This past week, the campus of University Metropolitan Tirana was transformed into a dynamic hub of innovation, dialogue, and global collaboration during the 3rd edition of The Power; Data Science, AI & Technology Summit. The event, held on May 22–23, 2025, brought together leaders, visionaries, and professionals from across the globe, reaffirming Albania’s growing presence in the international technology and innovation landscape.
With over 150 registered participants, representation from 10 different countries, and a roster of more than 25 distinguished speakers, The Power 2025 proved once again to be a vital platform for advancing thought leadership, sharing expertise, and fostering cross-border collaboration in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and emerging technologies.
A Global Stage for a Local Mission
From the outset, The Power 2025 made clear its intent to serve not just as a conference, but as a catalyst for regional innovation. The event opened with welcome remarks from UMT representatives Dr. Emir Dzanic, Vice Rector, and Dr. Elton Domnori, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and IT. Their messages emphasized the university’s strategic commitment to advancing technological education and innovation across Albania and the wider Balkan region.
Over the course of two days, participants were immersed in a series of expert-led sessions that tackled current challenges, showcased practical solutions, and imagined the future of intelligent systems in everything from healthcare and education to law, finance, and smart cities.
Day 1: In-Person Insights and Interdisciplinary Dialogues
Held on-site at UMT, Day 1 featured four robust sessions that highlighted real-world applications of AI and Data Science.
Session 1 explored the evolution of Generative and Agentic AI, featuring Marinela Profi of SAS (USA), who provided a strategic overview of what future leaders need to understand about these transformative technologies. Other speakers, like Emiliano Mankolli from AI Hub Albania and Florenc Demrozi from the University of Stavanger, discussed how AI is being used in legal tech and assisted living environments.
Session 2 focused on the integration of AI into strategic sectors such as healthcare and finance. Noteworthy contributions included Luigi Borzi from Politecnico di Torino, presenting on AI-powered wearable devices for Parkinson’s disease monitoring, and Denisa Hasimaj from United Bank of Albania, discussing secure financial services powered by data science.
Session 3 delved into next-gen connectivity and economic intelligence. Among the highlights were Ervis Trupja, discussing the impact of AI in education and programming, and Sara Cela, who challenged attendees to look beyond buzzwords and explore how AI can drive sustainable business development.
Session 4 rounded out the day with practical applications of AI in education, digital infrastructure, and user experience. Talks ranged from Juxhin Veseli on cybersecurity to Nadiela Ahmeti on user engagement analytics in business optimization.
Day 2: Virtual Exploration of AI’s Future Frontiers
The second day of the summit took place online, allowing international voices to engage with local experts in a fully digital format. This day emphasized the intersection of deep technical insight with societal impact.
Speakers like Mirjeta Pasha of Virginia Tech addressed modern challenges in analyzing high-dimensional data, while Prishila Hoti presented cutting-edge work on space laser communication.
Milena Shehu and Rezarta Perri, both from the University of Tirana, reflected on how AI and machine learning are reshaping employability and financial research.
The summit closed with forward-looking perspectives on ethics, regulation, and trust in AI systems. Silva Bashllari explored AI as a socio-technical system in the context of the new AI Act, while Silvi Rusi from the University of Malta discussed how data compliance is evolving in a world of accelerated analytics.
A Community Built on Innovation
The Power 2025 was more than a conference, it was a convergence of brilliant minds driven by curiosity, collaboration, and the will to shape a better future through technology. Whether in-person or online, participants left the summit with fresh ideas, new connections, and a deeper understanding of how intelligent systems are transforming our lives.
UMT’s continued investment in hosting such high-impact events positions it as a key driver in Albania’s and the region’s innovation landscape. The Power Summit series is not only putting Tirana on the tech map—it is also empowering the next generation of digital leaders.
As one speaker aptly put it, “The future is not something we enter. The future is something we create.” At The Power 2025, that creation is already underway.
