Startup Albania 2026 program concludes selection with 1,179 applicants

The Startup Albania 2026 program has concluded its selection process, receiving 1,179 applications from young entrepreneurs. Deputy Prime Minister Albana Koçiu highlighted the program's success in fostering innovation across the country, noting that for the first time, a winner emerged from the Kukës County. Specifically, Jurgenti, the founder of North Venture, was named a winner of the 2026 Grant, marking a milestone for the Tropoja region.

Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized that the initiative aims to build a robust ecosystem by supporting all participants, including those not selected. To assist unsuccessful applicants, the government will host consultation sessions with experts to provide feedback and improvement plans. Ibrahimaj noted that 20 of this year's winning startups were returning applicants who had previously applied and refined their projects. The government has committed to ongoing financial support for startups to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses.