Record funding for startups/ 600 million lekë for 163 innovative enterprises
Albania significantly increases support for startups. Innovation4Albania's Grant 2026 Financing Program brings this year the largest fund since the program's creation, with 600 million lekë made available for innovative ventures. The fund has doubled compared to last year, from 300 to 600 million lekë, while the number of beneficiary startups has increased from 81 to 163.
Entrepreneurial interest has been record high. 1,179 applications were submitted for this year's call, showing the growing interest in innovation and technology in the country. The funding is not only concentrated in the capital. There are startups benefiting from all regions of Albania, while cities outside Tirana have seen significant growth.
Vlora leads with 8 funded startups, followed by Shkodra with 7. For the first time, Berat and Kukës are also part of the beneficiaries' map, further expanding the geographical reach of the ecosystem. The funded projects cover various sectors, from artificial intelligence and information technology, to energy, environment, agribusiness, tourism and digital solutions.
An important element of the program is the inclusion of the diaspora. 18 founders of the funded startups live in various cities in Europe and the United States, including Munich, San Francisco, Vienna, London, Manchester, and Rome.
For the first time, grants will also support 8 ecosystem facilitator organizations, selected from 40 applications. They will provide technical assistance, networking and expertise to startups, particularly in the areas of artificial intelligence, the green economy and the digital economy.
The growth of the Albanian ecosystem is also reflected in international rankings. According to the latest StartupBlink ranking, Albania is ranked fourth in Europe for the growth of the startup ecosystem, while in the global classification it has climbed to 75th place, with an annual growth of 71.1%. Tirana has also recorded a strong climb, positioning itself among the cities with the fastest growth of the startup ecosystem in the Balkans.
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