Founding · Mission · Team

About Ulcinno

From idea to feasibility study, hackathon and regional conference — follow how the Ulcinj ICT ecosystem is being built.

Who we are

Ulcinno is not just a platform — it is a movement

Ulcinno is an NGO initiative founded with one mission: to transform Ulcinj from a tourist town into a regional ICT hub that attracts talent, startups and investors. Initiated in 2022 from the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly, supported by the Ministry of Science, confirmed by the first hackathons and conferences.

"The leading integrator of: youth, startups, and innovative businesses, aiding the economic growth, youth employability, visibility and prosperity of Montenegro."

— Ulcinno Mission Statement

Timeline

From idea to community

2022

Ulcinj Municipal Assembly

Ardi Mavriq initiates the proposal to establish an ICT sector and the Ulcinno platform at the Ulcinj Municipal Assembly session. Proposal accepted — work begins on the feasibility study.

2023

ICT Ulcinj Feasibility Study

The Ministry of Science of Montenegro, led by Minister Biljana Šćepanović, finances and supports the feasibility study for an ICT hub in Ulcinj. The study defines the model, potential and path forward.

2023

Balkan Tech Summit — Ulcinj

Ulcinno organises the Balkan Tech Summit — the first regional tech conference in Ulcinj. Participants from Albania, Kosovo, Montenegro and the diaspora. Ulcinj on the Balkan tech map.

2024

Hackathon Ulcinj 2024

The first hackathon in Ulcinj — 48 hours of coding, innovation and teamwork. Young developers from the region show that Ulcinj can be a tech destination, not just a tourist one.

2024

Albanian Dev Conference (ADC)

Ulcinno supports the Albanian Dev Conference — a conference for the Albanian developer community across the region and diaspora. Ulcinj as the natural home of the Albanian tech ecosystem.

2025–

Reactivation & Growth

After a period of inactivity, Ulcinno reactivates with new energy. Goal: build a permanent ICT community, recruit student volunteers and launch the Connect Summit 2026.

Founder

Ardi Mavriq

Entrepreneur and consultant from Ulcinj. Launched the ICT hub initiative before the Municipal Assembly in 2022. Organised the Balkan Tech Summit and Hackathon Ulcinj. Working to grow Ulcinno into a community-led organisation with a team of volunteers and mentors from the region and diaspora.

Join us

We are looking for volunteers

Students, developers, designers, marketers — anyone who shares the vision of Ulcinj as an ICT destination.

Become a volunteer →