The 12th edition of KosICT Technology Festival, a celebration of innovation and collaboration

The 12th edition of the KosICT Technology Festival, held at the vibrant Klan Arena in Prishtina on October 13-14, 2023, was a resounding success, leaving an indelible mark on the world of technology and innovation. With a diverse and engaging program, the festival boasted a total of 12 captivating sessions on the Main Stage, further enriched by 9 Dev Stage sessions and an inspiring glimpse into the future with the “Future Developers” presentation.

The event commenced with a set of inspiring Opening Remarks delivered by a lineup of distinguished speakers. Mr. Ermal Sadiku, Chairman of STIKK Board, set the stage by emphasizing the pivotal role of technology in fostering innovation, economic growth, and sustainability. H.E. Albin Kurti, the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, added to the discourse by sharing his insights on the transformative power of technology. H.E. Artane Rizvanolli, the Minister of Economy, joined the conversation, highlighting the importance of collaboration and innovation. Lastly, Mr. Përparim Rama, Mayor of Prishtina, underlined the potential for technology to drive positive change in the city and beyond. These Opening Remarks left a resounding impact, underscoring the event’s central theme of collaboration, innovation, and the remarkable potential that technology holds in the contemporary world.

The event was more than just discussions and presentations; it was a dynamic convergence of minds, offering thrilling entertainment through 2 e-sports tournaments that showcased the gaming prowess of the participants. A significant highlight of the festival was the presence of numerous companies and startups that brought their innovative ideas to the forefront.

Main Themes and Topics

The 12th KosICT Technology Festival provided a rich tapestry of discussions and activities. The Main Stage sessions delved into topics ranging from the practical applications of generative AI in the real world, challenges and opportunities in banking services, unmasking cyber threats, the role of tech leads in an AI-driven world, the fine balance between startup culture and corporate structure, mastering data management, and navigating the future of digital transformation. These sessions featured distinguished speakers who shared their expertise and insights, creating a melting pot of knowledge and ideas.

Participation and Collaboration

The festival fostered a spirit of collaboration and exploration, evidenced by the Trailblazers Fair, featuring 18 prominent companies that have made significant contributions to the local ICT industry. The Innovation Fair introduced 14 dynamic startups, offering a glimpse into the future of technology and entrepreneurship. These events highlighted the spirit of innovation that drives the tech community.

Business Opportunities

The festival also provided an invaluable platform for B2B meetings, with the Business Lounge facilitating an impressive 150 meetings during the Brokerage Event. These interactions were instrumental in forging partnerships, collaborations, and investment opportunities.

Nurturing the Next Generation

Beyond the conventional events, the festival extended its influence by organizing a special workshop on AI designed for children. This heartwarming initiative aimed to nurture the next generation of tech enthusiasts and innovators.

Incredible Lineup of Speakers

In terms of numbers, the festival attracted around 3,000 eager participants, who had the privilege of engaging with 30 distinguished speakers, including 13 local, 4 from the diaspora, and 13 foreign experts from 10 different countries. These vibrant discussions and exchanges were made possible through the support of 20 sponsors and 6 partners, who shared the festival’s vision.

A Celebration of Collaboration and Innovation

The 12th KosICT Technology Festival was an extraordinary success, embodying the spirit of technology, collaboration, and the exciting possibilities that lie ahead. It was a celebration of excellence, a platform for knowledge exchange, and a testament to the bright future of technology. As the festival concluded, it left a trail of inspiration and possibilities in its wake, underlining the remarkable potential that technology holds in today’s ever-evolving world. The 12th edition of KosICT was more than just an event; it was a gateway to the future, where technology and innovation reign supreme.

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Inaugurohet “Tech Park Prishtina”, moment historik për të ardhmen e teknologjisë në Kosovë

In the heart of Kosovo, in Pristina, an extraordinary transformation is underway that promises to reshape the country’s economy and technology sector. Tech Park Prishtina has opened its doors and is a testament to the power of vision, persistence and pursuit of knowledge-based economic growth.

At the inauguration ceremony, speeches were given by the Prime Minister, Albin Kurti, the Minister of Economy, Artane Rizvanolli, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Entrepreneurship, Rozeta Hajdari, the Deputy Head of the EU Office in Kosovo, Eva Palatova and the Executive Director of STIKK, Vjollca Cavolli.

A vision of progress

The seeds of Tech Park Prishtina were planted in 2014 when the IT Strategy for Kosovo was prepared by STIKK in cooperation with the Ministry of Economic Development and other key actors. This strategy laid the foundation for what is now a groundbreaking initiative.

In 2017, a key moment came with the signing of the contract with the Ministry of Trade and Industry for the transformation of the facility in Bernica into Tech Park Prishtina. The Ministry of Economy has allocated close to 1.2 million euros for the creation and operation of Tech Park Prishtina, while the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade (MINT) gave STIKK space for use.

In 2023, after several phases of rehabilitation work, the facility was completed and stands as a symbol of Kosovo’s commitment to innovation and technology.

Beneficiaries of a thriving ecosystem

Tech Park Prishtina aims to impact a wide range of beneficiaries, directly and indirectly. Among the direct beneficiaries are ICT companies, mature startups, professionals, ICT students and research institutions. The park offers these entities access to modern infrastructure as well as access to funding, mentoring and networking opportunities.

But the effects of Tech Park Prishtina go beyond these immediate stakeholders. The local community, entrepreneurs, investors, government and academic institutions will all benefit from the growth of a knowledge-based economy and technological innovation within the region.

Ambitious Goals: The Road to 2028

As Tech Park Prishtina prepares for its grand opening, it has set some impressive goals for the near future. In the next five years, Tech Park Prishtina aims to create over 300 qualified jobs, host more than 60 companies and startups, develop at least five specialized services for ICT companies, and create two research and development laboratories for the ICT industry. Beyond numbers, Tech Park aspires to mark Kosovo as a center for technology and entrepreneurship. Ambitions extend even further, to become the cornerstone of a free economic zone, promoting an innovative zone for the ICT sector in Kosovo. And, in particular, self-sustainability is a key objective, with strategies to attract more companies and startups, organize events and training sessions, and explore renewable energy and waste reduction programs.

A structure designed for success

Tech Park Prishtina’s facilities are carefully designed to facilitate growth and innovation. With an area spanning 8,000 square meters and a construction area of 4,000 square meters, it offers ample space for setting up an ICT ecosystem. Inside, the park offers 26 offices, meeting rooms and training rooms, while outside, a green space of 1,600 square meters provides an ideal environment for collaboration and inspiration.

Promising advantages of TechPark Prishtina

Tech Park Prishtina will become more than a physical location; it is a catalyst for growth and development. Here’s how:

-More knowledge and investments in Research and Development: Attracting investments based on knowledge and research and development activities can position Pristina as a center for innovation and knowledge creation.

-More tax revenue: TechPark Prishtina will provide opportunities to generate more tax revenue and contributions to the local government. The park will attract technology companies and startups that can create high-paying jobs, boosting the local economy and increasing tax revenue. In turn, these revenues can be used to finance public services and infrastructure, improving the quality of life for the local population.

-Less brain drain: The park offers an incentive for qualified individuals to stay in Kosovo, thus curbing the phenomenon of brain drain. The park will provide employment opportunities, support for entrepreneurship and a collaborative and innovative environment that can motivate talented individuals to stay and contribute to the local economy.

-More excellence in knowledge: A collaborative environment fosters the sharing of knowledge and expertise, promoting innovation and research and development activities.

-More commercialization and knowledge-based entrepreneurship: The Tech Park ecosystem supports the development of new products, services and technologies, offering startups and companies opportunities for growth and access to funding, mentoring and networking.

Tech Park Prishtina is not just a physical location; is a proof of Kosovo’s vision for a future driven by knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship. This investment is ready for a new chapter in Kosovo’s technology history, a chapter that promises to transform Kosovo into a powerhouse of technology and innovation.

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STAR UP Project Soars to New Heights: A Triumph at KosICT 12th Edition

In a dazzling display of innovation and entrepreneurship, the STAR UP Project in Kosovo, funded by the European Union and executed by the Kosovo ICT Association (STIKK), recently celebrated a remarkable success at the 12th edition of KosICT.

The event, held at the KlanArena, showcased the accomplishments of 14 start-ups supported by the STAR UP Project. Each start-up presented its unique innovations at individual booths, capturing the attention of attendees and igniting curiosity throughout the venue.

One of the standout features of the event was the global networking opportunities it provided for the participating start-ups. Over the course of the two-day affair on October 13 and 14, these budding entrepreneurs engaged with tech enthusiasts and professionals from around the world. The doors opened by KosICT allowed for valuable connections, collaborations, and exploration of potential partnerships and investments, marking a significant milestone for the STAR UP Project.

Adding to the project’s triumph, two of the outstanding start-ups not only participated in the main KosICT event but also took center stage at a side event organized by the Suomen suurlähetystö Pristina – Embassy of Finland in Pristina. The cherry on top? They secured tickets to the prestigious SLUSH event, a global pinnacle of start-up and investor excellence. The Embassy of Finland’s role in facilitating this opportunity was gratefully acknowledged.

A resounding round of applause is due to the STAR UP Project, STIKK, and KosICT for orchestrating two days of overwhelming success. The connections forged, partnerships established, and opportunities unlocked during the event are the true indicators of triumph in the dynamic world of technology and innovation.

As the stakeholders bask in the glow of these achievements, the STAR UP Project looks forward to propelling its start-ups to even greater heights. The journey continues, and the commitment to fostering innovation and providing crucial support for start-ups to accelerate towards success in the tech industry remains unwavering. The STAR UP Project stands as a beacon of hope for aspiring entrepreneurs, signaling that the future is bright and filled with limitless possibilities in the ever-evolving landscape of technology. Onwards and upwards, the STAR UP Project continues to pave the way for a new era of technological innovation and business success in Kosovo and beyond.

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KosICT Technology Festival – 11th Edittion

The KosICT Technology Festival kicked off its eleventh anniversary with 60 speakers and over 2200 physical participants, reaffirming itself as one of the leading events in the region for exchanging and promoting technology ideas.

KosICT was celebrated in the Youth and Sports Center in Prishtina and was powered by ProCredit Bank Kosovo.

Between the 7th and 8th of October 2022, top decision-makers and officials, company executives, startup developers and well-known experts from various technology sectors shared their vision and best practices with participants with diverse backgrounds and professions.

The main stage of the 11th edition of KosICT was moderated for the third time in a row by Global Public Speaking & TEDx Coach, Peter Hopwood who officially opened the festival by highlighting some of the main topics to be discussed over the two days. The welcoming note for the audience was made by the President of the Board of Directors of Kosovo ICT Association (STIKK), Mr Valon Canhasi who also gave a brief description of the path and achievements of KosICT over the last 11 years.

The 11th edition of KosICT was honoured by the presence of the Prime Minister of the Republic of Kosovo, Albin Kurti who spoke about the support of the government to the ICT community in Kosovo, as well as, some of the future plans related to the growth of the local ICT industry. The floor was then passed to Norway’s Ambassador to the Republic of Kosovo, H.E. Jens Erik Grøndahl who highlighted the potential of digitalization and the ICT industry for the development of Kosovo and the whole region. Then, the Deputy Mayor of Pristina Mr Alban Zogaj shared the will of the Municipality of Prishtina to support all future ICT projects in the future. His remarks were followed by the Executive Director of Innovation Center Kosovo, Mr Uranik Begu.

During the two days of the festival, a total of 60 speakers (26 international and 34 local) explored topics like Blockchain, Metaverse, Artificial Intelligence, Power of Innovation, Internet of Things, Industry 4.0, Digitalization, 5G Networks, Smart Cities, Women in Tech and many more. KosICT was attended by over 3,200 participants.

Continuing the tradition of supporting and promoting promising Start-ups, KosICT once again welcomed the Innovation Fair, where 9 start-ups highlighted their work. A total of 9 ICT companies and 44 kids from Shkolla Digjitale, J-Coders, BONEVET and Finnish school were part of Future developers Corner, sponsored by Gjirafa. The Brokerage Event brought together 24 local and international businesses for 36 private meetings and potential partnership explorations for two days. Two E-gaming tournaments were part of the festival as well.

More details on the 11th Edition of KosICT can be found at the FULL NARRATIVE REPORT

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Girls in ICT Days – Activities in Pristina by DigiWomen Cluster

On the occasion of the International Day of Girls in ICT, the Municipality of Pristina, in partnership with 16 organizations that contribute to the promotion and empowerment of girls and women in ICT, organized the #VAJZATNETIK22 campaign. This event took place on April 26-28, turning the “International Day of Girls in ICT” into the “Days of Girls in ICT”. This initiative will continue to be organized every year, with more activities and partner organizations.

DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo, which operates under the umbrella of STIKK, is one of the main partners of this campaign. Throughout the duration of the campaign, DigiWomen Cluster held discussions, trainings and information sessions with girls from primary and secondary schools in Pristina.

Aiming to create a more favorable environment for the development of ICT with the inclusion of women, DigiWomen Cluster Kosova (DWCK) determined the scope of the problem of engaging girls in the ICT sector, proposed solutions, communicated and promoted them by creating opportunities for networking, motivation and reducing the gender gap. In this line, the following activities were carried out.

Members of DigiWomen Cluster Kosovo participated in the opening of the campaign with a panel discussion “Past, present and future of technology”. The Executive Director of STIKK, Vjollca Çavolli, made an overview of the development of the ICT sector over the last 30 years, where she underlined that despite the obstacles, the number of women entrepreneurs in this sector has increased, also developing the quality of products and businesses.

The entrepreneur and co-founder of Starlabs and the Digital School, Hana Qerimi talked about her experience as a woman in the ICT sector and also about the potential that the sector offers to young men and women in Kosovo.

The opening ceremony of the activities was joined by the mayor of the Municipality of Pristina, Përparim Rama and the vice-mayor Donjeta Sahatçiu, who is also a member of the DigiWomen Cluster.

 

During the three days of the campaign, DigiWomen Cluster held two sessions “Ask me anything” and three sessions on “ICT as a career choice” with girls from primary and secondary schools in Pristina.