TIRANA, July 17 – Albania announced the winners of the Innovation4Albania Grant 2026 programme, including startups and incubators that will receive financial support.
Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj said the government has invested 16.5 million euros in startups over the past four years. She noted that the initial commitment in 2022 stood at 10 million euros. She added that supporting young entrepreneurs remains essential to building a modern and innovative economy.
Meanwhile, Ibrahimaj said this year’s programme attracted 189 applications, three times more than a year earlier. She noted that the average age of startup founders in Albania is now 33.
In addition, the minister highlighted stronger participation by women in entrepreneurship. She said 417 women and girls applied this year, double the number recorded in 2025. According to Ibrahimaj, women founded 34.3% of the startups that received funding in Albania. She noted that this figure exceeds the European average of 16%.
Finally, Ibrahimaj said the government aims to expand the startup ecosystem beyond Tirana. She noted that funded startups now operate in Shkodër, Durrës, Vlora, Lezha, Elbasan and other cities across the country.
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