Day 1, on 3rd February 2025, marked the start of the Albanian EDIHs and Seals of Excellence Training Programme at GIZ Albania in Tirana. The programme supported the EDIHs with their kick-off and assisted the Seals of Excellence consortia in identifying future funding opportunities.
Training program lasted two days and was led by Civitta International experts Matej Barvirčák and Anna Brziaková. Participants gained practical insights through peer-to-peer learning and strategic consultations, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the set-up process of their consortias.
Moreover, after the training programme, which is a critical step in advancing digital innovation and fostering collaboration within the EDIH ecosystem, participants engaged in follow-up activities to reinforce their learning and advance their proposals.
Following the training on 3rd February for the Albanian EDIHs and Seals of Excellence, the second day on 4th February, featured consultation sessions with each consortium, guided by the Civitta International team of experts.
They also visited the premises of the two EDIHs: the Digital Innovation Unit (DIU) at the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, and Digital Valley Albania (DiVA) at the Metropolitan University of Tirana
Digital Innovation Unit (DIU) provided entrepreneurs, start-ups, and SMEs innovation and deep tech services and training, networking opportunities, and a dedicated space to test their ideas. Businesses learned about deep tech, test solutions using deep tech, understand how they can be integrated into their operations, teams, and product development through AI, Cybersecurity, Programming, DataScience, Virtual Reality, Blockchain, Animation, Robotics and custom software solutions.
Civitta International introduced prospective funding opportunities to the consortiums to achieve sustainability, focusing on interactive, brainstorming sessions throughout the day with the representatives of each consortia member of DIU.
The intensive consultations led by Civitta International with Albania’s EDIH consortia, continued at Digital Valley Albania (DiVA) at the Metropolitan University of Tirana.
DiVA is poised to revolutionize SME digital transformation by integrating cutting-edge technologies like AI and Cybersecurity into their operations. Through tailored services—including technology testing, advanced digital skills training, investment readiness support, and access to innovation ecosystems—DiVA empowers SMEs to adopt sustainable, tech-driven solutions.
The consortium’s multidisciplinary team, experts in AI, cybersecurity, and sustainability, is dedicated to advancing Albania’s tourism sector through digitalization while elevating SMEs’ Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance.
By fostering responsible tech adoption and strengthening digital competencies, DiVA is paving the way for Albanian enterprises to thrive in a competitive, innovation-driven future.
