The Festival of Science and Innovation 2026 was officially opened in Bar, and already at the very beginning the organizers clearly demonstrated the technological character of this year's edition - a humanoid robot appeared on the stage together with the participants of the ceremony.
This year's Science and Innovation Festival is held under the slogan "Science travels, innovations connect", organized by the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation, the Municipality of Bar and the Five Group company.
The official opening was held in the House of Culture "Vladimir Popović Španac", with the presence of representatives of the academic, scientific, innovation and business community, state and local administration, the civil sector and numerous guests.
The festival was officially opened prof. Dr. Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović, Minister of Education, Science and Innovation, Dušan Raičević, President of the Municipality of Bar, and Ivan Šoć, founder of Five Group.
Photo: MPNI
Humanoid robot as a harbinger of what's to come
One of the moments that attracted the greatest attention of the audience was the appearance of a humanoid robot on the stage.
Photo: MPNI
His presentation was a kind of announcement of the content that visitors will be able to see during the Festival, especially within the EXPO zone, where the focus will be on contemporary technologies, innovations, practical demonstrations and interactive content.
The festival brings together institutions, companies, educational institutions, researchers, innovators and young people, with the aim of bringing science and technology closer to the general public in a way that goes beyond classic lectures.
The central part of the program is precisely EXPO zone, which will be open to visitors September 23 and 24, from 10 a.m. to 18 p.m., in the Sports Hall "Topolica" in Bar.
Science that young people can see and experience
During the opening, Minister Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović particularly emphasized the importance of stimulating curiosity among children and young people.
The idea of the Festival is not only to present finished scientific achievements, but to enable young people to see how science works in practice, ask questions and understand how an idea can grow over time into a solution that has practical application in everyday life.
The minister said that knowledge alone is not enough to engage in science, but that curiosity, persistence, courage, willingness to make mistakes and constant learning are also needed.
Robotics already finds a place in Montenegrin schools
The President of the Municipality of Bar, Dušan Raičević, emphasized the importance of the fact that Bar was the host of an event that connects education, science, technology, economy and the local community.
Photo: MPNI
He particularly pointed out the participation two Bar schools in the National Robotics League, citing this as an indication that robotics and modern technologies are already finding their place among students and teachers.
According to him, Bar's ambition is to develop according to the principles of smart cities, where modern scientific and technological solutions would be used in areas such as tourism, ecology, economy and space management.
IT as a potential third major pillar of the Montenegrin economy
For the gaming and technology community, the message of the founder of the company Five Group, Ivan Šoć, is particularly interesting, who spoke about the potential of the IT sector in Montenegro.
Šoć pointed out that today information technologies are present in practically all industries and expressed the view that IT, together with tourism and energy, could become one of the important pillars of the Montenegrin economy.
At the same time, he emphasized the need for a much stronger connection of education with the real needs of society and the economy.
Events like the Festival of Science and Innovation represent a place where these areas can meet - from pupils and students who are just entering the world of technology, through researchers and innovators, all the way to companies that can turn new solutions into concrete products and services.
From robotics to new technological ideas
The Festival of Science and Innovation 2026 in Bar thus brings a combination of science, education and modern technologies through a format that enables visitors to have much more direct contact with innovations.
The EXPO zone could be especially interesting for the younger audience, where through practical demonstrations and interactive settings they will be able to see how the technologies we hear about every day work in the real world.
During the ceremony, special attention was paid to young talents. Jovan Janković, winner of the bronze medal at the 10th International Physics Olympiad, was presented with an appropriate gift.
Photo: MPNI
The ceremony opened with the performance of the Montenegrin anthem. Andrea Demirović, while the Bar KUD "Jedinstvo" performed in the cultural and entertainment part of the program.
The festival continues in Bar, while the main EXPO zone in the Sports Hall "Topolica" will be open from 23rd to 24th September. 7:00 PM to 7:30 PM.
For everyone who follows robotics, IT, new technologies, science and innovation, this year's edition represents an opportunity to see in one place some of the projects and ideas that could play an increasingly important role in Montenegro in the coming years.
