials, which is critical for refining the device’s final version,” he noted.

Vuljaj opted for international patent protection by filing a PCT application with the WIPO.

“I am embarking on the protection of this and all my innovations through a PCT application to secure my entry into regional protection zones. While it is indeed simpler and faster to obtain a European or American patent directly, bypassing the PCT route, pursuing broader international protection entails risks, as the review process can exceed 12 months,” he explained.

His automatic vessel mooring device, innovation from Sokolj Vuljaj, acquired supreme global protection through a PCT application, making it the first unitary patent from Montenegro acknowledged by the European Patent Organization.

As Vuljaj clarifies, this marks the most challenging path to patent acquisition, given the rigorous examination by the International Searching Authority (ISA) and the European Patent Organization (EPO) to ensure all legal standards for patent granting are met.

A successful PCT procedure yields the highest level of patent protection, valid across 193 member states of the WIPO. This year, his invention received preliminary WIPO approval, a clear affirmation that all patent granting criteria were satisfied—representing a significant milestone for Montenegro’s inventors in the international arena.

The significance of the PCT application was reinforced by the EPO, which granted a European unitary patent within a remarkably short timeframe. As Vuljaj highlights, this historic milestone marks the first unitary patent granted in the EU by a Montenegrin inventor.

Vuljaj perceives the backing received through the “Vouchers for Patent Protection and Invention Development” program as crucial for his innovative journey. Without such support, he asserts he may have lacked the impetus to translate his concepts into tangible solutions, protect them, and prepare them for commercialization.

“Such assistance is a transformative experience for budding innovators, providing both reassurance and motivation to persist and refine their ideas,” Vuljaj added.

Yet, while acknowledging the program’s value, he cautions that the financial backing it has furnished over the years has been woefully insufficient. He estimates it scarcely covers 15 percent of the actual expenses associated with acquiring, protecting, and maintaining a patent.

“Numerous gifted and innovative individuals in Montenegro struggle to realize their potential due to the lack of systemic and financial support. By providing more targeted and consistent assistance, I believe we could foster advancements across various scientific and technological domains, ultimately benefiting the nation as a whole,” Vuljaj asserted.

He warns that, in Montenegro, fundamental concepts such as innovator, inventor, and user of innovations are frequently conflated. Intellectual property protection is misinterpreted and improperly implemented, opening avenues for manipulation and rights violations.

As he articulates, an inventor is an individual developing an original technical solution, while an innovator enhances existing ideas. Companies applying innovations merely utilize pre-existing technologies.

He criticizes the Intellectual Property Office’s practices, which, lacking authority for technical searches, issue decisions granting 10-year patents that do not exist in worldwide practice, categorizing only utility models with limited effects.

Vuljaj believes that patent applications are often misrepresented as granted patents, propagating a distorted perception of innovative achievements.

He especially highlights the funding issue—despite the voucher program, he considers the annual budget of 20,000 euros as exceedingly inadequate and discriminatory towards all inventors. In 2024, he faced rejected requests for reimbursement of WIPO and EPO fees, citing exhausted funds. He emphasizes that validating a single European patent surpasses 45,000 euros, making it improbable to expect support for multiple simultaneous applications. Therefore, he advocates for the introduction of systematic, stable, and amplified support, accompanied by a clear delineation of concepts and responsibilities for innovators.

He encourages aspiring inventors to engage in organized efforts, explore the current state of technology, seek mentors, and persist in overcoming challenges, as “success is inevitable and cannot be concealed from any authority.”

WHEN THE MUSIC FADED, HE TURNED TO INNOVATION

Vuljaj notes that he registered the highest number of patent applications with the WIPO in a single year, elaborating on the reasoning for this achievement.

For nearly four decades, he has been engaged in music, composing and arranging more than 1,000 songs for regional artists and international stars like Rita Ora, whose concerts benefitted from his orchestrations. During his 26-year music career, Vuljaj, alongside his wife—author of over 350 texts and numerous music videos—achieved considerable acclaim, including worldwide tours, until the pandemic struck.

“The pandemic shuttered many musical activities… I found myself entirely detached from the musical landscape for a year.”

During this interval, he rekindled a long-dormant passion—innovation.

“I devised seven innovations, primarily registering them with the Patent Office of Montenegro.”

Distinct from most inventions reliant on refining existing technologies, his creations “span diverse technological fields and independently solve specific issues.”

He points to an awning and boat cover that can “effectively shield against precipitation and sunlight within a split second.” This invention earned a European patent without disputes. Another creation—a device for automatic boat tying—addresses a longstanding issue and is also protected under a European patent.

“My two inventions that generate energy through gravitational force have been recognized by WIPO as technologically superior to current global solutions,” Vuljaj claims. Furthermore, he regards two converters converting sea waves into electricity as representing “novel marine and ocean power plants from base to generator,” significantly surpassing the existing cutting-edge.

“Currently, seven of my innovations qualify under WIPO’s patentability criteria,” he asserts.

When inquired about his ability to develop and secure numerous ideas, he explains that each invention must undergo a rigorous and lengthy process, from the initial idea and in-depth research of international databases to crafting a professional application. “A patent application necessitates precise descriptions and technical drawings,” he emphasizes, attributing essential support from his family: “Thanks to my wife and daughter, who are both talented and resourceful, I’ve been able to bring forth innovations that garner international recognition.”

PATENT STRUGGLE: GLOBAL ACHIEVEMENTS, LOCAL BUREAUCRACY

Despite his achievements, the process of receiving the national award faced challenges. Vuljaj revealed that he declined the same award in 2023 due to the oversight of his international accomplishments.

“I requested the Minister of National Defense Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović to reconsider the award procedures… it was crucial to have his respect in this process,” he expressed.

Upon informing the Ministry of the European Patent Organization’s approval for his patent, he claims he was met with “a revised decision that overlooked my international successes from 2023.” While two awards were eventually granted—now expanded—they failed to acknowledge his key achievements.

“Awards are based on contributions within Montenegro, emphasizing support from the Montenegro Innovation Development Fund, often without an avenue for appeal,” he mentioned.

Nevertheless, Vuljaj uses that adversity as motivation, donating the 3,000-euro award from the Ministry to the “Mahmut Lekić” Elementary School in Tuzi to enhance educational conditions.

“I have achieved seven internationally recognized inventions that, in technological terms, exceed currently existing global solutions. Per WIPO’s findings, my inventions surpass the total achievements of all other Montenegrin inventors since the formation of our state, thus fostering the scientific and technological enrichment of our country on a global scale,” he declares.

DRAKULOVIĆ: WATER: A SOURCE OF LIFE OR INFECTION

“Water is vital for sustaining a bee colony—ensuring optimal thermoregulation in the hive, aiding in food breakdown for the brood, and fulfilling the bees’ fundamental physiological needs,” explains Drakulović, who has toiled for years under conditions where basic resources are scarce for beekeepers.

In this landscape, he asserts, the beekeeper is pivotal—not just in correctly positioning hives and disinfecting equipment but also in maintaining hygienically adequate watering stations, a frequently overlooked yet critical factor in combating infectious diseases.

“When multiple colonies utilize the same water source, particularly if contaminated, the hazard of disease transmission escalates significantly, even more so if bees from various apiaries share a limited water body simultaneously,” he emphasizes.

This intersection of practical knowledge and professional literature steered him to dedicate his efforts towards a long-lasting, sustainable solution.

The pathway from concept to prototype spanned several years.

“From the moment the idea emerged to developing a credible prototype supported by the Innovation Fund took several years of unwavering dedication,” he reflects.

Throughout this phase, he crafted various iterations of the device, experimenting with diverse technical strategies and designs, progressively integrating contemporary technologies.

A major breakthrough occurred via the Innovation Fund’s backing, facilitating the tangible realization of the idea. Additionally, he surveyed beekeepers across Montenegro and the region as part of the project.

“Over 80% of respondents indicated they utilize bee drinkers; the rest source their water from natural channels. Additionally, over 80% believe infections could spread due to unhygienic drinking sources,” remarks Drakulović.

This, he notes, presented a clear indication that the industry recognized the necessity of improvement.

The functional prototype underwent testing in real-world environments across several apiaries, with the feedback overwhelmingly positive.

“They emphasized ease of use, time efficiency, minimized contamination risks, and enhanced safety for the bees,” Drakulović says.

Collaborating with fellow beekeepers, he identified three fundamental criteria that a modern drinker must fulfill: ensuring ample water provision, preventing bee drowning, and eliminating contamination.

“Current solutions generally address isolated aspects,” he clarifies.

For instance, an inverted jar with a cloth prevents waste from entering the source but has a small capacity requiring constant upkeep, used by only about seven percent of keepers. Conversely, a “barrel with a sloped board” ensures constant water exchange but is prone to external contamination, utilized by merely 13 percent of beekeepers.

“Our drinker stands out as the first to merge all essential functional and hygienic criteria cohesively. Additionally, it features advanced functionalities, like sending SMS alerts to the beekeeper when water levels dip or if the drinker runs dry,” asserts Drakulović.

The pivotal technical innovation maintains a consistent water level accessible to bees regardless of consumption, designed to keep bees positioned so they cannot taint the water.

PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION AND REGIONAL INTEREST

The device has already garnered awards at fairs in Belgrade and Novi Sad, as Drakulović notes, adding that such recognitions resonate deeply with him because they stem from fellow professionals well-acquainted with the everyday challenges.

“When acknowledgment comes from those who grapple with these issues regularly, it carries profound significance,” he conveys.

He further elaborates that these accolades have unlocked new opportunities, enhancing visibility among peers and facilitating connections with producers, distributors, and potential partners. Crucially, publication in the “Croatian Beekeeper” has affirmed that the problems addressed are universal, positioning the solution with international appeal.

The MPNI award, conferred for this innovation, holds considerable significance for Drakulović.

“It signifies that efforts, dedication, and an innovative approach have not gone unnoticed. I believe this accolade belongs not solely to me but extends to everyone who contributed to this project,” he highlighted.

He expresses that the award’s recognition from a department that has followed his work from inception encourages hopes that it motivates other innovators, especially within agriculture, to pursue their aspirations.

The next phase, Drakulović states, is to commercialize this invention.

“Commercialization seamlessly follows the developmental trajectory so far,” he emphasizes. Ongoing dialogues with regional beekeepers poised to adopt the device are underway. However, he emphasizes that demands extend beyond regional confines.

“The issue we address is not localized; it has global ramifications. Hence, we are working on adapting both the model and logistics to cater to international market demands,” he elaborates.

Through a fresh initiative within the “Collaborative Grant” program, Drakulović has formed a development team and partnered with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, propelling him into a new phase of technical enhancement of the device.

“Currently, we are testing the features of the new model, promising higher capacity, easier maintenance, and significantly improved efficiency and reliability,” he shares. The plan is to release the device into the market via a pilot series next year to assess sales potential and establish validation in practical scenarios.

For Drakulović, innovation is not an endpoint.

“We believe innovation persists beyond the final product, evolving through dialogues with users and adapting to shifting challenges.”

He welcomes collaboration with beekeepers, distributors, researchers, and investors who appreciate the value of effective and sustainable solutions in beekeeping.

“Through collaborative efforts, we can elevate beekeeping practices and work together for a healthier ecosystem globally and locally.”

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