Third conference from the "Digital Den Connects" series of events named "Continents" was organized by the regional innovation center and startup hub Digital Den in cooperation with the US State Department.


One of the main focuses was that the future of the Montenegrin economy lies in the strength of small businesses with creative people, and that international bridges are needed for innovation in that area.


The conference, which was held today as part of the Montenegrin Tech and Startup Bridge (MTSB) program, brought together experts from the United States of America (USA) and the business community of Montenegro, the State Department, the Montenegrin Government,
as well as guests from Sweden and Denmark.

The co-founder of that regional center, Darko Ivanović, said that the event brought together the IT community, startups, innovators and the community that
grew around innovation.
"Today, having representatives of all business communities and countries, the ambassador, several ministers, the business community, our friends and guests from the USA, as well as all of you, who believe in innovation and what Digital Den does, is a
dream come true" Ivanović said.
He pointed out that eight startups have transferred their operations to Montenegro, as well as that they will open their representative offices there.
In addition, as Ivanovic explained, seven more startups from the European Union moved to work from Montenegro.

The US Ambassador to Montenegro, Judy Rising Reinke, said that she was glad to have attended this event and that the US is supporting the MTSB project and Digital Den as partners.
"One of the ways to help Montenegro create a business environment and an economy that protects the environment is through support for entrepreneurs, which includes startups", said Rising Reinke.
She stated that in the future they will try to take bigger steps, so that everything becomes a
viable concept.
"International bridges are necessary for innovation for the economy. I believe in the
future of the Montenegrin economy and that it lies in the strength of small businesses
with creative people", concluded Rising Reinke.

The Minister of Science and Technological Development of Montenegro, Biljana Scepanovic thanked Digital Den for starting this story and said that she is attending this event as a minister who firmly believes in innovation.
"People who believe in innovation have gathered here, and we need to move on, because innovation leads us into the future. The seeds that started in Montenegro are blossoming beautifully and bridges are being built. We need to come together and have
mutual trust that we will nurture", believes Scepanovic.

The co-founder of Digital Den, Nenad Novović pointed out that in addition to the grant and the bridge that started the matter, nothing would be possible without the law that for the first time recognizes startups as innovative companies and gives them relief.
"We have several concrete ideas that will be developed here, and we will also present them in the US in February. We want this industry to come to life, to inspire people from Montenegro to take this path", said Novović.

Executive Director of Economic Development at Arizona State University, Aric H. Bopp, said he applauds the work and enthusiasm shown by Digital Den.
"One key thing that I want to highlight and talk about is the struggling economy of the 21st century. We need to figure out ways to create job opportunities. We have the opportunity to cooperate and to better understand the opportunities that are presented
to us together", said H. Bopp.
He added that it is important to be willing to learn and gain knowledge.
"We are among the top five universities when it comes to services and products. I think it is very useful that Digital Den has recognized the communities that share a lot in common with Montenegro", H. Bopp pointed out.

Director of Corporate Development and International Engagement at Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Bethany Bennick said that it is wonderful to be in Montenegro. According to her, Arizona is known for innovation.
"Our strategy involves enabling the connection of different districts and we are one of the fastest developing districts. Investments are an important ecosystem that is developing in our country. We want to be on our own and recognizable", said Bennick.
She said that the further diversification of their economy attracts talents.
"We also have incentives given by the state, there are ways in which the city of Phoenix can connect you with the right people and business for you. We work with other states, we are well connected", Bennick concluded.

The founder of CNN Japan and co-founder of EducatioGlobal, Kathryn McManus, in her own words, saw the potential of Digital Den, and that they have now reached this big stage.
"What Digital Den and the entire Montenegrin community have done is great. Also, what Digital Den and Montenegro did attracted a lot of media attention", McManus pointed out.

Executive Director at Maine Center for Entrepreneurs, Thomas Rainey said he was impressed with the energy the Digital Den team had when they visited the USA, and that he looks forward to future visits.
"We focused on branding the state of Maine, not just as a place to vacation, but as a place where you can grow your business. We also have a program that focuses on growing the business", said Rainey.
He said that one of the reasons why they are involved in Digital Den is the National Guard, which trains the Montenegrin army, and that they are glad that they switched from military to business assistance and, as he pointed out, it is an opportunity for work.
"Motivating people to go for something big was something we did. Maine is an amazing place to do business. We have a lot of resources that we are making available, we are trying to create a business plan and that is part of the feasibility study. I am looking forward to working with Digital Den", Rainey concluded.

Founder of Koolskinz and Representative of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at City and County of Denver, Michael Bevis explained that his job is to develop an ecosystem for businesses to grow in the city of Denver.
"The advice he would give to future investors in startups is that investors should invest in an individual, not in a business. It is important to build relationships on a personal level", said Bevis and added that you must have a clear vision of development when you are looking for investors.

Digital Den stated that the goal of today's event was to encourage dialogue and engagement in intercontinental networking at the highest level, with a special emphasis on the continuation of the ecosystem building between Montenegro and the USA.