19 September 2025, Science and Technology Park of Montenegro, Podgorica

The Open Data Challenge hackathon brought together young, creative, and skilled individuals who demonstrated, through innovative solutions, how open data can contribute to societal development and improve institutional operations.

The event was organised in collaboration with the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro and the Ministry of Public Administration, with the support of ReSPA. It represents a significant step toward promoting digital transformation, fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, and empowering the community of innovators.

Participants were welcomed by:

• Dragiša Janjušević, State Secretary at the Ministry of Public Administration,
• Valentina Radulović, Director of the Science and Technology Park of Montenegro,
• Nina Drakić, President of the Chamber of Commerce of Montenegro,
• Bojana Bajić, Regional School of Public Administration – ReSPA.

Speakers emphasised that open data represent a key resource for building a transparent, efficient, and innovative public administration, but also a driver of new business models, research, and civic initiatives. Special attention was given to the youthful energy and enthusiasm that marked this year’s Hackathon, confirming that the creativity and ideas of young people can make a significant contribution to the digital transformation of society.

Over the past few days, ten teams developed their open data–based solutions, and today the five best teams presented their projects to the expert jury. Following the presentations and jury deliberations, the winner was announced, and their solution will be further promoted and supported in its future development.

The finalists demonstrated through their presentations that they possess knowledge, creativity, and readiness to address the challenges of contemporary society using new technologies.

First place was awarded to the FainTech team with the idea MonteArhiv, an innovative solution addressing the problem of so-called “dead data.” Their concept enables the opening and more efficient use of data, contributing to greater transparency and better oversight of institutional work.

Second place went to the Sentiment Scope team, which developed the Smart Traffic Analytics project – a solution offering advanced traffic analysis based on open data and artificial intelligence technologies.

Third place was claimed by the Veliborovi Vukovi team, whose solution, through an innovative approach, provides opportunities for improving healthcare and better utilizing available data in this field.

The Open Data Challenge 2025 demonstrated that through joint efforts of institutions, the business community, international partners, and young innovators, it is possible to create solutions that contribute to better public administration, stimulate economic growth, and strengthen trust between citizens and institutions.

ReSPA remains committed to further supporting open data, digital transformation, and the capacity building of public servants across the region, in order to ensure long-term sustainability and the dissemination of positive results achieved through such initiatives.

Bojana Bajić: “Let this event serve as an encouragement for all of us to continue opening data, to cooperate, and to build a digital administration that is open, efficient, and in the service of citizens.”