Kosovo Startup Ecosystem Forum 2026: two days of alignment and action for a stronger ecosystem

On 22–23 January, at Tech Park Prishtina, we hosted the Kosovo Startup Ecosystem Forum—an event designed to strengthen Kosovo’s early-stage startup ecosystem by building a shared understanding of where the ecosystem stands today, identifying gaps and opportunities, and creating meaningful connections across ecosystem players, investors, and startups.

The forum was co-organised by Swiss EP, Startup Wise Guys, Kosovo ICT Association STIKK, HiSpace, VentureUp, and Makerspace Innovation Center Prizren. In total, 15 startups participated on Day 1 and 50 ecosystem representatives joined on Day 2—bringing together hands-on startup support with strategic ecosystem-level dialogue.

Day 1: practical startup support
Day 1 focused on investor readiness and startup execution, featuring workshops on fundraising and investor mindset, business model work, company valuation, 1:1 mentorship, pitch improvements, and startup pitches. At the end of the day, startup pitches were held and 6 startups were selected to present on Day 2.

Day 2: mapping, dialogue, and actionable recommendations
Day 2 opened with an ecosystem mapping and due diligence discussion, focusing on key ecosystem actors, startup maturity, dealflow quality, early-stage and follow-on capital, and the structural bottlenecks that must be addressed to unlock faster growth.

The program continued with experience sharing from other ecosystems and focused roundtables across four core themes: capital access, startup support, talent and culture, and institutions and corporates. These discussions were driven by practical questions aimed at producing concrete next steps.

The day concluded with startup pitches and networking, turning insights into real connections and collaboration opportunities.

Why this forum mattered
Kosovo has energy, talent, and ambition. What accelerates growth is alignment: clearer support pathways, stronger signals to investors, and more structured investment readiness for founders. These were the core themes of the forum—helping make the ecosystem more investable and enabling international capital to connect more naturally through the growth of local startups.

With Startup Wise Guys engaging in Kosovo, a new chapter opens for startup support and broader ecosystem development. At the same time, real progress is built together—thank you to every participant and partner who contributed ideas and recommendations.

A sincere thank you to all co-organisers and participants. Special thanks to Gunce Onur and Davide Coppola for their contribution throughout the program.

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STIKK inaugurates the new canteen at Tech Park Prishtina

Prishtina, 18.12.2025 — With the support of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kosovo Association of Information and Communication Technology (STIKK) officially inaugurated the new canteen at Tech Park Prishtina, an investment aimed at strengthening the park’s daily operations and creating more space for cooperation, networking and interaction within the ICT community.

The inauguration took place at Tech Park Prishtina in the presence of STIKK member companies, institutional partners, business community representatives and innovation ecosystem stakeholders. The opening of the canteen marks an important step in the further development of Tech Park Prishtina’s infrastructure and in increasing its attractiveness for companies, students, professionals and partners who use the space.

In her opening remarks, STIKK’s Executive Director, Ms. Vjollca Çavolli, emphasised that Tech Park Prishtina is not only a physical space for companies, but a platform where the ICT community meets, collaborates and develops new ideas. She noted that the operationalisation of the canteen makes the park more vibrant, practical and responsive to the daily needs of companies and the wider community.

Mr. Henrique Stefani, Project Manager of the “Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo” project, highlighted the importance of modern infrastructure in supporting skills development, employment and cooperation between industry and education. He underlined that spaces of this kind help create a better environment for networking, learning and exchange of experience.

The new canteen has been designed as both a functional and social space within Tech Park Prishtina. In addition to providing daily services for companies and visitors, it will serve as a meeting point for informal discussions, community gatherings, networking and cooperation among companies, students, professionals and partners.

This investment contributes directly to the sustainability and long-term development of Tech Park Prishtina. By improving the daily experience of companies and the community, the canteen helps create a more complete, attractive and functional environment for innovation, work and collaboration.

For STIKK, the development of Tech Park Prishtina’s infrastructure is part of a broader commitment to building a stronger ICT ecosystem in Kosovo. Spaces that bring the community closer together create better conditions for new ideas, new partnerships and new development opportunities.

The establishment of the Tech Park Prishtina canteen was carried out with the support of the “Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo” project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

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STIKK publishes the Kosovo IT Barometer 2023–2024

Prishtina, 18.12.2025 —

With the support of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, the Kosovo Association of Information and Communication Technology (STIKK) published and presented the findings of the Kosovo IT Barometer 2023–2024, one of the key instruments for measuring and analysing the development of Kosovo’s ICT sector.

The event was held at Tech Park Prishtina and brought together ICT companies, partner institutions, business community representatives and ecosystem stakeholders. The discussion focused on key sector developments, workforce challenges, export capacity and the need for stronger cooperation between industry, education and public institutions.

In her opening remarks, STIKK’s Executive Director, Ms. Vjollca Çavolli, highlighted the importance of reliable data in understanding the trends, challenges and real needs of Kosovo’s ICT sector. She underlined that the development of the sector requires evidence-based decision-making, especially in areas related to skills, employment, exports and cooperation with the education system.

She was followed by Mr. Henrique Stefani, Project Manager of the “Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo” project, who emphasised the importance of skills development and stronger links between education and the labour market as prerequisites for sustainable economic growth and quality employment.

The main findings of the Kosovo IT Barometer 2023–2024 were presented by Mr. Visar Berisha from Kantar Index Kosova. Conducted annually by STIKK since 2014, the Barometer provides a detailed overview of Kosovo’s ICT and creative services sector, covering market size, employment trends, service exports, skills gaps and key industry challenges.

The current edition is based on responses from 115 ICT-related companies and confirms that Kosovo’s ICT sector remains one of the country’s most dynamic areas of economic growth. The report points to a young, entrepreneurial and increasingly international sector, with many companies providing services to clients abroad.

At the same time, the findings show that the sector continues to face structural challenges. The shortage of qualified professionals, the need for stronger skills in programming, data, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity, access to finance, global competition and closer cooperation with educational institutions remain among the key issues requiring sustained attention.

For the first time, the Barometer also includes a dedicated section on Dual Vocational Education and Training in ICT. This section provides insights into how companies engage with students, host trainees and assess the relevance of vocational programmes in relation to labour-market needs.

For STIKK, the Kosovo IT Barometer remains an important tool for understanding the state of the sector, identifying skills gaps and informing policies, programmes and partnerships aimed at further developing Kosovo’s ICT industry.

The publication of the Kosovo IT Barometer 2023–2024 was carried out with the support of the “Skills for sustainable jobs in Kosovo” project, funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

The full Kosovo IT Barometer 2023–2024 report is available here:
http://bit.ly/3KGkJcJ

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Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference 2025 – Driving innovation, decarbonisation and security for SMEs: a stronger network in action

STIKK will join Network partners and stakeholders at the Enterprise Europe Network Annual Conference 2025, taking place on 26–28 November at the Aalborg Kongres & Kultur Center in Denmark.

This year’s edition, themed “Driving innovation, decarbonisation and security for SMEs: a stronger Network in action”, will gather up to 800 participants from all over the globe for two-and-a-half days of exchange, collaboration, and insights.

What to expect

The Annual Conference is the central meeting point for Enterprise Europe Network partners, EU policymakers, and international experts. Organised by Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs (DG GROW) and European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), with support from the North Denmark EU-Office, the event will feature interactive sessions, exhibition stands, networking opportunities, online matchmaking, and live-streamed opening and closing plenaries, all designed to build stronger collaboration within and beyond the Network.

Key objectives and themes

This year’s conference will bring together all partners for their first Annual Conference since the new programme period began in July 2025. Participants will explore how the Network can contribute to the industrial transition, exchange best practices to enhance service quality and visibility, and build new synergies through dedicated networking opportunities.

The discussions will revolve around four main strands, reflecting key EU policy priorities:

• Innovation and Start-ups
• Industrial transition
• Single Market and beyond
• Quality and Impact

 

Stay in the loop

Follow the conversation on LinkedIn, X, and Facebook using #EEN2025, and don’t miss the opening and closing sessions, which will be livestreamed on EEN website for a broader audience.

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KosICT 2025 wraps its 14th edition

The 14th edition of KosICT – Kosovo’s flagship technology festival, powered by STIKK, closed after two intensive days at Tech Park Prishtina with 2,798 registered participants, 208 companies represented, 47 speakers across 22 sessions (14 Main Stage, 8 Developers Stage), 40 exhibitors, and a Future Developers Corner featuring 50 children aged 6–15 learning coding and robotics. Around 20% of attendees were C-level executives, signaling growing demand for practical content, credible partners, and investable opportunities in Kosovo’s tech ecosystem.

The festival opened the OctoberTech Kosova season, a nationwide umbrella for innovation supported by public and private partners, and featured high-level participation including Vjosa Osmani, President of the Republic of Kosovo, alongside national and international stakeholders. Across two stages, the program connected strategy to execution: from AI-driven skills and founder scale-ups to secure cloud communications, municipal digitalization, applied QA for AI systems, and leadership designed for growth.

On the Main Stage, Coursera’s Andy Poole framed skills as the economy’s new currency in the age of AI; Krenar Komoni (Tive) translated founder lessons into operator discipline; WithSecure Intelligence’s Paolo Palumbo mapped the dual-use security reality of AI; and Rachel Mooney (RMM People) distilled two decades of people leadership into decision-rights and feedback systems that compound execution. An EBRD-supported masterclass with Robert Garcia (former CEO, Resonate) explored how leaders scale and then deliberately hand off—structuring ownership, making processes legible, and ensuring customers recognize the product more than the personality. UNDP Kosovo supported a greentech conversation moderated by Louise Skärvall (BOOST), with PI Labs, Electric Mobility, and the Municipality of Prishtina discussing outcome-based procurement, interoperable data, and pilot ownership that residents can feel.

The Developers Stage stayed close to code and delivery. Ericsson Nikola Tesla examined where ML truly helps in embedded systems; CloudAstro unpacked real-world DevOps pipelines; LuxDev convened employers and educators on dual-VET pathways; the Embassy of Finland and Finnpartnership mapped Kosovo–Finland collaboration in private 5G and cybersecurity; Ligna Energy presented ultra-thin, greener power for ambient IoT; ISA Robotics bridged heritage and mechatronics; HERCyber and the British Council pushed privacy-by-design and threat-modeling into daily routines; and ScanwAi Oy reminded teams that clear communication and sales turn technology into business.

Investment flowed in parallel to content. In an EBRD-supported Investors Pitch, nine startups presented to a six-member panel; €50,000 was committed by Krenar Komoni, divided equally among five teams—Foton, Planomate, Me Zemër, Kosova Global Talent Center, and Hamatics—rewarding product clarity, evidence of demand, and execution capacity. Deal-making extended beyond the stage through a hybrid B2B Matchmaking format, powered by the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) Kosovo, where 40 companies coordinated online and on-site meetings via the b2match platform to scope pilots, integrations, distribution, and co-development.

On the exhibition floor, Trailblazers and Innovation Fairs brought 40 exhibitors into a working marketplace of short demos and fast follow-ups, linking discovery to concrete next steps. The Future Developers Corner showcased 50 children from schools and academies who learn coding and robotics from an early age; their projects and Main Stage appearance offered a glimpse of the pipeline already forming beneath today’s teams. Community energy carried into the eSports Showdown, where eight corporate teams competed in Counter-Strike 2.0 and FIFA; Mikena Global took the trophy, while a professional 1v1 League of Legends tournament organized by Xportal and supported by Red Bull Kosova added a competitive edge with a charitable purpose.

“KosICT exists to convert attention into outcomes—skills into jobs, demos into pilots, and stage time into capital,” said Burbuqe Hashimi, Chairwoman of the STIKK Board. “This year’s edition proved again that Kosovo can host world-class conversations while moving real deals forward.” Vjollca Çavolli, Executive Director of STIKK, added: “The collaboration across government, donors, investors, and companies is what makes OctoberTech Kosova special. We’re proud that KosICT continues to be the operating system for those partnerships.”

About KosICT

Founded in 2011 and curated by STIKK (Kosovo ICT Association), KosICT is the country’s leading technology festival, bringing together founders, engineers, investors, policymakers, educators, and students to advance the digital economy. The festival blends high-level talks with hands-on tracks, exhibitions, B2B matchmaking, and community activations.

About STIKK

STIKK – Kosovo ICT Association is the umbrella organization for Kosovo’s ICT industry, representing 120+ member companies. STIKK promotes sector growth through advocacy, capacity building, market access, research, and the production of Kosovo’s flagship tech events.

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Girls in ICT Week 2025 – a successful story with DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo

DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo, operating under STIKK, has successfully concluded its activities as part of the “Girls in ICT Week 2025” initiative. The primary objective of the initiative was to empower and encourage young girls in the Information and Communication Technology (ICT) sector by creating a platform for sharing knowledge and experiences through inspiring stories from successful women in the field.

Throughout the week, DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo organized nine events held at nine different public and private institutions across eight municipalities in Kosovo, including Vitia, Peja, Gjakova, Prizren, Kamenica, Podujeva, Drenas, and Skenderaj. The events took place in various educational and innovation-focused institutions, including professional schools, high schools, innovation hubs, and technology parks.

A total of 15 mentors participated, professional women and leaders representing renowned companies and organizations in technology and business sectors, such as: 3CIS JSC, Dare to Create, Sentry Cybersecurity, Softeh LLC, Linkplus IT, Cacttus Education, Polar Bear Agency, Brandfluence, Next Gen Networks Institute, Imbus Peja, The Foundation House, and Women in Tech Kosovo.

During the interactive sessions, mentors shared their personal and professional journeys, emphasizing courage, innovation, self-confidence, wellbeing, and professional networking as essential elements for success in the tech industry. Around 300 young women participated in these events, actively engaging in discussions, asking insightful questions, and creating valuable professional connections for their future careers.

These activities were supported by the EnInGeP project, funded by the Austrian Development Agency and jointly executed by CARE International and ECIKS, marking a significant step forward in creating new opportunities and advancing gender equality in Kosovo’s ICT sector.

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STIKK Holds Successful 17th Assembly Meeting, Approves Key Plans and Elects New Board

Prishtina, Kosovo – February 12, 2025 – The Kosovo Association of Information and Communication Technology (STIKK) successfully convened its 17th Assembly Meeting on February 12, 2025, at Tech Park Prishtina. The gathering brought together 32 representatives from STIKK member companies, marking a significant moment for the ICT sector in Kosovo as key achievements were reviewed, strategic plans approved, and a new board elected to lead the association forward.

The meeting commenced with an opening address highlighting the challenges and accomplishments of 2024, emphasizing the sector’s growth, improved services, and increasing international recognition of Kosovar companies. The annual report for 2024 was presented, detailing STIKK’s efforts across four strategic objectives: enhancing human capacity, improving legal and financial infrastructure, expanding market opportunities, and promoting the ICT industry’s global identity. Notable achievements included organizing over 35 training sessions and events at Tech Park Prishtina, successful B2B engagements in Austria and Berlin, and the flagship KosICT festival, which attracted over 3,000 participants from 15 countries.

The Assembly approved several critical documents, including the 2024 annual report, the work plan and budget for 2025, and the 2024 audit report. Discussions among members underscored the need for increased support for startups, enhanced international market engagement, and the completion of initiatives like the IT Barometer.

The work plan and budget for 2025 were also ratified, with key priorities outlined to drive the ICT sector’s growth. These include strengthening the legal framework for ICT businesses, increasing financing opportunities for ICT companies, enhancing the sector’s identity in the global market, and reinforcing Tech Park Prishtina as a hub for innovation.

A major highlight of the meeting was the election of the new STIKK Board, tasked with steering the association through its next phase of development. The newly elected board members are:

Astrit Leti (Tive)
Albert Aliu (Global CT Digital Kosovo)
Erblina Idrizi (Imbus Peja)
Çelik Nimani (Valtech)
Burbuqe Hashimi (3CIS)

Following the election, the full composition of the STIKK Board was confirmed as follows:

Chair: Burbuqe Hashimi (3CIS)
Vice-Chair: Bardha Ajvazi (Brandfluence)
Members:
• Astrit Leti (Tive)
• Alban Sahiti (Tenton)
• Albert Aliu (Global CT Digital Kosovo)
• Benjamin Kolenovic (Growzillas)
• Erblina Idrizi (Imbus Peja)
• Çelik Nimani (Valtech)
• Kristian Kabashi (Numarics)

STIKK remains committed to advancing Kosovo’s ICT industry by fostering innovation, supporting its members, and positioning the sector as a key pillar of the national economy. The outcomes of the 17th Assembly Meeting set a strong foundation for continued progress in 2025 and beyond.

For more information, please contact the STIKK Executive Office at [email protected]

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KosICT 2024: A Resounding Success with Innovation, Inspiration, and Global Collaboration

Prishtina, October 13, 2024 – The 13th edition of the KosICT Technology Festival has come to a close, marking yet another milestone for Kosovo’s tech industry. Held at Tech Park Prishtina on October 11-12, the event surpassed expectations, bringing together global experts, industry leaders, startups, and tech enthusiasts for two days of knowledge-sharing, networking, and innovation. With over 3,000 participants, 104 companies represented, and speakers from 15 different countries, KosICT 2024 cemented itself as a premier technology event in the region.

A Dynamic Platform for Global Perspectives

This year’s festival featured 30 distinguished speakers across both the Main and Developers’ Stages, offering insights into the latest technological trends and challenges. With 9 keynotes, 1 panel discussion, 6 fireside chats, and 1 presentation on the Main Stage, and 3 presentations, 1 panel discussion, and 4 workshops on the Developers Stage, the event provided diverse content that catered to various interests and sectors.

Among the highlights were the keynote from Dex Hunter-Torricke, Head of Global Communications & Marketing at Google DeepMind, who spoke about navigating the decade of technological revolution, and the fireside chat with Oskari Pétas, Co-founder of Wolt, detailing the startup’s journey to a €7 billion acquisition by DoorDash. Sabine Singer, a pioneer in Value-Based Engineering, also moderated a key session on public policy and technology with Përparim Rama, Mayor of Prishtina, offering valuable insights into the city’s future growth and digital transformation.

Innovation and Startups Shine

The Innovation Fair provided a platform for 11 groundbreaking startups to showcase their solutions to investors, tech enthusiasts, and potential clients. Supported by the EU-funded Startup project and implemented by STIKK, the fair highlighted how these early-stage companies are leveraging innovation to disrupt industries ranging from virtual reality to peer-to-peer car-sharing platforms. Among the startups were The Lobby Boy, TERMINI, LABVR, and SPARE, each bringing fresh perspectives and inventive solutions to the table.

On the other side of the venue, the Trailblazers Fair featured 11 established companies, including ProCredit Bank, IPKO, Ericsson, and Nettxio, showcasing their innovative products and services. This fair offered attendees a glimpse into the leading-edge technologies driving industry transformation in Kosovo and beyond.

Future Developers Corner: Fostering Tomorrow’s Innovators

One of the most inspiring elements of KosICT 2024 was the Future Developers Corner, where 30 young prodigies, aged 8-16, demonstrated their coding and tech skills. Representing schools such as Finnish School, J-Coders, and Algorithmics, these future developers presented projects ranging from games and web applications to robotics and hardware solutions, captivating attendees with their creativity and passion.

A Hub for Networking and Collaboration

The festival also served as a networking powerhouse with its B2B Brokerage Event. Over 150 B2B meetings took place across two days, providing a unique opportunity for companies to connect and explore potential partnerships. Day one featured an international B2B event organized under the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN), where 30 local and foreign companies participated. On the second day, a cross-sectoral B2B event focused on women-owned businesses, organized by STIKK in collaboration with DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo and USAID Kosovo Compete Activity.

KosICT eSports Showdown

The eSports Showdown returned to KosICT with two thrilling tournaments. The first was a charity Counter-Strike competition between companies, which culminated in a final between Starlabs and Telos Labs, with Starlabs emerging as the winner. The second tournament, a professional Dota 2 showdown, saw 8 competitive teams battle for glory, with BLINK taking home the top prize.

An Unforgettable Pre-Event Reception

One day before the festival officially kicked off, KosICT hosted an exclusive reception for speakers, STIKK members, and special guests. Co-hosted by Advantage Austria at Hotel Prishtina, the reception provided a relaxed and informal setting for attendees to connect, network, and build relationships ahead of the main event.

A New Era with OctoberTech Kosova

KosICT 2024 also served as the opening event for OctoberTech Kosova, a new initiative supported by the Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo. This initiative brings together Kosovo’s most prominent digital technology events, including DOKU.TECH and GrowthTank, creating a dynamic platform for collaboration, innovation, and knowledge-sharing.

Looking Ahead

As the 13th edition of KosICT concludes, the success of this year’s event highlights the ever-growing importance of the tech industry in Kosovo and the region. With world-class speakers, impactful discussions, and groundbreaking innovations, KosICT continues to serve as a platform where technology meets business, and ideas meet opportunity. We look forward to seeing what the next edition will bring, as KosICT continues to set new benchmarks for tech festivals in the Balkans and beyond.

For more information, visit the KosICT website or follow us on our social media platforms.

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KosICT 2024 – Kosovo’s Leading Technology Event Returns for its 13th Edition

Prishtina, October 11-12, 2024 – The highly anticipated 13th edition of the KosICT Technology Festival will take place at Tech Park Prishtina. This year’s event promises to be bigger and more impactful than ever, featuring cutting-edge discussions, high-level speakers, and companies showcasing the best in global technology.

With a packed agenda that includes 17 sessions on the Main Stage and 8 sessions on the Developers Stage, the festival will host 30 speakers, 23 of whom are international, representing some of the most renowned companies and innovation hubs in the world. Among the speakers are representatives from Google DeepMind, Camunda, Emerging Europe, and Wolt, who will bring insights on the latest trends in Artificial Intelligence, process automation, entrepreneurial leadership, and digital transformation.

Additional Events at KosICT 2024:

• The Trailblazers Fair – Featuring 10 companies presenting innovative products and solutions.
• The Innovation Fair – Showcasing 11 startups, offering participants a chance to explore the future of innovation in technology.
• Future Developers Corner – A unique space for 30 young tech geniuses, aged 8-16, to demonstrate their skills in coding and technology.
• International B2B Brokerage Event – A networking platform for 50 companies from around the world, facilitating key business connections.
• eSports Showdown – An exciting eSports competition with two tournaments, one for charity and one professional.

A Global Perspective on Technology and Innovation KosICT 2024 is set to establish new standards in the world of tech conferences in the region, featuring futuristic keynotes, fireside chats, and panel discussions. Prime Minister Albin Kurti will officially open KosICT on the Main Stage with the keynote address. One of the most anticipated sessions includes a keynote by Dex Hunter-Torricke, Head of Communications at Google Deep Mind, who will share insights on navigating the decade of technological revolution. Additionally, a Fireside Chat with Oskari Pétas, Co-founder of Wolt, will explore the company’s journey from startup to its €7 billion acquisition.

The Mayor of Prishtina, Përparim Rama, will also take the Main Stage in a special session titled “Transforming Prishtina: From Complicated to Complex,” moderated by the world pioneer in Value-Based Engineering, Sabine Singer.

OctoberTech Kosova – A New Initiative KosICT 2024 will serve as the official opening event for OctoberTech Kosova, a new initiative consolidating the most important digital technology events in Kosovo, including KosICT, DOKU.TECH, and GrowthTank. Supported by the Office of the Prime Minister of Kosovo, this initiative aims to provide a dynamic platform for collaboration, knowledge-sharing, and innovation in digital technology.

A Global Platform for Investors and Startups This year’s festival is expected to host the largest-ever participation of foreign investors and venture capitalists, with attendees from Finland, the USA, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, and beyond. The Investors Pitch session, scheduled for October 11 at 15:00, will offer startups a unique opportunity to present their innovative ideas to global investors.

About KosICT 2024 The KosICT Technology Festival is Kosovo’s premier technology event, bringing together experts, entrepreneurs, investors, and policymakers to explore the future of technology and its impact on business, society, and the global economy. The event is organized by STIKK, with ProCredit Bank Kosova as the general sponsor.

For more information about the event, visit the KosICT website or follow us on our social media platforms.

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Girls in ICT Week 2024

During the annual Week of Girls in ICT, held from April 22nd to 27th, 2024, DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo organized a series of events under STIKK to promote ICT careers for girls.

DigiWomen Cluster members visited 12 secondary schools across Mitrovica, Peje, Gjakove, Prizren, Ferizaj, Drenas, Podujeve, Gjilan, and Pristina, reaching a total of 410 girls. These interactive sessions showcased the real-world experiences of women in the ICT field, including the challenges, triumphs, and exciting opportunities in this dynamic sector.

The girls’ curiosity was ignited, leading to engaging discussions about potential careers in ICT, from technical roles to entrepreneurial ventures. These STIKK activities were made possible with the support of the EnInGeP Project.

The Tech Empowerment Marketplace: Women Leading Innovation, held on April 25, 2024, at Prishtina’s Tech Park, was a success. The event brought together 80 participants, including 45 women entrepreneurs, from across Kosovo’s diverse industries.

Vjollca Cavolli (STIKK) and Alex Albertine (USAID Kosovo) opened the event, highlighting the importance of women in technology. A panel discussion featured successful women entrepreneurs from nine different sectors. Vesa Morina, Doresa Kabashi, Vlora Gashi, Iliriana Ibraj, and Diora Binxhiu shared their experiences overcoming challenges. A roundtable discussion led by Artan Avdiu (USAID) focused on the digitalization challenges faced by women-owned businesses.

The highlight was the B2B meetings. These sessions connected 15 women-led ICT businesses (DigiWoman Cluster) with potential clients in the Wood and Food processing sectors. Over 40 meetings facilitated idea exchange and potential collaborations.

The event attracted more participants than anticipated. The marketplace provided a platform for women in ICT to showcase their solutions to new clients in different sectors.

The Tech Empowerment Marketplace fostered collaboration and economic empowerment for women entrepreneurs. It raised awareness of the important role women play in driving innovation. This event was a significant step towards a future where women are leaders in Kosovo’s technological advancements.

DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo remains dedicated to empowering women in technology, breaking down barriers, and fostering an inclusive future in the ICT industry. Together, we can create lasting change and shape a brighter tomorrow.

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