In an atmosphere filled with enthusiasm and youthful energy, University Metropolitan Tirana successfully organized the second edition of RoboTech 2025, the national innovation and technology competition for Albanian high school students. The event culminated with the closing ceremony held at the modern Innovation Hub near the Pyramid in Tirana, turning the space into a stage where the most creative ideas of young people came to life.
This year, over 70 teams of high school students, with around 250 senior students from all over Albania, competed for the title of the best in technology and innovation. After a rigorous evaluation process, 23 teams reached the semi-final stage, while the 16 most outstanding projects faced off in the grand final held this weekend.
The RoboTech 2025 project was supported by a series of important strategic partners such as the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD), the National Youth Agency (AKR), the Start-Up Agency, Protik Innovation Center, the Pyramid and TUMO Tirana, Plug and Play, and the “Dritan Hoxha” Foundation.
In the opening speeches that inaugurated the event, institutional leaders and partners expressed their enthusiasm and belief in the potential of Albanian youth.
Prof. Dr. Nikolla Civici, Rector of University Metropolitan Tirana, emphasized the role of RoboTech as a platform for education and inspiration:
“RoboTech is not just a competition. It is a living laboratory where Albanian youth learn to build the future with their minds and hands. As a university, we are committed to creating environments where passion for technology transforms into competence and vision.”
Mr. Arjan Çukaj, President of University Metropolitan Tirana, placed emphasis on the institution’s long-term mission to support talent:
“We believe in every young Albanian. Our investment does not end with a prize or a certificate; it continues with building a network of opportunities, mentorship, and support that helps these young people become tomorrow’s innovation leaders.”
Ms. Jetona Koçibelli, Director of the Center for Openness and Dialogue (COD), highlighted the impact of such initiatives on civic and technological education:
“RoboTech is the best testimony of how the combination of knowledge, technology, and the new generation’s vision can create a more open, more developed, and more conscious society for the challenges of the future.”
Mr. Geron Ibrahimi, Director of the National Youth Agency, emphasized the importance of creating new spaces for youth:
“If we want a better Albania tomorrow, today we must invest in the dreams and ideas of our young people. RoboTech is precisely the space where dreams are transformed into reality.”
Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, directly linked to the economic development of the country, stated:
“The youth innovating today are the founders of tomorrow’s economy. We have to support every initiative that provides space for entrepreneurship, technology, and creativity among young people.”
Mr. Albi Greva, representative of the Ministry of Economy, Culture, and Innovation, added:
“The creative energy of the young generation is an invaluable resource. By supporting innovation, we not only enable individual development but also build the foundations of a sustainable and competitive economy.”
The shining of new ideas: THE WINNERS OF ROBOTECH 2025
After an intensive and high-standard competition, the winners of the second edition of RoboTech were announced:
First Prize (€2000):
“Sami Frashëri” High School, Tirana, with the project “TreeSense,” an intelligent system for monitoring tree health in urban spaces.
Two Second Prizes (€1500 each):
“Andon Zako Çajupi” High School, Tirana, with the project “Ekko,” an educational and awareness-raising application for environmental protection.
“Asim Zeneli” High School, Gjirokastër, with the project “Chrono Guide,” a virtual assistant for optimal personal time management.
Two Third Prizes (€1000 each):
“Leonik Tomeo” High School, Durrës, with the project “Adriatik Bot,” a robot for cleaning and monitoring pollution in coastal waters.
“Ismail Qemali” High School, Tirana, with the project “Aero Care,” an aerial system for monitoring and improving urban air quality.
Audience Award (€500):
“Flatrat e Dijes” High School, Fier, for the most voted project online, with over 9000 votes registered on the platform specially built for this purpose by UMT.
Through RoboTech 2025, Metropolitan University of Tirana once again demonstrated its commitment to supporting the new generation on their journey towards innovation and technological development. This competition served not only as a race for awards but also as a catalyst for major change, where young people gained knowledge, experience, and above all, confidence in the power of their ideas.
