Winners of the 2026 Grant Programme Announced, Minister Ibrahimaj Says €16.5 Million Invested in Startups Over Four Years

The winners of the Innovation4Albania (I4A) Grant 2026 programme have been announced. Due to the high level of interest in this year’s call for applications, the programme’s financing has been doubled to €6 million, as has the number of sponsored businesses and incubators/accelerators.
Speaking during the award event, which was attended by Prime Minister Edi Rama, Minister of Economy and Innovation Delina Ibrahimaj emphasized that developing a modern economy begins with assisting young people who choose to develop their ideas in Albania. She revealed that a total of €16.5 million has been committed in startup support over the last four years, surpassing the initial €10 million promise in 2022.
The Grant 2026 programme received a record number of applications, with 1,219 in total. According to the minister, 189 applications from young individuals aged 18 to 25 were filed, three times more than the previous year, despite the fact that the average age of Albanian startup founders is 33.
Minister Ibrahimaj also emphasized the growing role of women and girls in Albania’s entrepreneurial sector. This year’s programme attracted 417 applications from women and girls, more than double the previous year’s total. In addition, 34.3% of companies funded in Albania were started by women, compared to the European average of 16%.
According to the minister, investments in the startup ecosystem are intended to build a more inventive, productive, and competitive economy. She noted that support for new firms is increasing across the nation, with supported initiatives in Tirana, Shkodër, Durrës and Vlorë. Lezhë, Elbasan, and nearby areas.