TIRANA, April 23, 2026 — Epoka University took an active role in the national conference “Empowering Start-ups through Intellectual Property,” organized in Tirana in cooperation with the European Patent Office (EPO). The event that was organized by the Ministry of Economy and Innovation, General Directorate of Industrial Property and STARTUP Albania brought together startups, entrepreneurs, innovators, researchers, institutional representatives, and ecosystem leaders for a full day of discussions on how Intellectual Property (IP) can serve as a practical driver of Albania’s growing innovation ecosystem.

The conference was opened by Ms. Rudina Bollano, Acting Director General of the General Directorate of Industrial Property, together with representatives of the European Patent Office and national institutions supporting entrepreneurship and innovation. The programme featured six thematic sessions covering startup growth, patent strategy, the Unitary Patent, IP digital tools, Albania’s innovation landscape, and practical IP strategies for emerging businesses.

Epoka University was represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arban Uka from the Faculty of Architecture and Engineering and Assoc. Prof. Alba Kruja from the Faculty of Economics and Administrative Sciences, both of whom contributed as speakers during the conference.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Arban Uka delivered a presentation titled “IP as a Business Asset: Attracting Investors and Partners,” highlighting how startups can use patents, trademarks, and other IP tools to strengthen credibility, increase valuation, secure strategic partnerships, and enhance investor confidence. The presentation focused on the strategic role of intellectual property (IP) as a key business asset in attracting investors and fostering partnerships. It highlighted the importance of industrial doctorate programs as effective bridges between academic research and industry-driven innovation. Special attention was given to managing IP in collaborative research environments, emphasizing the need for clear agreements to protect ideas and ensure
patentability. Real-world legal examples, including cases that passed through all courts up to National Supreme Courts, illustrated the consequences of inadequate IP protection and the importance of structured governance.

Assoc. Prof. Alba Kruja delivered a presentation titled “From Potential to Positioning: Building Albania’s Innovation Future,” emphasizing the importance of stronger university–industry collaboration, entrepreneurial education, and innovation support systems to help Albanian startups compete regionally and internationally. She underlined that Intellectual Property should not be viewed merely as a legal formality, but as a strategic asset that enables startups to attract investment, enter new markets, and build sustainable competitive advantage. She also highlighted Epoka University’s growing role in European innovation networks through initiatives such as Sustainability for Future under EIT Urban Mobility and the Start for Future Open Incubator, which connect students, researchers, and startups with international ecosystems that transform ideas into impact. 

A central contribution throughout the conference was made by Mr. Peter Albrecht, Principal Advisor for User Engagement & SMEs, Principal Directorate Patent Research and Policies at the EPO. Through several keynote presentations and expert-led sessions, he addressed patent strategy for startups, opportunities offered by the Unitary Patent system, and practical digital resources such as IP Score and the Deep Tech Finder, offering participants valuable European perspectives on scaling innovation-driven businesses.

Throughout the event, participants engaged with international experts and successful entrepreneurs through case studies, practical tools, and interactive discussions. The conference provided an important platform for linking Albanian startups and institutions with wider European innovation networks. Epoka University’s participation in this significant event reflects its continued commitment to entrepreneurship, innovation, and international cooperation.