StartUp City
“StartUp City” is the place where students and young people can develop their business ideas by presenting them in front of a prestigious jury. This competition aims to support all innovative young individuals with an entrepreneurial spirit to realize and showcase their business ideas. “StartUp City” adds value to the entrepreneurship ecosystem by helping startups grow and position themselves in the market. Anyone with an innovative business idea from young people of all ages across Albania, Kosovo, and the region is welcome. For every aspiring entrepreneur, the StartUp City competition is a key opportunity to turn their dream into reality.
Why StartUp City?
StartUp City is the platform that inspires and empowers youth to turn their ideas into reality. Organized by the Univesity Metropolitan Tirana, the Metropolitan Incubator, the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tirana, and the Municipality of Tirana, the program is supported by leading local companies and institutions. The goal is clear: to create a space where innovative ideas come to life and are positioned in the market.
Apply now and become part of the community that is building the startups of tomorrow.
Shape your idea with StartUp City 7
StartUp City is not just a competition it is a comprehensive development platform designed to empower anyone with an idea, a project in progress, or a startup seeking growth. It’s a transformative journey that combines hands-on education, personalized mentoring, and networking with experts and investors to turn your passion and vision into a successful venture.
If you’re just starting out and unsure where to begin, StartUp City 7 provides the structure and guidance you need to understand how to build a sustainable business idea. If you already have a prototype or a product in development, the program helps you better understand your market, your customer, and your growth strategy. And if you’re an active entrepreneur looking to scale or expand the impact of your startup, StartUp City 7 opens doors to investment, partnerships, and advanced mentoring.
This program is carefully designed to address the specific needs of every stage of the entrepreneurial journey. With a personalized, results-oriented approach, StartUp City 7 is where ideas don’t just stay on paper they come to life, take shape, and find clear direction.
Who Can Apply?
High school students and university students
If you have an idea that’s been on your mind for a while, StartUp City 7 is the place where it can take shape. Through mentoring, teamwork, and foundational knowledge in entrepreneurship, you’ll learn how to turn your idea into a feasible project.
Early-stage startups
If you’re working on a product or prototype, you’ll benefit from training in market validation, growth strategy development, and preparation for pitching to investors.
Active startups in the market
For those already operating and looking to grow or consolidate, the program offers high-level mentoring, opportunities to build industry connections, and exposure to funding sources and potential partners.
What do you gain?
StartUp City 7 offers a structured, multi-phase experience tailored to the development stage of each participant. Throughout the program, you’ll have access to:
- Hands-on training and interactive workshops
- Mentoring from field experts
- Pitch preparation sessions for presentations in front of a jury and investors
- A dynamic and collaborative community
- Opportunities for funding, collaboration, and visibility
Top Awards:
- 1st Prize: Boosting Innovation PoliBa (BINP) – 2-month Acceleration Program + €1,000
- 2nd Prize: €1,000 + Incubation Support from METINC
- 3rd Prize: €500 + Incubation Support from METINC
Special Awards: - Best Teen
- Best Pitch Award
- Best Social Entrepreneur
- Best Women Entrepreneur Award
- UMT Study Scholarship
Program Phases
Applications: The call for applications is open until June 6, 2025. Applications will be reviewed by a professional jury, and selected teams will be notified.
Acceleration Phase
This is the core of the program and includes a series of modules and activities such as:
- Aligning your idea with market needs
- Go-to-market strategies
- Networking with industry experts
- Financial planning and risk management
- Investment readiness and intellectual property protection
- Intensive pitch training and due diligence preparation
- One-on-one mentoring and selection for the final event
The Grand Finale
A demo day where selected ideas are pitched live in front of the jury and investors, with awards and recognition.
Post-Program Support
Ongoing mentoring and support for teams continuing their entrepreneurial journey.
Previous editions of StartUp City
StartUp City 1
StartUp City 2
Winners
Second Place: “Student Life”
Third Place: “Diversi8”