Grant 2026 Call Presented at EPOKA University by Arjan Ymeri, CEO of Startup Albania 

EPOKA University had the pleasure of hosting an information session dedicated to the newly launched Grant 2026 Call, presented by Mr. Arjan Ymeri, CEO of Startup Albania Agency. 

The event brought together academic staff, researchers, students, and aspiring entrepreneurs in a dynamic setting focused on innovation, collaboration, and opportunity.
The session aimed to provide comprehensive insight into the funding opportunities offered under Grant 2026, an initiative designed to further strengthen Albania’s innovation ecosystem. The call specifically targets the development and support of startups and startup facilitators, with strategic emphasis on green and digital sectors, reflecting national priorities for sustainable and technology-driven growth.

During his presentation, Mr. Ymeri delivered a detailed overview of the program, covering:
• The objectives and vision of Grant 2026

• Eligibility criteria for startups and facilitators

• Financing schemes, funding structure, and co-financing requirements 

• Evaluation procedures and key success factors for applicants

• Strategic priorities aligned with Albania’s national innovation and development goals 
Participants received practical guidance on how to prepare strong and competitive applications, including insights into proposal structuring, strategic alignment, and impact measurement. The session also highlighted the important role universities play in fostering entrepreneurship, supporting startup incubation, and advancing research commercialization within the broader innovation ecosystem.

An interactive discussion followed the presentation, allowing attendees to raise specific questions regarding application procedures, evaluation criteria, funding mechanisms, and the integration of green and digital innovation priorities into project proposals. The exchange created a valuable platform for dialogue between academia and national innovation stakeholders.

Grant 2026 represents a significant step forward in advancing Albania’s startup landscape and strengthening collaboration between institutions, entrepreneurs, and policymakers. Through initiatives like this, EPOKA University reaffirms its commitment to actively contributing to innovation, sustainability, and entrepreneurship development, while empowering the next generation of changemakers and business leaders.