Macedonian green innovations presented: “drone milk”, filament from waste plastic and mushroom pasta

Skopje, 03.04.2026 – Yesterday, organized by the ARNO association, the event “Innovative Green Economy through Macedonian Examples” was held, which aimed to present the innovative ideas of the Macedonian organizations Ekovita, Javor Zrnovci and Inno Tech Club. These organizations, within the framework of the grant scheme of the EICEE project (Ecosystem for Innovation and Development of Circular Economy in the Western Balkans), had the opportunity to create prototypes of Macedonian green products.

In the introductory part, Irina Janevska from ARNO emphasized that the EICEE project is a strategic initiative for establishing a circular economy network. In addition to the preparation of national reports and scientific papers for public policies, the key contribution of the project is the creation of a unique regional infrastructure. The network includes: “I2 Makerspace” in Podgorica for eco-design and 3R solutions, an e-waste recycling center in Peja, “Deli Center” in Niš for eco-design and clay products, as well as the “Matchmakers Center” in Sarajevo for connecting green producers with industry. Within this network, the Repair Center “Nishto Novo” was established in Skopje as a regional hub for education, repairs, repurposing and a platform for supporting impact enterprises.

Irina Janevska emphasized: “The project is a mosaic, each partner has its own role and its own center. If we grow in space and team, we would take over all the good practices – we would bring clay ovens, CNC machines and other tools. At the same time, we are grateful that ‘Nothing New’ has caused a boom in our country – in 11 months of work we organized 45 workshops visited by 550 people, and the interest is constantly three times greater than the capacity. Sometimes we do not publicly announce workshops in order to serve those who have already registered. Secondly, we are also grateful that the grant scheme supported Macedonian green innovations, because our country has received the most grants in the region.”

The centerpiece of the event was the presentations of the supported organizations:

The organization Javor Zrnovci presented “Drone Milk”, an innovation that uses the potential of drones that beekeepers, and the bee colonies themselves, usually remove during a certain part of the year. They produce a product rich in minerals, proteins, vitamins, enzymes and amino acids, very similar to royal jelly, and incomparably cheaper. “Drones are a treasure, and we throw them away. For this spring, we already have many beekeepers who are introducing this new product, and the scientific community is fully aware of it. We are not stopping here, we are already developing protein lemonade, because our ultimate goal is to contribute to creating a healthier nation,” said Blagojce Najdovski from Javor Zrnovci.

Ino Tech Club shared that they prototyped a filament for 3D printing from recycled waste plastic, which was developed in the “Ino Fab Lab” laboratory at the Faculty of Technology and Metallurgy. “We are proud to present the first functional recycled filament for 3D printing, which is not just a prototype, but proof that innovative and competitive materials can be created from waste. This fruit of team scientific research puts the country on the map of countries with real products in the circular economy segment,” said Verica Jordanova from Inno Tech Club.

The Ecovita organization presented the INO Hub project and the brands “Gadzhun” and “Mushroni”, created with the involvement of vulnerable groups in the village of Vesje. “Through the project, we purchased a solar dryer and trained single parents and young unemployed people in the production of value-added food. Gadzhun is our innovation, it is a majzhun with mushrooms. Mushroni are mushroom pasta, with a low glycemic index, suitable for diabetics. Although we already have protected trademarks and are present on the market, we need better placement for these healthy products to reach as many consumers as possible,” said Kristina Todorova from Ekovita.

The event was attended by media, representatives of associations and citizens interested in the development of green businesses. ARNO says that although the project is ending, they hope for further support from municipalities, state institutions and international donors. They see great potential in the Law on Social Entrepreneurship, which, in addition to verification, should also bring concrete funds to support such ideas that are good for both the environment and the communities themselves.

The project “EICEE – Eco-Innovation and Circular Economy Ecosystem in the Western Balkans” is supported by the European Union, through the Civil Society and Media Programme for the Western Balkans and Turkey (IPA 3). The project is implemented by ADP-Zid (Montenegro) in partnership with CEDRA Split (Croatia), Deli (Serbia), ARNO (Macedonia), Lens (Kosovo) and Green Building Council (BiH).