While the bees in his apiary were dying of thirst and infection, Obrad Drakulović little did he know that his struggle would end with an invention that would change beekeeping in the country and the region. At the same time, Sokolj Vuljaj was looking at the damaged boats on the Bojana River, thinking about an automatic mooring system that would solve the problem of tying boats. Two inventions - and a story of perseverance that changed industry standards.
In a world where technology advances at an incredible speed, two Montenegrin inventors have proven that even a small country can deliver global innovations. Drakulović, a beekeeper with decades of experience, and Vuljaj, a musician who turned to technological inventions, won the Ministry of Education, Science and Innovation (MPNI) award in June for the most successful innovation in 2023, for solutions that reverse previous practice in their fields.
Drakulović developed his innovation, a self-leveling hygienic bee drinker, over the years, inspired by the problems he faced daily in his apiary.
“I have been engaged in beekeeping for many years, in an arid area, where providing water for bees has always been a particular challenge. In practice, I used various traditional watering methods, but I constantly faced the same problems - the drinkers would dry up, the bees often drowned, and the water quickly became contaminated. Similar, mostly improvised and technologically outdated drinker systems are still used around the world today, which do not meet basic hygiene or safety standards. It was these challenges that prompted me to think about a long-term, reliable and innovative solution - a device that allows continuous watering, without drowning the bees or interruptions in the supply, preserving their health and greatly facilitating the work of beekeepers,” he explains.
His device, which has been tested with the support of the Innovation Fund, not only eliminates these problems but also sends an SMS notification to the beekeeper when water runs out. His invention has already been recognized internationally, with presentations at fairs in Belgrade and Novi Sad, and a publication in the Croatian Beekeeper.
On the other hand, Vuljaj brings a revolutionary solution to maritime affairs - a vessel mooring device that eliminates the need for highly qualified personnel and reduces the risk of damage.
The inspiration, as he explained, came from personal experience on the Bojana River.
“As a recreational boat enthusiast, I own several different smaller boats that I enjoy on the Bojana River. However, traditional mooring of vessels, especially at these piers, is a challenge due to the frequent tides and strong waves that cause the movement of neighboring vessels, and often lead to damage to the vessel and the pier. This personal situation was one of the main motives that inspired me to find an effective solution to this problem. I have developed two types of mechanical devices for manual mooring of vessels, which have proven to be extremely effective. These innovative systems have already been recognized by the World Intellectual Property Organization. We tested them for two full years, during which we perfected the prototypes, and then prepared them for mass production. They will soon be available on the market at an affordable price. At the same time, I have also developed an automatic device intended for more luxurious users, which can moor all types of vessels - from recreational to military ships. This latest invention is the culmination of my work on improving the safety and efficiency of mooring, and I am sure that it will significantly contribute to the development and modernization of the maritime industry", explained Vuljaj.
His device, which continuously tracks a mooring point regardless of waves, has already received preliminary approval from the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and he obtained a European patent, he says, without any objections.
Although their inventions are recognized globally, both speak openly about the challenges faced by Montenegrin innovators. Vuljaj, who filed a record six patent applications in 2023 alone, said that the annual budget for all inventors in Montenegro is only 20.000 euros, which he estimated does not even cover the costs of a single European patent. Drakulovć adds that without the support of the Innovation Fund, it is difficult to imagine the implementation of any major project, but also that innovators need much more systemic support.
VULJAJ: CREATIVITY UNUSED DUE TO LACK OF SUPPORT
Vuljaj's invention, according to international experts, has the potential to replace traditional methods of tying ships around the world.
In an interview with "Vijesti", Vuljaj emphasized that "vessels are one of the oldest and most important means of transportation in the world", and their mooring "still represents a key component of safety and efficiency in maritime traffic today".
His invention, as he explained, enables automatic mooring, and key advantages include maximum utilization of dock space, elimination of the need for highly qualified personnel, autonomous mooring and unmooring by a single operator, mechanical safety protections, reduction of the risk of human error, collision prevention, and continuous monitoring of the mooring point regardless of sea conditions.
He also pointed out that he has developed an automatic device intended for more luxurious users, which can moor all types of vessels - from recreational to military ships.
“This latest invention represents the culmination of my work on improving the safety and efficiency of mooring, and I am sure that it will significantly contribute to the development and modernization of the maritime industry. Currently, the prototype of the automatic vessel mooring device is in the phase of functional confirmation and first tests. It was developed with the support of the Innovation Fund voucher and my personal participation, which made it possible to realize the first working model that convincingly confirms the basic functionality and efficiency of this solution. Although testing was conducted in real conditions, it was carried out on a limited budget, and the prototype showed exceptional functionality and stability. However, this prototype is just the beginning and is far from the final solution. What remains is the creation of more prototypes from adequate materials resistant to corrosion and air-conditioned conditions, with the aim of fitting all types of vessels, from small to large ships. As part of the next phased process, we plan to develop and test more prototypes that will be adapted to different sizes and types of vessels, using more resistant and long-lasting materials. This step is of crucial importance for improving the final version of the device,” he said.
Vuljaj decided to secure patent protection through the most demanding international route possible - a PCT application before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
"I am initiating the protection process for this and all my inventions through a PCT application before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in order to safely enter regional protection zones. It is a fact that it is simpler and faster to obtain a European (EP) or American (US) patent directly, without the need for the PCT procedure. However, if you want greater and broader protection at the international level, such an approach is risky, as the examination process can last more than 12 months," he said.
The automatic vessel mooring device, an innovation developed by Sokolj Vuljaj, received the highest level of global protection through a PCT application and became the first unitary patent from Montenegro recognized by the European Patent Organization.
As the inventor himself explained, this is the most demanding path to obtaining a patent, because the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application is submitted for evaluation to the most stringent institutions - the International Searching Authority (ISA) and the European Patent Organization (EPO). These institutions rigorously check whether all legal requirements for granting a patent have been met.
That is why, says Vuljaj, a positive outcome of the PCT procedure brings the highest possible protection - its result is valid in 193 member states of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). In 2023, his invention received preliminary approval from WIPO, which, as he points out, fully confirms that all the criteria for granting a patent have been met. According to him, this represents the first major success of a Montenegrin inventor before this international organization.
The importance of the PCT application was further confirmed by the EPO, which granted a European unitary patent in an extremely short period of time. As Vuljaj emphasizes, this is a historic success - because it is the first unitary patent in the European Union created by a Montenegrin inventor.
Vuljaj considers the support he received through the "Vouchers for Patent Protection and Invention Development" program to be extremely important and crucial for his innovative path. Without this help, he probably would not have had the courage to turn his ideas into concrete solutions, to protect them and prepare them for commercialization.
"Such support is a real life-changing experience for beginners and small innovators. It gives them the security and motivation to persevere and improve their solutions," said Vuljaj.
However, while acknowledging the importance of the program, he warns that the financial support it has provided over the years has been far from sufficient. According to him, it does not even cover 15 percent of the actual costs required to obtain, protect and maintain a patent.
"There are many talented and innovative people in Montenegro who live on average, and their creativity remains unused precisely due to the lack of systemic and financial support. If we were to provide more concrete and stable assistance, I believe we would encourage the development of various fields of science and technology, which is in the interest of the overall development of the country," says Vuljaj.
Vuljaj warns that in Montenegro, basic concepts such as innovator, inventor and user of innovations are often confused, and that intellectual property protection is misinterpreted and applied incorrectly, which opens up space for manipulation and violation of rights.
As he points out, an inventor is someone who creates a new and original technical solution, while an innovator develops existing ideas in a new way, and companies that apply innovations simply use already developed technologies.
He criticizes the practice of the Intellectual Property Office, which, without jurisdiction for technical search, issues decisions granting patents for ten years, even though such patents do not exist in world practice, but only utility models with limited effect.
Vuljaj believes that in Montenegro, patent applications are often incorrectly presented as recognized patents, thus spreading a false image of innovative successes.
He particularly points to the problem of funding - although there is a voucher program, he considers the annual budget of 20.000 euros to be insufficient and discriminatory support for all inventors, and in 2024 his requests for the refund of WIPO and EPO fees and the creation of a prototype were rejected because the funds had already been spent. Vuljaj points out that the cost of validating a single European patent exceeds 45.000 euros, so it is difficult to expect support for multiple simultaneous applications. Therefore, he appeals for the introduction of systematic, stable and greater support for innovators, with a clear demarcation of concepts and responsibilities.
He advises young people who have ideas to work in an organized manner, research the state of the art, seek out mentors, and not give up in the face of obstacles, because, as he says, "success cannot be hidden from any force or authority."
WHEN THE MUSIC STOPPED, HE TURNED TO INNOVATIONS
Vuljaj points out that he filed the highest number of patent applications before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in a single year, adding that he believes it is important to explain the reason for this success.
He has been professionally involved in music for almost four decades, composing and arranging over 1.000 songs, as he says, for regional performers, but also for world stars, such as Rita Ora. His orchestrations, he says, “were used during several of her concerts to climax the atmosphere.” During his 26-year musical career, Vuljaj, in tandem with his wife - the author of more than 350 texts and numerous music videos - achieved significant success, including tours around the world, until the coronavirus pandemic.
"During the pandemic, all musical activities suffered a huge decline... I was completely cut off from the music world for a year."
During that period, he turned to a long-suppressed passion - innovation.
"I created seven innovations that I primarily registered with the Patent Office of Montenegro."
His inventions, unlike most that rely on refinements of existing technologies, "belong to different technological fields and solve specific problems independently of existing technology."
He points to the example of an awning and boat cover that “protects against precipitation and sun with a double conversion in a split second.” That invention was granted a European patent without any objections. Another example is an automatic device for tying boats, which solves a decades-old problem and is also covered by a European patent.
“My two inventions that deal with the conversion and production of energy through gravitational force have proven themselves before WIPO as technologically more advanced than existing solutions in the world,” says Vuljaj. In addition, two converters that convert sea waves into electricity, according to him, represent “new marine and ocean power plants from base to generator,” and are many times ahead of the current state of the art.
“Currently, seven of my inventions meet all the requirements for patentability according to WIPO,” he states.
When asked how he manages to develop and protect so many ideas, he replies that each invention must go through a complex and lengthy process, from the initial idea, through a detailed search of international databases, to a professional application. “A patent application must contain a precise description and professional drawings,” he emphasizes, adding that family support is crucial: “Thanks to my wife and daughter, who are also talented and resourceful, I have managed to develop innovations that have gained international recognition.”
PATENT BATTLE: INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS, DOMESTIC BUREAUCRACY
Despite his successes, the process of awarding the state award did not go smoothly. Vuljaj revealed that he refused the same award in 2023 because the international results he achieved were ignored.
"I asked the Minister of the Ministry of National Defense Anđela Jakšić-Stojanović to reconsider the award procedure... it was very important that he respected me in his decision and procedure”.
After he informed the Ministry that the European Patent Organization had granted a patent for his invention, he was followed by, as he says, “a modified decision erasing my international success from 2023.” Two awards were awarded, now enlarged, but without recognizing his most important achievements.
"The awards are given based on the results achieved in Montenegro, such as support from the Montenegro Innovation Development Fund, with the decision not leaving room for appeal."
However, Vuljaj, as he said, used that challenge and injustice as additional motivation for further work, and he decided to donate the award from the Ministry in the amount of 3.000 euros to the "Mahmut Lekić" Elementary School in Tuzi, with the intention of helping to improve school conditions, he said.
"...I have managed to achieve seven internationally recognized inventions, which in technological terms surpass currently available global solutions. According to the results of the World Intellectual Property Organization, these inventions of mine surpass the total success of all other Montenegrin inventors since the existence of our state to this day, thus contributing to the development of the scientific and technological enrichment of our country at the global level," he said.
DRAKULOVIĆ: WATER CAN BE A SOURCE OF LIFE OR A SOURCE OF INFECTION
"Water is essential for the life and development of a bee colony - from maintaining optimal thermoregulation in the hive, to breaking down food for the brood, to meeting the basic physiological needs of bees," explains Drakulović, who has worked for years in conditions where basic resources are limited for beekeepers.
In this process, he says, the beekeeper plays a central role not only in the proper positioning of hives and disinfection of equipment, but also in maintaining hygienically correct watering places, which is an often neglected but crucial part of the fight against infectious diseases.
"When multiple communities use water from the same container, especially if it is contaminated, the risk of disease spreading increases significantly. It is even greater when bees from multiple apiaries are found in one small body of water at the same time," he points out.
It was precisely this combination of practical experience and knowledge from professional literature that, as he says, was the key motivation to dedicate himself to developing a long-term sustainable and functional solution.
The journey from idea to prototype took several years.
“From the moment the idea first came to life, to the development of a serious prototype that received support from the Innovation Fund, it took several years of dedicated work,” he recalls.
During that period, he created numerous versions of the device, experimenting with different technical approaches and designs, with the gradual integration of modern technologies.
The key breakthrough came precisely through the support of the Innovation Fund, which enabled the concrete implementation of the concept. As part of the project, he also conducted a survey among beekeepers from Montenegro and the region.
"More than 80% of respondents said they use bee drinkers, while the rest get their water from natural watercourses. Over 80% of them believe that infectious diseases can be transmitted through unhygienic drinkers," says Drakulović.
This, he points out, was a clear signal that the market recognized the need for improvement.
The functional prototype was tested in real conditions on several apiaries, and, as he states, the feedback was extremely positive.
"They highlighted the ease of use, time savings, reduced risk of contamination, and a higher level of safety for bees," says Drakulović.
In collaboration with other beekeepers, he identified three basic requirements that a modern waterer must meet: to provide enough water, to prevent bees from drowning, and to eliminate water contamination.
“Existing solutions generally only satisfy individual aspects,” he explains.
For example, an inverted jar with a cloth does not allow defecation into the source, but it has a small volume and requires constant maintenance. It is used, he said, by only about seven percent of beekeepers. On the other hand, a “barrel with a slanted board” allows for constant water exchange, but is exposed to external contamination. This method, Drakulović explains, is used by about 13 percent of beekeepers.
"Our drinker is the first to meet all the most important functional and hygienic criteria in one. In addition, it also has advanced functions such as sending SMS notifications to the beekeeper when the water level drops or when the drinker runs out of water," says Drakulović.
The key technical innovation is reflected in maintaining a constant level of water available to the bees, regardless of consumption, and in a construction that confines the bee to a position from which it cannot pollute the water.
PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITIONS AND INTEREST FROM THE REGION
The device has already received awards at fairs in Belgrade and Novi Sad, said Drakulović, adding that these awards are meaningful to him because they come from professionals - beekeepers and experts who know what they are facing.
"When recognition comes from those who struggle with these problems every day, it carries special weight," he says.
He adds that these recognitions have opened new doors for him, from greater visibility among colleagues to concrete contacts with producers, distributors and potential partners. Of particular importance to him is the publication in the magazine "Croatian Beekeeper", which confirms that this is a universal problem and a solution that has international potential.
The MPNI award, which he received for this innovation, has a special meaning for Drakulović.
"It is confirmation that someone recognizes and appreciates years of effort, dedication, and innovative approach. I believe that this award belongs not only to me, but also to everyone who contributed to this project," he emphasized.
He says that it is especially important to him that the award comes from a department that has followed his work from the very beginning, and he hopes that it will be an incentive for other innovators, especially in the field of agriculture, not to give up on their ideas.
The next step, says Drakulović, is the commercialization of this invention.
“Commercialization is a logical continuation of the development so far,” Drakulović points out. He says that contacts are underway with beekeepers from the region who are interested in using the device. However, he adds that the needs do not stop at the region.
"The problem we are solving is not local, but global. That is why we are also working on adapting the model and logistics to meet the demands of foreign markets."
Through a new project within the "Collaborative Grant" program, Drakulović formed a development team and established a partnership with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, which enabled him to enter a new phase of technical improvement of the device.
“We are currently testing the functionalities of the new model, which will enable higher capacity, simpler maintenance, better mobility and an overall higher level of efficiency and reliability,” he says. The plan is to launch the device on the market through a pilot series next year, in order to test the sales potential and validation in real conditions.
For Drakulović, innovation is not the final point.
“We believe that innovation does not stop with the finished product, it develops in dialogue with users and in line with changing challenges.”
He says he is open to cooperation with beekeepers, distributors, researchers and investors who recognize the value of practical and sustainable solutions in beekeeping.
"We are convinced that by working together we can improve beekeeping practices and contribute to preserving a healthier ecosystem, both locally and globally."
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