In a dynamic atmosphere full of youthful energy, the final of the 7th edition of Start Up City was held at the modern Inno Hup space by Protik near the Pyramid. Start Up City is one of the most important events in the country for youth entrepreneurship and innovation. This unique initiative, organized for seven years by University Metropolitan Tirana, aims to discover, support, and empower ideas from high school and university students with the potential to turn into real businesses.
Start Up City has become a platform for development and awareness, encouraging critical thinking, creative problem solving, and promoting entrepreneurship among young people. Over the years, dozens of projects have turned into concrete products, creating a vibrant and sustainable startup ecosystem in Albania.
The final of this edition brought together 15 selected teams who presented their ideas before a prestigious jury and a wide audience. Among the honored guests were the Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, and the President of Metropolitan University of Tirana, Mr. Arjan Çukaj.
“Start Up City is much more than a competition. It is a window of hope and opportunity for young Albanians who believe their ideas have value. Today, we saw a generation unafraid to dream and build,” said Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate.
She emphasized that this event is not just an annual occasion but a lever of development that empowers young people to move from idea to implementation. “The young participants today are not just contestants; they are creators of solutions our country needs. What impressed me most was their courage to think differently, take responsibility, and build with their own hands a better future for themselves, their community, and Albania.”
“At Metropolitan University of Tirana, we deeply believe in the power of knowledge and innovation. This event is concrete proof of the transformative potential our youth possess,” declared Mr. Arjan Çukaj, President of Metropolitan University of Tirana.
He highlighted that UMT aims not only to provide academic knowledge but to be a catalyst for social change and development. “Start Up City is not just a platform for business ideas; it is an environment where youth develop self-confidence, leadership, and sensitivity to contemporary challenges. Here, young people learn to collaborate, think critically, and bring ideas that have real social impact. It is both a pleasure and responsibility for us as an institution to be part of this transformative journey.”
The jury of this edition, composed of well-known professionals in technology, business, and the startup ecosystem, had the challenging task of selecting the most promising projects. Its members included:
1. Ms. Aldo Diku – DIAVA
2. Mr. Fulvio Lavernaro – BINP
3. Ms. Fabiola Duro – Founder of INNVEST
4. Mr. Ersen Dedja – Founder of ARCED
5. Mr. Emir Dzanic – Startup Expert, UMT
6. Mr. Valer Pinderi – Chairman of the Executive Board, Albanian E-Commerce
7. Mr. Ravik Mima – CEO of Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe
After a strong and exciting competition, the three main winners of Start Up City 7 were announced:
First Place: NineHana Prize: 2-month Acceleration Program Boosting Innovation PoliBa (BINP) + €1,000 NineHana is a platform dedicated to mothers in Albania, offering comprehensive support during pregnancy and early motherhood. With content in Albanian verified by professionals, the app provides reminders for doctor visits, baby care advice, emotional support, and a dedicated community. The idea was praised for addressing a real social need and its potential for wide social impact.
Second Place: NoctiVox Prize: €1,000 + Incubation Support from METINC NoctiVox is a platform that unifies cybersecurity tools into a single, customizable interface. Users, both individuals and organizations, can manage all critical security functions easily, with pay-per-use or enterprise packages. The jury highly valued its modular approach, flexibility, and the application of artificial intelligence technology in a market worth $240 billion.
Third Place: FinCity_MoneyRush Prize: €500 + Incubation Support from METINC MoneyRush is a gamified EdTech app aiming to teach young people about personal finance through a fun and interactive experience. Players face real-life scenarios such as budget management, saving, investing, and long-term planning, building sustainable knowledge. Features include a virtual AI advisor, personalized content, and various earning models. MoneyRush was recognized as an innovative tool for financial education of the new generation.
In addition to the top three prizes, the jury awarded special prizes recognizing outstanding presentations and entrepreneurial involvement:
- Best Pitch Award – for the most powerful and convincing presentation before the jury
- Best Woman Entrepreneur Award – for the most outstanding female entrepreneur in the competition
- Best Teen Award – for the youngest participant with a promising idea
- Innovation Hub Award – for the project with the highest potential for development in a modern incubation environment
Metropolitan University of Tirana expresses its deepest gratitude to all supporters and partners who contributed to the realization of this important event for youth entrepreneurship development. Thanks to their dedication and cooperation, this initiative came to life and became a significant step towards empowering young people with innovative ideas.
Among the valued partners supporting this event were the Faculty of Economics at the University of Tirana, DIAVA, BINP, INNVEST, the Albanian Start Up Agency, ARCED, the E-Commerce Association, Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe, and Protik. This fruitful collaboration between education institutions, the private sector, and specialized organizations is a key foundation for building a sustainable culture of innovation.
Through this network of cooperation, the value chain supporting and encouraging the development of young people’s ideas in Albania is strengthened, creating a favorable environment for their growth and realization of their entrepreneurial potential. Metropolitan University of Tirana is proud to be part of this transformative process, contributing to building a sustainable and innovative future for the country.
This edition once again confirmed that Albania has extraordinary young people capable of challenging the future and bringing creative solutions to today’s problems. Metropolitan University of Tirana reaffirmed its commitment to always stand by the youth, supporting not only academic preparation but also fostering the entrepreneurial and innovative spirit.
Start Up City 7 was not just a competition for ideas; it was a platform that demonstrated that when young people are supported and given the right space, they can create the future they want. The young participants won more than prizes — they gained experience, networking, and above all, self-confidence.
