Category: Industry collaboration

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Montenegro Project Among Winners of FFplus HPC Innovation Call (Stats)

The Fortissimo Plus (FFplus) project recently concluded its first Open Call for Business Experiments, aimed at encouraging small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to adopt High-Performance Computing (HPC) technologies. Launched on June 21, 2024, and closed on September 4, 2024, the call attracted 126 proposals from 220 organizations across 30 European countries. After a rigorous evaluation process, 19 sub-projects were selected for funding, involving 43 organizations, including 34 SMEs, demonstrating the initiative’s success in promoting HPC adoption among SMEs.

Summary of FFPlus Open Call 1 results (image: FFPlus)

Among the selected sub-projects is “Transforming Business Culture and Hiring Through High-Performance Computing GenAI-HPC4WB,” a notable initiative from Montenegro by a startup company called Recrewty. This project aims to revolutionize recruitment processes in the Balkan region by integrating generative artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning, and HPC. By analyzing psychometric data, CVs, and interviews using AI models tailored to regional languages—Montenegrin, Serbian, Bosnian, and Croatian—the project seeks to enhance hiring accuracy and efficiency. Utilizing HPC resources enables the processing of large datasets, improving the scalability and precision of these AI-driven assessments.

It is great to see Montenegro on this map (image: FFPlus)

The success of the GenAI-HPC4WB project underscores the growing competence and innovation capacity within Montenegro’s tech community. The HPC Montenegro team played a pivotal role in supporting the proposal’s development, reflecting the country’s commitment to advancing HPC applications and fostering collaboration between academia and industry. This achievement not only highlights Montenegro’s active participation in European HPC initiatives but also sets a precedent for future projects aiming to leverage advanced computing technologies to address regional challenges.

More information on FFPlus website at [link].

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Using Generative AI to Transform Poultry Farming with Computer Vision

A new scientific publication by researchers from the University of Donja Gorica and DunavNET explores the innovative use of generative AI in digital agriculture. Titled “Evaluating the FLUX.1 Synthetic Data on YOLOv9 for AI-Powered Poultry Farming”, the study demonstrates how synthetic data, generated using FLUX.1, can effectively enhance deep learning models for chicken detection in smart farms. The paper was published in the Journal of Applied Sciences, a special issue dedicated to the application of computer vision in industry and agriculture [link].

Using generative AI to create sytnhetic data used to train computer vision models for agriculture sector

By combining real and AI-generated images and streamlining annotation with Grounding DINO and SAM2 models, the team achieved impressive detection accuracy—proving that generative AI can bridge the data gap in precision farming. This research is a part of broader efforts including PhD research of mr. Stevan Cakic, as well as collaboration with company that produces smart agriculture platform. The research was done in the context of HPC4S3ME project. This was also supported through EuroCC Montenegro initiatives, showcasing how high-performance computing and AI can drive sustainable innovation in agriculture.

High-level architecture used for experiment execution

ABSTRACT – This research explores the role of synthetic data in enhancing the accuracy of deep learning models for automated poultry farm management. A hybrid dataset was created by combining real images of chickens with 400 FLUX.1 [dev] generated synthetic images, aiming to reduce reliance on extensive manual data collection. The YOLOv9 model was trained on various dataset compositions to assess the impact of synthetic data on detection performance. Additionally, automated annotation techniques utilizing Grounding DINO and SAM2 streamlined dataset labeling, significantly reducing manual effort. Experimental results demonstrate that models trained on a balanced combination of real and synthetic images performed comparably to those trained on larger, augmented datasets, confirming the effectiveness of synthetic data in improving model generalization. The best-performing model trained on 300 real and 100 synthetic images achieved mAP = 0.829, while models trained on 100 real and 300 synthetic images reached mAP = 0.820, highlighting the potential of generative AI to bridge data scarcity gaps in precision poultry farming. This study demonstrates that synthetic data can enhance AI-driven poultry monitoring and reduce the importance of collecting real data.

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Meeting and Initial Consultations with BIXBIT

On March 27, 2025, representatives from BIXBIT, a Montenegrin IT company specializing in software development, AI applications, and outsourcing, met with the NCC Montenegro team to explore opportunities for collaboration and access to high-performance computing (HPC) resources. We were welcomed at BIXBIT by Stevan Šandi, Andrea Krivokapić and Luka Krsmanović. The NCC Montenegro team – Božo Krstajić, Tomo Popović and Enis Kočan—presented the mission, services, and ongoing activities of the NCC, highlighting how local companies can benefit from the support provided through the EuroHPC ecosystem.

We introduced the EUROCC2/EUROCC4SEE project activities and services

The discussion focused on potential use cases where BIXBIT could leverage HPC infrastructure, particularly for AI and generative AI applications, such as computer vision, chatbots, and other machine learning-based solutions. The NCC team presented available EuroHPC calls, including the FFPLUS Open Call, and explained the process of applying for computational resources. Several success stories from both Montenegro and the EU were shared to illustrate the impact and value of HPC-driven innovation.

We went over the options for applying for EuroHPC HPC resources

Beyond technical collaboration, the two teams discussed possibilities for co-mentoring students, organizing joint training activities, and hosting events to promote digital transformation and AI adoption in Montenegro. A follow-up consultation is planned, with a focus on helping BIXBIT prepare a concrete application for HPC access, potentially starting with a proof-of-concept project. This marks another important step in strengthening the link between industry and research through NCC Montenegro’s support.

We also discussed options for FFPlus calls, POC support, use cases with potential for success
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Meeting between IEC Tehnopolis and NCC Montenegro

On March 25, 2025, representatives of the Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (IEC) Tehnopolis Nikšić welcomed a NCC Montenegro.

At IEC Tehnopolis, we were greeted by Željko Lučić and Đorđe Brkuljan, who provided an presentation on their center’s activities, support programs, and the startups they mentor. They highlighted the role of IEC Tehnopolis in fostering innovation and entrepreneurship in Montenegro.

Luka Filipović, representing NCC Montenegro, shared an overview of our activities, training programs, and success stories, emphasizing how high-performance computing (HPC) is driving innovation and development. He also presented the opportunities available through NCC Montenegro, including access to EuroHPC resources, training, and expert support.

Presentation of NCC Montenegro activities

The discussion focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration, particularly how NCC Montenegro can support startups led by Tehnopolis in scaling their development efforts. By leveraging EuroHPC infrastructure and expertise, startups can accelerate their innovation processes and enhance their competitiveness.

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Presentation of the EuroHPC calls for HPC resources to Čikom

The continuation of the consultations of the NCC team of Montenegro with the company Čikom and its sister company ITAS, was carried out on Friday, March 21, at the premises of the company Čikom. The meeting was attended by the CEO of the company Čikom, Vladan Tabaš, and the CEO of the company ITAS, Ivan Bošković, as well as representatives of the NCC team of Montenegro, Prof. Dr. Božo Krstajić and Prof. Dr. Enis Kočan. On February 1, the company ITAS began the implementation of the project “AI system for pathological analysis of adenocarcinoma (PathAI)”, which is co-financed by the Innovation Fund of Montenegro, and whose main goal is to improve the accuracy and efficiency of pathological analysis by applying innovative AI solutions. The ITAS team expects to collect and scan the first samples by the end of April, and the obtained images would then need to be processed on HPC resources. The NCC team recommended that ITAS apply to the call for HPC resources during the month of April, and presented the resources that can be obtained, the procedure for applying to the call and completing the application. It was agreed that the NCC team would be available to the ITAS company during the application period.

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NCC team from UoM meets with Cikom and ITAS
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Follow up with FiveG

Following FiveG’s participation in the EuroCC2 event at the 29th IT Conference and the initial meeting where the preparation of the technical aspects of the identified projects for HPC implementation was agreed upon, we arranged a follow-up meeting at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering in Podgorica, where we have presented the specific HPC resources available to the FiveG team within the EuroCC2 project, as well as the process for applying for these resources.

The follow up consultation with FiveG and discussion on applying for HPC access grant

The meeting was attended by Ivan Šoć (CEO of the FiveG Group) and Marina Braletić (Project Manager), who, after the presentation and clarification of details regarding the resources and application process, expressed interest in applying to Benchmark Call for using the resources for three months in order to develop and test the identified applications. The NCC Montenegro team from UoM (Enis Kočan and Božo Krstajić) recommended specific resources, provided guidance on the application form to be completed, and highlighted key details essential for the application process. It was agreed that FiveG would prepare the application by the next cut-off date (April 1, 2025) and that the HPC NCC Montenegro team would provide them with all necessary assistance in this regard.

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Young Researchers Gearing Up for IT 2025: Advancing HPC and AI Through EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE

The 29th International Information Technology Conference (IT 2025) is just around the corner, taking place from February 19–22, 2025, in Žabljak, Montenegro. As one of the region’s most prominent IT gatherings, the event will bring together researchers, industry leaders, and academic experts to discuss the latest trends in HPC, AI and Digital Transformation.

As IT 2025 approaches, our team is gearing up to make an impact

This year, a team of young researchers from our institution is not only participating but also actively implementing activities related to the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE project, which focuses on strengthening national competence centers in HPC across Europe. Their engagement will be crucial in two major sessions at the conference:

  1. HPC for Research Innovation – Unlocking Potential and Overcoming Challenges
    📅 Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 11:30 – 13:00
    📍 IT 2025 Conference, Žabljak

The young researchers will contribute to this strategic session, focusing on:
✅ Exploring Innovation Potential – Investigating how HPC can drive new research opportunities.
✅ Technical Feasibility & Migration Strategies – Addressing the challenges of integrating HPC solutions.
✅ Capacity Building & Skills Development – Supporting the next generation of HPC professionals.
✅ Paper Presentations – Showcasing research advancements and practical applications of HPC in various domains.

Their involvement will ensure that cutting-edge research and technical expertise are shared with the broader community, fostering knowledge exchange and collaboration.

  1. HPC & AI Roundtable – Expert Guidance and Collaborative Research Dialogues
    📅 Thursday, February 20, 2025 | 13:15 – 14:45
    📍 IT 2025 Conference, Žabljak

In this interactive roundtable, the young researchers will engage in:
🤝 Expert Consultation & Research Challenges – Discussing real-world AI & HPC implementation hurdles.
🔗 Collaboration Matchmaking – Connecting researchers, industry professionals, and policymakers.
🏢 Industry & Academia Synergy – Exploring how HPC and AI can bridge gaps between research and industry needs.

Their role in this discussion will be pivotal in shaping future research directions and establishing stronger ties between academia and industry. More info about the conference is available at [link].

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