The event, titled Digital Den Connects: Investments, brought together representatives from the Government of Montenegro, the U.S. Embassy in Podgorica, local and regional startups, and key figures from the business and IT communities. The goal was to discuss the benefits of Montenegro's new law on research and innovation incentives for businesses and the broader economy.

The primary aim of the event was to connect Montenegro’s largest business investors with innovative startup companies from the region. The session facilitated discussions on the law's advantages and addressed uncertainties regarding its implementation. Distinguished speakers opened the event by providing insights on the importance of investments in the startup community. U.S. Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke, Minister of Science and Technological Development Biljana Šćepanović, Minister of Finance Aleksandar Damjanović, and Minister of Economic Development and Tourism Goran Đurović all underscored the significance of the new law.

In his opening remarks, Digital Den Hub’s founder and CEO, Darko Ivanović, emphasized that the law creates new opportunities and marks the beginning of a new industry in Montenegro. He also highlighted that Digital Den has successfully introduced Montenegrin and regional startups to U.S. investors and attracted American startup initiatives to the region.

Nenad Novović, founder and director of “Amplitudo,” also spoke about the law’s benefits for the local economy and its key stakeholders.

The first panel discussion, titled “How Startup Ecosystems Can be Strengthened Through the Implementation of Innovation Laws,” featured U.S. Ambassador Judy Rising Reinke, who reiterated that innovation and entrepreneurial ideas represent Montenegro’s future. She expressed optimism about the country's potential for job creation and youth retention, driven by new opportunities arising from the law’s implementation.

Montenegro’s Minister of Science and Technological Development, Biljana Šćepanović, also lauded the law, noting that it offers a comprehensive set of incentive measures, including tax relief, which will play a pivotal role in developing the nation’s innovation ecosystem.

Finance Minister Aleksandar Damjanović highlighted that the discussion should focus not only on the law but also on the broader context of Montenegro’s digital transformation. He emphasized the need for more experts and resources, encouraging collaboration between the government and startup community to drive forward this agenda.

Economic Development and Tourism Minister Goran Đurović acknowledged the importance of raising awareness about the law, noting that increased collaboration with chambers of commerce and international partners will be key to maximizing its impact.

Following the panel discussions, the event also showcased the first generation of startups emerging from Digital Den, which has positioned itself as a regional center for innovation and a hub for connecting key players in Montenegro’s economy to drive the development of a new industry.

The second panel centered on the business community's role within the framework of the new law. Panelists included representatives from key institutions, the IT and business sectors, and startups. Among them, Aleksa Lukić, CEO of Erste Bank, emphasized the law's potential but noted that much will depend on its structure and implementation.

Marko Miročević, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce in Montenegro, also spoke about the organization’s proactive role in supporting measures that attract investment and foster the ICT sector's growth, noting the importance of strong communication between the private and public sectors.

Marijeta Barjaktarović Lanzardi, Director of the Directorate for Digital Economy and Technological Development, assured participants that the law’s implementation is progressing, while Minister Šćepanović stressed the need for collective efforts to ensure its full impact is realized.

Representatives from ICT Cortex, the Innovation Fund, Tehnopolis, PwC, and EBRD invited startups to join in efforts to unite the startup and business communities in Montenegro.

The MTSB program aims to connect the U.S. and Montenegrin startup ecosystems, providing Montenegro’s IT community with additional resources through the implementation of the law on research and innovation incentive measures. 

Nenad Novović concluded the event by stressing the importance of adopting a Western approach to entrepreneurship and leveraging ideas from established startup ecosystems, suggesting that Montenegro can learn from these practices to enhance its local startup environment.