An innovative conference that inspired academic entrepreneurship in Albania
During this week, the Tirana Pyramid became the epicenter of innovation and entrepreneurship, welcoming the prestigious conference “Academia for Innovation: Bridging the Gap Between Business and Research”. This conference, organized by the Ministry of Entrepreneurship and Business Climate and Start-Up Albania Agency, in collaboration with the UMT, aimed to build bridges of cooperation between scientific research and practical applications in the market. Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, who in her welcoming speech underline, that, “Innovation and scientific research are the main pillars of economic development. This activity aims to create bridges between academia and entrepreneurship, giving Albania the opportunity to excel in a knowledge-based economy.”
The conference brought together a distinguished panel of experts, and leaders from the fields of research, innovation and investment: Grant Van Cleve, President of the American Chamber of Commerce in Albania, shared his experiences on the power of connecting research with business.
Mirela Muca, Director of the National Agency for Research and Innovation, presented the opportunities for financing innovative projects in Albania. Prof. Dr. Entela Haloci, from the University of Medicine, Tirana, shared a success story for the development of pharmaceutical products based on Albanian medicinal plants.
Dr. Igli Hakrama, Director of the Metropolitan Innovation Center (UMT), highlighted the role of innovation centers in fostering startup projects. Dr. Eugen Musta, Director of CIT Hub, presented solutions for strengthening the innovation ecosystem in Albania.
During the discussions, panelists and participants addressed important topics, including Transforming doctoral projects into concrete products or services. Identifying investors interested in supporting academic innovation. The strategic importance of academic entrepreneurship for the economic development of Albania.
Discussions included examples from technology, healthcare, and startups, attracting entrepreneurs, students, investors, and institutional representatives in a dynamic atmosphere. Each of them brought a unique perspective, contributing to an open dialogue on the challenges and opportunities for innovation and development.
This conference marked an important moment for Albania, showing that the country’s academic potential it could be turned, into an engine of economic development. By bringing together research and entrepreneurship, it demonstrated that the innovation ecosystem would be strengthened through close cooperation between government, academia and the private sector.