The Innovators Students Club at EPOKA University led by Alessia Nikelhasani and Eriksena Dinaj, headed by their advisor and faculty dean Assoc. Prof. Dr. Alba Kruja, them along with Alisa Fluhrer, Partnership Manager from Startup Service,University of Potsdam and Anita Knappe Entrepreneurship Education Manager,  has concluded its highly anticipated Winter Competition, TUNG IDEVE for High Schoolers in Tirana. The event saw enthusiastic participation from 53 high school students, organized into 12 groups, showcasing their innovation and entrepreneurial skills.

Three standout groups among the participants were awarded scholarships for their exceptional performance. The winning teams were from Kristaq Rama students with their project "Buzzy Bees," receiving a 75% scholarship; Sami Frasheri students with the "M.E. G" group, securing a 50% scholarship; and Medreseja e Tiranes students with "BioPesticide," earning a 25% scholarship. They secured first, second, and third place respectively.

The rector of EPOKA University Prof. Dr. Ahmet Öztaş, warmly welcomed students and guests, congratulating them on their outstanding work, and expressing heartfelt gratitude for their innovative ideas.

The competition had a notable panel of jury members  including Dr. Aida Lahi, Senior Policy Advisor from the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands; Dr. Diana Leka, Secretary-General from the Albania Investment Council; Mr. Grant Van Cleve, President of the American Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Neritan Mullaj, Executive Director of the American Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Bledar Mankollari, Managing Director from the German Association of Industry and Trade in Albania; and Mr. Samir Shqarri, President and Executive Director of the Swiss Albanian Chamber of Commerce.

The event was graced by the presence of esteemed representatives of industry leaders, among the notable jury members were: Mr. Genc Bicoku, Senior Business Development Manager of Kastrati Group, Mr. Dario Rexhollari, Founder & CEO of Spontan Creative Media; Ms. Ester Lala, Managing Director of BEA Print & Promotions; Ms. Nevi Kelmendi, Chief Marketing Officer of Teoren; and Professor Dr. Osman Nuri Aras, Professor of International Trade at EPOKA University and Ms.Gëzime Onat-Administrator of EPOKA University.

The ‘TUNG IDEVE’, Start Up Competition not only provided a platform for young innovators to showcase their talents but also fostered meaningful connections between academia, industry, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

EPOKA University extends a special thank- you to all participants, high school students, coaches, sponsors, and our stakeholders for their dedication, and invaluable contributions to TUNG IDEVE workshop.