17.03.2026

Digitalize Your Business (DYB) Programme in Kosovo launched — Call for Applications for DYB trainer candidates now open

STIKK is pleased to announce the launch of the Digitalize Your Business (DYB) Programme in Kosovo, implemented through the ILO HoReCa Kosovo Project, in collaboration with AICS Tirana and the Embassy of Italy in Pristina. DYB is part of the ILO Start and Improve Your Business (SIYB) family of products. The programme is designed to help businesses build a stronger digital presence, sell products or services online, and adapt their operations to digital needs. In Kosovo, this implementation phase is expected to focus particularly on the HoReCa sector. As part of this first phase, STIKK is opening the Call for Applications for professionals interested in joining the first local DYB trainer cohort in Kosovo. Selected applicants will participate in the upcoming Training of Trainers (ToT) and enter the first stage of the wider DYB trainer-development pathway.

Important: Participation in the ToT is an important part of the trainer pathway. However, trainer certification is granted only after successful completion of the wider process and assessment requirements.

Who should apply?

The call is open to professionals with relevant experience in training, facilitation, business advisory, entrepreneurship support, management, marketing, digitalisation, coaching, mentoring, or related practical business fields. Applications are especially welcome from professionals who have experience working with adults, entrepreneurs, SMEs, or service-oriented sectors such as HoReCa.

How to apply

Applications must be submitted only through the official Google Form. Before starting the form, applicants should make sure they have the following documents ready for upload:

1 – Updated CV

2 – Motivation letter

The application deadline is 5 April 2026. For questions related to the call, applicants may contact [email protected].

This activity is implemented by STIKK through the ILO HoReCa Kosovo Project, in collaboration with AICS Tirana and the Embassy of Italy in Pristina.

Download the Full Public Call

Learn More about DYB and the Trainer Path

Apply

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.

PUBLIC CALL FOR BIDS – Design and Implementation of the UK – Kosovo Tech Hub Space

STIKK, with the support of the British Embassy, is implementing the UK – Kosovo Tech Hub initiative. The Hub will be located at Tech Park Prishtina and will serve as a focal point for information, events and cooperation between Kosovo’s ICT ecosystem and UK partners.

Through this public call, STIKK invites eligible economic operators to submit bids for the design and implementation of the Hub space, including the necessary furniture and equipment.

The procurement is structured into two lots that form a single, phased assignment.

Submission deadline 26.01.2026
Deadline for questions 25.01.2026
Planned contract start 02.02.2026

Please find the full call details on the following link: https://stikk.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/ToR0012026UKHubSTIKK-2.pdf

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.

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

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.

Public Call for Expressions of Interest – Operator of the TechPark Prishtina Canteen

The Kosovo ICT Association (STIKK) invites qualified businesses and entrepreneurs to submit proposals to operate the fully equipped canteen located at TechPark Prishtina.

The canteen premises are newly furnished and fitted with professional kitchen equipment and furniture. This investment was made possible through the project “Fostering Innovation and Sustainable Digital Growth in Kosovo,” funded by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev – Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency, in cooperation with STIKK.

About TechPark Prishtina

TechPark Prishtina is a modern, 4,000 m² facility with a capacity of approximately 400 people. It provides offices, shared workspaces, and conference rooms, and regularly hosts major technology events. The selected operator will also have the exclusive opportunity to provide catering services for events hosted at TechPark Prishtina.

More information: https://www.techpark-prishtina.com/

Scope of Services

⋅ The future operator is expected to:

⋅ Provide daily canteen services for tenants, visitors, and event participants (hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages).

⋅ Ensure consistent quality, affordability, and timely service.

⋅ Maintain the premises, equipment, and furnishings in good working and sanitary condition.

⋅ Comply with all applicable food safety, hygiene, labor, and fiscal regulations in Kosovo.

⋅ Propose and agree operating hours with TechPark Prishtina management, aligned to tenant and event needs.

⋅ Eligibility & Minimum Requirements

Applicants should:

⋅ Be a legally registered business capable of operating food service/catering services in Kosovo.

⋅ Demonstrate relevant experience in canteen, restaurant, or event catering operations.

⋅ Have the financial and operational capacity (staffing, supply chain, and quality control systems) to meet the scope.

⋅ Commit to food safety and hygiene standards, including staff training and certification where applicable.

Submission method: Interested parties must book a visit to the canteen at Tech Park Prishtina by email: [email protected] or call at: +38349709989

Visiting hours: Weekdays, 10:00–12:00 and 13:00–16:00.

Call open until: 30 September 2025.

Digital Marketing Agency / Audio-Visual Production Company

Through the STAR UP project, funded by the European Union and implemented by STIKK, we aimed to accelerate and strengthen the capacities of ICT start-ups in Kosovo by providing tailored support in areas such as business management, legal and financial compliance, mentorship, market linkages, networking, and improved readiness to access international markets.

As the project reaches its closing phase, STIKK seeks to produce a professional Closing Video that captures the STAR UP journey, highlights key results and success stories, and presents the project’s contribution to Kosovo’s start-up ecosystem in a compelling and visually engaging way—fully aligned with EU communication and visibility requirements.

ToR_Project Closing Video

STIKK, KIMERK and NQA join forces to strengthen the quality of professional training in ICT and Renewable Energy.

Prishtina, 17.07.2025 — The Kosovo Association of Information and Communication Technology (STIKK), the Metal Industry and Renewable Energy Cluster of Kosovo (KIMERK) and the National Qualifications Authority (NQA) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to support private training providers in the fields of ICT and Renewable Energy.

This cooperation aims to create a clearer, more structured and easier-to-navigate pathway for the validation and accreditation of training programmes. Through this partnership, the parties will work together to guide private training providers towards the required standards, ensuring that their programmes are of high quality, relevant to labour-market needs and lead to formally recognised certificates.

For STIKK, this agreement represents an important step in strengthening the quality of professional training in the ICT sector. In a market where the demand for new skills continues to grow, it is essential that training programmes are aligned with the real needs of industry and provide clear value for both individuals and employers.

At the same time, the involvement of KIMERK extends this cooperation to the field of Renewable Energy, a sector with strong development potential and a growing need for professionals trained according to clear standards. NQA, as the institution responsible for qualifications in Kosovo, will play a key role in guiding the process in line with institutional requirements for validation, accreditation and formal recognition.

The common goal of this Memorandum is to provide private training providers with greater clarity on the steps they need to follow, the documentation they need to prepare and the standards they need to meet. This is expected to contribute to raising the quality of training programmes and strengthening trust between training providers, institutions and the labour market.

This cooperation is also an investment in the credibility and value of acquired skills. When training programmes are accredited and certificates are formally recognised, the benefit is twofold: individuals gain qualifications that are more valuable for their careers, while employers have greater confidence in the competencies of the workforce.

Through this Memorandum, STIKK, KIMERK and NQA reaffirm their commitment to supporting the development of a professional ecosystem based on quality, standards and institutional cooperation.

This initiative was carried out with the support of the “Skills for Sustainable Employment in Kosovo” project, financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and implemented by LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.

Call for Application – External Expert for Final Evaluation of the STAR UP Project

The STAR UP project, funded by the European Union and implemented by STIKK (Kosovo ICT Association), was launched with the aim of strengthening Kosovo’s digital innovation ecosystem by supporting the growth and development of ICT start-ups. Through a combination of infrastructural investments, tailored support services, and internationalization efforts, the project has worked to enhance the competitiveness of start-ups and create a more enabling environment for entrepreneurship in the ICT sector.

Over its implementation period, the project has focused on empowering start-ups with the tools, knowledge, and opportunities needed to scale their operations, improve their market readiness, and build sustainable business models. Special emphasis has been placed on inclusion, access to funding, capacity building, and connectivity with regional and EU markets.

As the project approaches its conclusion in August 2025, STIKK is seeking to commission a final external evaluation. This evaluation will assess the overall performance and impact of the project, provide an independent review of its achievements and challenges, and deliver key insights and recommendations for future programming and policy development in support of Kosovo’s innovation ecosystem.

Scope of the Assignment

STIKK seeks a qualified external Expert to carry out a comprehensive evaluation of the STAR UP project, with the following core focus areas:

Review of project relevance, efficiency, effectiveness, sustainability, and impact;
Assessment of the implementation of the Logical Framework, especially indicators and targets;
Review of acceleration services, mentorship, and seed funding scheme;
Evaluation of the project’s visibility, stakeholder engagement, and inclusion of women-led start-ups;
Review of alignment with EU visibility guidelines and value for money;
Identification of lessons learned and strategic recommendations for follow-up programming

For more information on the terms of reference, click the link below:

Terms of References (ToR) TOR/07-2025

Digitalize Your Business (DYB) Programme in Kosovo launched — Call for Applications for DYB trainer candidates now open

Who should apply?

How to apply

Related

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

PUBLIC CALL FOR BIDS – Design and Implementation of the UK – Kosovo Tech Hub Space

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

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