Mayor of Elbasan Gledian Llatja said startups will transform into concrete development models for Elbasan during a meeting with winners of Albania’s 2025 startup program and new applicants for 2026.
The event took place at the newly renovated “Onufri” arts high school in Elbasan. Young innovators presented promising technology projects and digital solutions.
Currently, Albania has 3,300 registered technology companies and more than 21,000 specialists working in the sector. Meanwhile, the number of students enrolled in digital technology programs has increased by 15%.
During his speech, Llatja said the Municipality of Elbasan and the Youth Council worked from the very first edition of the program to inform and guide young people toward new opportunities in technology and entrepreneurship.
Prime Minister Edi Rama, Deputy Minister of Economy and Innovation Olta Manjani, and Socialist political leader Arbjan Mazniku also attended the event.
Llatja recalled the story of a young entrepreneur named Aldin, who started with business ideas during the program’s first edition and now leads his own company as CEO. He said such success stories motivate the municipality to continue supporting young innovators.
Furthermore, the mayor highlighted investments in education and technology across the city. Elbasan currently has 15,000 students and 27 information technology laboratories. Authorities have already renovated 17 labs according to modern standards, while 10 more will soon undergo modernization.
In addition, the municipality has established artificial intelligence laboratories in two major high schools. Today, 2,951 students regularly use IT laboratories, while 923 students work in AI labs.
Llatja said the municipality now plans to expand the same model into administrative units and rural areas.
Moreover, he praised several innovative projects presented during the event. He especially highlighted Fabjola, a participant who arrived from Belgium with a recycling project focused on aluminum mining waste.
According to Llatja, the project combines carbon and ash to create a material that repairs defects in concrete and transforms old concrete into new material.
The mayor also stressed that Elbasan Municipality will continue cooperating with Aleksandër Xhuvani University and local research centers. The partnership aims to turn startups into concrete investments and successful models of the circular economy.
Finally, Llatja said the municipality is working with businesses to reuse waste from heavy metallurgy and ferrochrome industries. He added that materials once considered problematic can now support economic development in Elbasan and across Albania.
/a.c/
The post Llatja: Startups Will Become Concrete Development Models for Elbasan appeared first on RTSH English.
