On April 11 and 12, 2025, Elbasan was not just a welcoming city – it transformed into a vibrant lab of youth-driven ideas and passion. At the UMT Hackathon 2025, over 180 high school students from 9 cities across Albania took part in a competition that went beyond a technical event, turning into a powerful platform for collaboration, creativity, and self-confidence for the new generation.
During two intense days, technology became a universal language, where students built robots, presented ideas, and above all, felt heard. UMT Hackathon was not just for the best coders, but for those who had the courage to try, to fail, and to learn with enthusiasm.
Organized by the University Metropolitan Tirana in collaboration with the National Youth Agency, the event was held at the “Imperial” hotel in the heart of Elbasan. From the opening ceremony, the value of this initiative was felt, not just as a competition, but as a launchpad for personal and professional development.
“Young Albanians have extraordinary potential for innovation; they just need the right space and support,” emphasized Dr. Sonila Daiu, Dean of Students at UMT. Meanwhile, Prof. Assoc. Dr. Ligor Nikolla, Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and IT, highlighted the importance of practical experience in tech education. For Ing. Arjan Çukaj, President of UMT, this Hackathon is just the first step of a larger platform aimed at empowering young talent in technology and innovation.
Institutional support was not lacking. Mr. Geron Ibrahimi, Director of the National Youth Agency, stated: “Investing in youth through education and technology is the most secure investment for the country’s future.” The Minister of State for Youth and Children, Ms. Bora Muzhaqi, and the Minister for Local Government, Mr. Arbjan Mazniku, praised the participants for their energy and commitment.
23 Teams, 23 Innovative Projects
Students, divided into 23 teams, designed their ideas and tackled technical challenges with the support of mentors from University Metropolitan Tirana. One of the highlights was the workshop on the art of presentation, led by Dr. Daiu, which helped the students develop strong communication skills – a skill just as vital as coding.
On the second day, 23 innovative projects were presented. Divided into three rounds, the teams showcased their tech solutions in front of a jury with wide expertise in IT and innovation. It was not just a technical competition – it was a proud moment for students who, for the first time, saw their ideas materialize into something real, functional, and meaningful.
Each presentation revealed more than just a product: it told a journey – filled with mistakes, lessons, and creative solutions. It was a process that built more than just tech projects – it built character, self-confidence, and a strong sense of community.
UMT Hackathon 2025 was more than a two-day event: it was a clear message that youth talent and passion are forces that can transform reality. This new format of engaging high school students in technology not only enhances STEM skills, but also creates networks of collaboration and mentorship that can guide them in their first steps toward a tech career.
