Cetinje innovators ranked among the world's top five: World-class innovations can be created in Montenegro too
The WSIS Champion Prize was presented in Geneva during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS), one of the world's leading events dedicated to digital technologies
World-class innovations can be created in Montenegro as well, but only with systemic support, knowledge, and recognition of good ideas, say Dr. Anđela Martinović and Dr. Ivan Martinović, founders of epiSTEMe Hub. Their project, „Youth 4smart Cetinje: From an Idea to a Smart Solution“, has won the prestigious WSIS Champion Prize 2026, one of the most important international awards in the field of digital technologies.
At the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) in Geneva, the project was ranked among the five best in the world in the E-Environment category, confirming that innovations developed in Montenegro can compete on equal footing with the world's leading solutions.
A moment that proves hard work pays off
- Standing on the stage and receiving the WSIS Champion Award was a moment of pride, gratitude, and confirmation that dedication, commitment, and belief in what we do are recognized and valued internationally. During the ceremony, we were joined by Ms. Slavica Milačić, Montenegro's Ambassador to the United Nations in Geneva, which made the occasion even more meaningful. We are especially grateful for her support - Anđela and Ivan said.
The WSIS Champions initiative is a major international recognition for projects that use information and communication technologies to address social challenges and contribute to sustainable development.
- Being among the WSIS Champions means becoming part of a global community of innovators whose work is recognized as an international best practice - the Martinovićs said.
From Cetinje to the global stage
The significance of the award is further underscored by the fact that it is presented by the world's oldest international organization, originally established in Paris in 1865 as the International Telegraph Union. Today it's named the International Telecommunication Union and it operates as a specialized agency of the United Nations.
According to Anđela and Ivan, the „Youth 4smart Cetinje“ project continues the development of the innovative „Cetinje - Smart City“ concept, envisioned as an open innovation hub where researchers from Montenegro, the diaspora, and abroad will be able to develop smart systems tailored to the needs of Cetinje's citizens.
An innovation inspired by a desire to help the community
- The idea for this concept emerged during the implementation of the „Air Quality Monitoring System“ project, which also received a WSIS Champion Award in 2024. That project was carried out through the American Corner Cetinje, with the support of the U.S. Embassy and under the leadership of epiSTEMe Hub co-founder Dr. Ivan Martinović - they explained.
They added that the mission and vision of the „Youth 4smart Cetinje“ project were shaped through the „SYNERGY – Montenegro“ public call organized by the Centre for Civic Education (CCE) and its partners, with financial support from the European Union.
The project proposal, prepared by epiSTEMe Hub co-founder Dr. Anđela Martinović, received the highest evaluation, enabling the establishment of Montenegro's first public Internet of Things (IoT) network, along with a smart waste-container occupancy monitoring system.
- The project was implemented in partnership with the Royal Capital of Cetinje, the Municipal Utility Company, the American Corner Cetinje, and the NGO Active Centre. The project team also included renowned experts in telecommunications, programming, and 3D printing: Dr. Mališa Vučinić, a researcher at France's leading research institute Inria; MSc Miodrag Vujković, a PhD candidate and artificial intelligence specialist; and MSc Tihomir Ćuzović, an expert in 3D printing - Anđela and Ivan said.
Knowledge that stays in Montenegro
In addition to developing the innovative system, the project included training for young people from eight Montenegrin municipalities, giving them the opportunity to experience the entire innovation process, from generating an idea to creating a new product.
- We believe that the involvement of all these stakeholders, combined with the motivation, passion, and determination of the epiSTEMe Hub founders, as well as the tangible impact achieved in a relatively short period, paved the way for this success - the innovators from Cetinje said.
Support as the key to young innovators' success
Speaking about the emigration of young people from Montenegro, they believe many leave because they lack understanding and support for developing their ideas, choosing instead to pursue them abroad.
- Science and innovation require financial investment, but they also require donors and decision-makers who know how to recognize young people capable of creating real impact through their innovations. In our case, many pieces of the puzzle came together: our passion and commitment to contributing to our hometown, our knowledge and skills, and, above all, the support and recognition we received from donors and other stakeholders. Without all these elements, it is difficult to speak about progress in science and innovation, let alone world-class innovations - they said.
A vision that can be expanded across Montenegro
The „Youth 4smart Cetinje“ concept was designed from the outset to be scalable and adaptable to other parts of Montenegro.
- Implementing projects and systems of this kind requires the participation of multiple stakeholders and their willingness to adapt. As far as epiSTEMe Hub is concerned, we are always open to cooperation with partners from other municipalities across Montenegro - the young innovators concluded.
