Podgorica, (MINA-BUSINESS) – Start-ups, innovative companies, researchers and students can from today access the laboratory facilities of the University of Montenegro (UCG) through the Science and Technology Park (NTP), marking the first time that modern university research infrastructure has been systematically made available to the innovation community and the business sector.

“The initiative involves five state-of-the-art laboratories that will enable users to develop and test prototypes, conduct research, validate new products and technological solutions, and implement joint development projects,” the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation said in a press release.

The initiative is the result of cooperation between the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, the University of Montenegro and the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, aimed at bringing research capacities closer to the innovation community and enabling their practical application in the development of new technologies, products and services.

NTP Executive Director Valentina Radulovic said that opening the laboratories to businesses and researchers marks a significant step forward in the development of Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem.

“This marks an important step forward in the development of Montenegro’s innovation ecosystem. This is not just an investment in new infrastructure, but a concrete example of synergy between the University of Montenegro, as one of the founders of the Science and Technology Park, and the innovation community that NTP brings together and develops,” Radulovic said, highlighting the importance of support from the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation.

Radulović said that this type of cooperation model represents one of the most important prerequisites for developing a knowledge-based economy.

A professional training programme for laboratory use was also announced. Interested users will have the opportunity to receive training on the use of laboratory equipment, after which they will obtain a certificate confirming their ability to independently and safely use the laboratory infrastructure.