Background waves

Mission

To foster innovation and technological development in Albania by supporting startups, promoting emerging technologies, and building international partnerships that strengthen the digital ecosystem.

This mission is achieved through:

  • • Supporting new ideas with funding and mentorship
  • • Evaluating and embracing advanced technologies
  • • Creating spaces for experimentation and testing
  • • Bringing global practices and experiences to the local level

Key Areas of Activity

  • • As part of the Albanian Council for Technology and Innovation (ACTI), this committee promotes technological innovations in Albania, drawing inspiration from leading organizations like Microsoft and Oracle. Key focus areas include AI, cybersecurity, blockchain, and cloud technologies.
  • • The Committee supports startups through funding, mentoring, and incubation, conducting research on the impact of technologies on the economy and strategic sectors. The labs provide space for developing pilot projects.
  • • Through a partnership with AKSHI, the Committee supports digital transformation and innovation. As part of the "ACT Now" initiative, the Youth Prize and Grand Prize were organized to reward winning startups with financial support for innovative ideas.
  • • This Committee serves as a reference point for building technological capabilities and supporting new entrepreneurs in Albania.

Members

Ilda Goga

Chair of the Committee for Startups, Technology & Innovation

Ilda is a software developer with around eight years of experience in building web applications, primarily using the .NET platform and the C# programming language. Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects across all stages of application development, including the adoption of modern architectures such as Microservices and Clean Architecture. She has worked in Agile teams, demonstrating strong skills in communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

Company: dev.al

Gerti Cenko

Member of the Committee for Startups, Technology & Innovation

With more than 12 years of experience in leading technology projects, system architecture, and cybersecurity management, Gerti brings a powerful combination of strategic vision and technical expertise to the committee. As a Technical Director and lecturer in microelectronics and robotics, he serves as a bridge between industry and academia. His motivation for joining this committee stems from a strong commitment to advancing digital transformation in Albania’s public and private sectors. He is particularly focused on promoting the use of AI, IoT, and cloud systems to address existing challenges and boost efficiency.

Company: Fastech

Besar Lohja

Member of the Committee for Startups, Technology & Innovation

Besar is a Security Engineer and Team Lead with over 10 years of experience in cybersecurity, IT infrastructure, and digital innovation. At First shpk, he has led key projects in implementing advanced security solutions to protect complex systems and applications. He holds a master’s degree in IT & Innovation from Luarasi University and a bachelor’s degree in business informatics from the European University of Tirana, equipping him with strong expertise in ICT systems, digital transformation, and emerging technologies.

Company: First

Esat Elezi

Member of the Committee for Startups, Technology & Innovation

Esat is a passionate software developer inspired by the power of coding to create innovative solutions and build systems that positively impact people’s lives. He views programming as a medium for creativity, designing applications that improve user experience and automate complex processes. He currently works as a Senior Software Developer at Communication Progress.

Company: Communication Progress

Florant Zylyftari

Member of the Committee for Startups, Technology & Innovation

Florant is a technology professional with over 10 years of experience in designing and implementing new technologies with a focus on optimizing IT operations and integrating them into digital business transformation. With a strong track record in fostering technological innovation, he aims to bridge the gap between traditional IT infrastructures and modern, scalable solutions that help businesses thrive in the digital era.

Company: Hardtech

Blerina Dako

Member of the Committee for Startups, Technology & Innovation

Blerina is a Tech Lead / Senior Developer at Helius Systems (part of the ASEE Group) with over 15 years of experience in IT systems management, information security, and digital transformation. She is a Microsoft Certified Solutions Developer (MCSD) and has built a strong professional profile through her involvement in critical projects related to core banking systems, payment systems, fintech solutions, and document management systems.

Company: Helius Systems