TIRANA, May 28 – The 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Report by StartupBlink ranked Albania 75th in the world. The report recorded annual ecosystem growth of 71.1%.
StartupBlink ranked Albania as the fourth fastest-growing startup ecosystem in Europe. The country climbed eight places in the global ranking. The report described this as the joint largest rise in Europe and the third largest worldwide.
As a result, Albania returned to the global top 80. The report also identified the country as the fourth fastest-growing ecosystem in Europe.
The results position Albania among the continent’s strongest innovation performers. In addition, they reflect the impact of recent reforms in innovation and entrepreneurship.
Meanwhile, Economy, Culture and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the ranking confirms the government’s strategy. She linked the progress to public investment, structural reforms and support for entrepreneurs. Ibrahimaj said the Albanian innovation and startup ecosystem is becoming a real driver of the economy. She added that Albania is creating conditions for talent, investment and innovation-led growth.
The improvement follows several measures introduced during the past two years. These include the establishment of Startup Albania and consolidation of the innovation portfolio under the Ministry of Economy and Innovation.
At the same time, the latest grant scheme cycle in 2026 attracted 1,179 startup applicants and 40 innovation support institutions. The report noted record participation from women-led businesses, which accounted for 40.6% of applicants.
The report also stated that Albania ranks 60th among 125 countries in the Business Environment for Innovation Index. According to StartupBlink, this indicates stronger business conditions than the ecosystem’s current output and signals further growth potential in the coming years.
Tirana remains the only Albanian city included in the ranking. However, the report identified development of startup hubs beyond the capital as the main structural priority for the next phase.
Meanwhile, StartupBlink’s 2026 Global Startup Ecosystem Report ranked 1,000 cities and 125 countries based on ecosystem strength, business environment, and quality indicators.
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