Events

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Festival 2025, held on May 8th and 9th at the University of Donja Gorica, was one of the most significant events dedicated to youth, innovation, and the entrepreneurial spirit. This two-day festival brought together high school students, university students, professors, mentors, investors, and industry leaders, creating an ideal platform for exchanging ideas, networking, and supporting innovative projects. The festival provided an opportunity for entrepreneurs to showcase their work, gain new knowledge, and connect with industry experts.

May 8, 2025 – First Day of the Festival
Entrepreneurial Nest: Startup Finale

The final of the Startup program, called Entrepreneurial Nest, was held for the first time this year. In this competition, 10 student teams presented their innovative startup ideas to an expert jury, investors, and mentors. This program served as an accelerator platform that allowed students to develop their ideas into market-oriented business models with the support of experts and investors who guided them in improving their projects. The teams demonstrated creativity, dedication, and innovative approaches, contributing to the growth and improvement of the entrepreneurial ecosystem at the University of Donja Gorica.

Professor's Lecture

As part of the festival, Prof. Dr. Veselin Vukotić, Rector of the University of Donja Gorica, held a lecture at the summer stage in Cetinje on the values of entrepreneurship and the importance of innovation in education and society. The lecture was aimed at young entrepreneurs and provided valuable advice and motivation for them to continue developing their projects. The lecture was preceded by team-building activities and a Treasure Hunt in Cetinje, which allowed high school students to connect better, develop mutual cooperation, and build team dynamics.

May 9, 2025 – Second Day of the Festival
Gen-E Montenegro 2025

The national competition of student companies, Gen-E Montenegro 2025, gathered 20 high school teams from all over Montenegro. They had the opportunity to present their companies and products, and the best teams qualified for the European competition in Greece. This segment of the festival was crucial for empowering youth as it provided a platform for presenting their ideas to industry leaders who offered valuable advice on how to improve their ideas and continue their entrepreneurial journey. During the two festival days, teams had booths set up in the lobby of the University of Donja Gorica, where visitors could learn more about their projects and innovations.

15th Stock of Entrepreneurial Ideas

The 15th anniversary of the Stock of Entrepreneurial Ideas brought together the best student and high school teams, giving them the opportunity to present their innovative ideas to over 30 domestic and international companies. Out of 138 submitted ideas, the top 10 teams were selected to present at the Exchange, where they had 3 minutes to pitch their ideas using storytelling, performances, and mockup presentations.

The presented ideas came from Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, and the Netherlands, with teams competing for investments, partnerships, and further collaboration opportunities. Companies had the chance to bid on the ideas that seemed most interesting to them, creating space for further negotiations and investments. The top 10 ideas were directly presented to company representatives, while the remaining ideas were published in the "2025 Idea Book," allowing all teams to continue negotiations and build relationships with potential partners and investors.

Games Without Borders

Teams composed of students and staff from the University of Donja Gorica had to showcase their coordination, teamwork skills, and strategic thinking to overcome obstacles.

Among the games testing physical abilities and team collaboration were sack races, tug-of-war, water challenges, and other team challenges. Each game required teamwork, and participants had to collaborate efficiently to achieve the best results. While fun was a priority, the games also offered a chance to learn and strengthen team spirit, giving the festival an educational component that made every moment even more valuable.

UDG Spring Fest

The festival concluded with the second UDG Spring Fest, which was a true celebration of all the achievements during the academic year. It was an opportunity to reflect on successes, renew old friendships, and create new ones.

The UDG Spring Fest featured performances by Isak Šabanović and Edis Agić, whose energetic performances lifted the atmosphere and enriched the overall experience. Besides the music, the Spring Fest provided a space for relaxation and further development of connections among students, professors, and partners. It was a time to connect, share ideas, and find inspiration for future projects. Through this final event, we celebrated not only the end of the academic year but also the sense of community that connected us throughout the festival.

The Entrepreneurship and Innovation Festival 2025 set high standards for networking, innovation, and education, and the University of Donja Gorica once again reaffirmed its position as a key driver of entrepreneurial energy in Montenegro.

We thank everyone who contributed in any way to making this festival unforgettable! We look forward to future editions and new opportunities for growth, development, and connection for young leaders.