Albanian ICT Awards, 12th Edition

As we look back on the resounding success of the 12th edition of the Albanian ICT Awards, held at the Maritime Plaza Hotel in Tirana on May 31, 2024, we are filled with pride and inspiration.

Organized by the ALBICT Association and ICTSmedia, the ceremony gathered a vibrant mix of innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders from Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia, celebrating entrepreneurial spirit and the achievements that are shaping the region’s future.

As a key network and fervent supporter, Albanian Business Angels Network (AlBAN) could not have missed this event. In this blog we will share highlights from this remarkable evening and emphasize the critical role that angel investors can play in nurturing our burgeoning startup ecosystem and its bright founders.

A night of inspiration and achievement

The Albanian ICT Awards are a testament to our region’s vibrant tech talent landscape. This year’s ceremony was a celebration of ingenuity and perseverance, honoring those who are pushing the boundaries of innovation despite certain limitations and against odds. The inspiring stories and the passion, reminds us all what makes our work so fulfilling. This year’s ceremony was especially a testament to the dynamic spirit that drives Albania’s startup ecosystem, as young entrepreneurs took the stage. The atmosphere at the Maritime Plaza Hotel was electric, filled with anticipation and excitement as the brightest minds gathered to celebrate their achievements.

Distinguished guests take the stage

The evening commenced with an array of distinguished guests, underscoring the event’s significance. Among them were Ms. Delina Ibrahimaj , Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate, and Ms. Edona Bilali, Member of Parliament, both representing Albania’s commitment to fostering a conducive environment for innovation. Their presence, along with other notable figures such as Mrs. Ledi Imeraj, Director of the Innovation and Excellence Agency of Albania, and Mrs. Laura Zherka, Director of Innovation at the Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship and Trade, Republic of Kosovo, highlighted the collaborative efforts across the region. The participation of these esteemed figures highlights the Albanian government’s commitment to fostering a robust environment for innovation and entrepreneurship.

Highlights of the Gala evening

The event was not just a celebration but a powerful gathering of minds, as co-founder Mr. Kushtrim Shala eloquently put it, “a hall full of beautiful minds of our nation.” The chairman of the jury, Prof. Dr. Blerim Rexha, emphasized the crucial role of the awards in nurturing technological innovation, celebrating the individuals who have made significant contributions to society through their creative efforts. 19 candidates competed for each of the 6 major awards: ICT Innovation of the Year, ICT Startup of the Year, ICT Diploma of the Year, ICT Rising Star up to 16 years old, ICT Rising Star 16-21 years old, and Cyber Security.

Award Winners

Among the winners, Lum Borovci ‘s pioneering work on cardiac care earned him the prestigious ICT Diploma of the Year award, showcasing his commitment to medical innovation. Sidorela Ndregjoni‘s FloraTech project, which won her the ICT Rising Star of the Year award, exemplifies emerging talent in the region.

Arber Patoko was recognized as the ICT Startup of the Year for his super application offering transportation services and innovative loyalty programs. Launched in October 2022, Patoko quickly gained traction with 1,200 downloads and 94 trips booked within two months. Today, Patoko boasts over 400 registered drivers, 80,000 downloads, and strategic partnerships with key players like the Municipality of Tirana, public transport companies, Vodafone, and Philip Morris.

The evening celebrated several key winners:

1. ICT Diploma of the Year: Lum Borovci, for the project “Chaos and Arrhythmia Theory: A Dynamic Approach to Cardiac Care.”
2. ICT Rising Star of the Year (16-21 years): Sidorela Ndregjoni, with the FloraTech project.
3. ICT Rising Star (under 16): Parid Haxhollin.
4. Cyber Security Award: Cyber Morphosis.
5. Startup of the Year: Patoko, Arber Patoko
6. ICT Innovation of the Year: Shehu, for the Neuron project.