As part of the Ecosystem Connectors delegation, Tirana hosted a series of visits, exchanges, and networking activities aimed at strengthening collaboration between local actors and international innovation ecosystems, with a particular focus on building connections between Tirana and Berlin.
The programme began with visits to key innovation spaces shaping Albania’s startup landscape. At POLIS University’s Innovation Factory, participants explored how academic research is translated into entrepreneurial ventures, including through the Tirana Inc. incubation programme. The delegation also engaged with emerging startups such as Kinemorph, showcasing the potential of university-driven innovation.
At Coolab Coworking Space, one of Tirana’s most dynamic community hubs, participants were introduced to initiatives supporting creative industries and digital communities, including Game Jam and the Albanian gaming ecosystem. The visit featured roundtable discussions with ecosystem actors, including Growpreneur, AlbICT, Destil Creative Hub, AlbaniaTech, and others, followed by networking sessions that fostered new connections and collaboration opportunities.
The second day focused on scaling innovation and industry linkages. At the Pyramid of Tirana, participants visited the Innovation Hub and Plug and Play Tech Center, engaging with startups across various technology sectors. The delegation also visited SKAITECH, Albania’s first drone manufacturing and solutions company, gaining insights into the development of deep-tech ventures in the country.
The Tirana leg of the programme concluded with the “Berlin Meets Tirana” networking event, co-hosted with Startup Albania. The event brought together entrepreneurs, investors, and ecosystem builders from both cities, featuring startup pitches and a panel discussion on opportunities for collaboration, market expansion, and ecosystem development. The exchange highlighted shared ambitions and concrete pathways for strengthening ties between the two innovation ecosystems.
Through initiatives like Ecosystem Connectors, EU4Innovation supports the creation of cross-border partnerships, knowledge exchange, and ecosystem integration, enabling Albanian innovators and organisations to connect with international networks and scale their impact.
The delegation continued its journey to Sarajevo, further expanding opportunities for regional collaboration across the Western Balkans.
