HPC Montenegro @ STP: Connecting with Innovative Companies and the Startup Ecosystem during Open Day

On April 3, 2025, representatives of HPC NCC Montenegro attended the Open Day hosted by the Science and Technology Park (STP) of Montenegro, seizing the opportunity to connect with innovative companies, startups, and entrepreneurs with the potential to leverage HPC for AI-driven projects.

Paid MNE

Among the STP residents who participated in the event and presented their ideas were ONEAI, Artificial Intelligence Software Solutions, Azoteq, G Consulting, the Institute of Contemporary Technologies of Montenegro, Logik Montenegro, Modrone, Montezuma, Uhura, Paid.mne, Ninamedia Clipping, Sjever.me, the Center for Finance, and Web Falcon.

One AI

It was inspiring to hear testimonials from Uhura, Paid.mne, and ONEAI, who already benefit from access to leading EuroHPC supercomputers, including LUMI and LEONARDO. These success stories are the result of fruitful collaboration with NCC Montenegro and the support received through Development Calls.

Uhura

In this vibrant setting, HPC NCC Montenegro representatives engaged with prospective companies and innovative teams to raise awareness of the Montenegrin NCC and European HPC resources, explore potential collaborations and training opportunities, and support access to advanced computing infrastructure for research, development, and innovation.

The NTP Open Day proved to be a dynamic platform for identifying HPC/AI potential, strengthening partnerships, and accelerating digital innovation in Montenegro [link].

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

Workshop: Artificial Intelligence and Media Literacy

The University of Donja Gorica, in cooperation with EU House and Young European Ambassadors, is organizing a workshop and panel discussion on the topic “Artificial Intelligence and Media Literacy”. The event will be moderated by Igor Culafić, assistant at the UDG, master student in the “Artificial Intelligence” program and Young European Ambassador.

Workshop: Artificial Intelligence and Media Literacy

The workshop will demonstrate practical examples of using AI and HPC tools for creative and productive purposes, the presence of disinformation on the internet, how AI affects disinformation and how to recognize it. The presentation will take place on March 27 at 9:45 am, in the amphitheather A4 the University of Donja Gorica.

We invite students and all interested parties to attend this event and take the opportunity to develop practical skills in a critical approach to AI/HPC tools and become active participants in creating an ethical framework for the use of new technologies!

NCC Montenegro Supported Paper to be presented at the INFOTEH conference

At the 24th International Symposium INFOTEH-JAHORINA (March 19-21, 2025), the paper “Transforming Matrix Problem Solving with Intelligent Tutoring Systems” will be presented. It explores the use of OCR and NLP technologies for automated matrix processing through an intelligent tutoring chatbot.

This effort was supported by the NCC Montenegro and resulted in a system that utilizes EasyOCR and the Qwen2-Math-7B-Instruct model for matrix operations with 95% accuracy. Implemented on our HPC cluster, it enables fast and precise processing of user queries, enhancing learning through AI-powered tools. The paper will be presented by Ms. Enisa Trubljanin and Mr Elvis Taruh, students at the Master AI program at UDG.

Click on image for sessions schedule for accepted papers.

Annual Review of the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE Project: A Year of Impactful Progress

In 2024, the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE project reached a new milestone, with 34 National Competence Centers (NCCs) showcasing significant achievements. This year’s review highlighted the collective drive to advance HPC, HPDA, and AI, strengthening competencies, capacities, and collaboration across Europe.

NCC Montenegro at the annual review meeting
NCCs form 34 countries participated

A key focus in NCC presentations was user engagement, particularly with industry/SMEs. Through real-world HPC and AI use cases, Proofs of Concepts, and Success Stories, NCCs have bridged the gap between cutting-edge technologies and practical applications, fostering innovation across industries, academia, and the public sector. End-users have benefited from expert training, technical support, and subsidized access to EuroHPC supercomputing resources.

Great opportunity to exchange experiences and lessons learned

Collaboration remains central to EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE. NCCs have deepened ties with other NCCs, CoEs, and EDIHs through mentoring, twinning, training and workshops. Joint initiatives, supported by EuroCC2 PMT and CASTIEL 2, have facilitated knowledge exchange, best practices, and white papers, accelerating Europe’s HPC/HPDA/AI ecosystem development. Training programs have equipped researchers, engineers, and industry professionals with essential skills to leverage these technologies effectively. The success stories presented reaffirm the project’s impact—enhancing scientific research, optimizing industry workflows, and improving public sector efficiency through smart solutions.

All NCCs presented what worked what did not in the precvous period

NCC Montenegro showcased Montenegrin companies, including UHURA, PAID MNE, IHMS, successfully utilizing European supercomputers to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of their innovative applications, complex simulations and advanced AI models. Additionally, the NCC Montenegro’s representative shared valuable insights on conducting HPC/AI study and training programs aligned with Smart Specialization strategy and highlighted successful collaborations with over 10 NCCs and CoEs in capacity building, industry practices and HPC awareness raising.

EUROCC4SEE and NCC Montenegro report

The 2024 review underscored EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE’s role as a cornerstone of European HPC+ progress, driving user engagement, technological innovation and international collaboration. Looking ahead, the project remains committed to scaling impact, strengthening partnerships, and ensuring HPC and AI technologies remain accessible and beneficial to all.

Good opportunity for networking with EUROCC2/EUROCC4SEE representatives

EuroCC 2 and EuroCC4SEE@IT2025: Inspiring HPC/AI Collaboration and Innovation

The EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE were successfully showcased during the 29th IT IEEE Conference in Žabljak, bringing together national and regional HPC/AI experts, facilitating networking and matchmaking opportunities between academia and industry, and effectively aligning HPC/AI technologies, trends, and innovations with the interests of young researchers and industry practitioners.

The Project Trade fair took place during the first day of the conference (19 Feb)
EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE were presented at the Project Trade Fair at IT2025

On 19 Feb, the EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE (Digital Europe) project was presented at the Project Trade Fair, highlighting the NCC service and training portfolio, EuroHPC supercomputing opportunities, and HPC/AI benefits for research excellence and industry competitiveness. Success Stories were shared, illustrating how HPC and AI are driving innovations across various industry sectors and research domains. Projects AI-AGE and GenAI-HPC4WB were also featured at the fair.

NCC Montenegro team was moderating the workshops on the second day

During the second day, the HPC for Research Innovation session showcased the successful integration of HPC-computational resources and AI-intelligent algorithms into research infrastructures, enhancing scientific outcomes. The session featured a series of conference papers that addressed real-life challenges and HPC/AI-powered applications. The sessions also emphasize the importance of capacity building and competency development in high-demand, tech-driven careers. The focus on skill development is crucial for preparing students for advanced research roles or industry positions powered by HPC/AI technologies.

EuroCC4SEE NCCs participated in the worskhop activities on the second day (20 Feb)
Reserarchers and business representatives showcased their work and discussed needs for HPC resources

Also, on 20 Feb, during the HPC/AI Expert Round Table, panelists and presenters from academia and industry, representing Montenegro and the SEE region, shared insights on key challenges and innovative solutions related to the effective utilization of HPC and AI technologies. NCC representatives from Turkey, North Macedonia, and Serbia contributed with valuable experiences in industry engagement, SME onboarding, and the development of PoC/use cases across diverse sectors, including autonomous driving, digital commerce, social network simulations, bioinformatics, Large Language Models, and climate/weather prediction. There was around 100 attendees during the EuroCC2 and EuroCC4SEE events on the second day of the conference.

Representatives from EuroCC4SSEE NCCs gave presentations on use cases and provided insights on uptaking them to HPC

Furthermore, the discussions underscored the significance of enhanced collaboration among the scientific communities, business networks, and public governance to foster a thriving HPC/AI innovation ecosystem and digital economy. This collaborative approach is essential for leveraging the full potential of advanced computing technologies to address complex challenges and drive regional economic growth.

NCC Montenegro and ICT Cortex -Unlocking supercomputing opportunities for industry leaders

On December 18, 2024, the NCC Montenegro in collaboration with ICT Cortex, successfully organized an industry-focused workshop “Supercomputing Opportunities for Industry Leaders”. ICT Cortex as a prominent Montenegrin business association, dedicated to fostering ICT companies collaboration and advancing of IT sector and startup ecosystem in Montenegro, making a fitting partner for HPC/AI industry roadshow initiative conducted within the scope of EuroCC2/EuroCC4SEE project.

The workshop introduced participants to the comprehensive training and service portfolio offered by NCC MNE, while emphasizing the real-world benefits and examples of adopting HPC+ technologies. Key highlights of the workshop:

  • Demonstrating how HPC improves efficiency and accelerates innovation across various industry sectors and applications.
  • Showcasing real-world HPC and AI success stories driving significant business benefits.
  • Explaining how HPC4SME Assessment Tool can support Montenegrin SMEs in evaluating their readiness and potential for HPC/AI adoption.
  • Providing insights into EuroHPC Access Calls process and how innovative companies can leverage subsidized supercomputers access to address their computational needs and challenges.

The workshop attracted industry representatives and domain experts, expressing their keen interest in exploring supercomputing access possibilities and utilizing HPC-powered AI models to leverage their business R&D&I needs.

This initiative underscores NCC MNE’s commitment to bridging the gap between advanced computational technologies and industry needs, fostering a culture of innovation and digital competitiveness in Montenegro’s business ecosystem. By collaborating with organizations like ICT Cortex, NCC MNE continues to create valuable opportunities for knowledge sharing and technology transfer, strategic partnerships and industry onboarding.