The jury of the 12th edition of the Albanian ICT Awards meets for the first time, the evaluation of 108 innovative projects begins

A nest where innovation and creativity have flourished and been manifested for more than a decade, the nationwide technology competition Albanian ICT Awards on its 12^th edition gathered on April 5, 2024, its jury, an independent body of professionals and prominent figures of technology.

This edition closed its application on March 31 after a month-long tour of informative meetings about Albanian ICT Awards at schools, universities, institutions and innovation centers in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

108 projects from 130 candidates on 7 different categories prove that this competition has turned into a real barometer of innovative and creative potential of young people, students, innovators, entrepreneurs, professionals and businesses throughout the Albanian-speaking countries.

The demonstrated enthusiasm of an innovation community that bore the seal of Albanian ICT Awards is evidence of a spirit and mentality ready to embrace innovation and cultivate success.

As it embraces its next step towards celebrating another successful edition, the jury of this competition gathered on Friday 5, April 2024, in Tirana, at ICTSlab premises but also with virtual participants from Pristina.

Consisting of Altin Petre, Ardiola Hristiç, Arban Uka, Arjola Koromani, Arta Shehu Zaimi, Blerim Rexha, Erion Serti, Genc Hamzaj, Gjergji Guri, Genti Selenica, Igli Gjelishti, Linda Shomo, Migena Schroeder, Visar Shehu, the jury of Albanian ICT Awards in its 12-th edition has a difficult mission ahead, the trust of an entire community of enthusiasts and dreamers which they have elevated to the highest pedestals of professionalism and competence proven over the years.

It has become a tradition that on the first meeting, the jury signs confidentiality declaration, elects its chairman and deputy chairman and get the first glimpse of the projects arrived during the application phase.

Prof. Dr. Blerim Rexha, an academic of University of Pristina with an outstanding profile and extensive experience but also a jury member of ICT Awards in several past editions, was selected as the chairman of the jury.

With a broad experience and contribution in the financial technology industry in Albania, Ms. Linda Shomo, co-founder and CEO of EasyPay Albania will represent this competition in the capacity of deputy chairman of Albanian ICT Awards during the evaluation process.

Today’s meeting of the jury precedes two other meetings that will take place with a short list of candidates in Tirana and Pristina. Creation of several evaluation committees according to categories and expertise of jury members is the next step of the evaluation process.

The journey of the 12^th edition of Albanian ICT Awards

The 12^th edition of nation-wide technology competition Albanian ICT Awards officially kickstarted its journey on February 29, 2024 accepting new application until March 31, 2024. A tour of informative meetings about this competition was on a mission to find innovation stars in Albania, Kosovo and North Macedonia.

25 meetings and workshops were held at schools, universities, academies, technology centers, incubators and innovation communities around these countries.

Albanian ICT Awards staff was hosted in Tirana, Pristina, Skopje, Tetovo, Gilane, Ferizaj, Vushtrri and Bujanovc, visiting institutions such as Universiteti i Tiranës, Universiteti Epoka, Universiteti Polis, Tirana Business College, Universiteti Metropolitan, Universiteti i Nju Jorkut, Universiteti i Prishtinës, Universiteti i Tetovës, Universiteti i Europës Juglindore, Instituti “Harry Fultz”, Shkolla e Mesme Profesionale TIK Herman Gmeiner, Shkolla e Teknike “Gjengj Canco”, Shkolla e Mesme Profesionale “Gjin Gazulli”, Shkolla e Mesme Teknike “Lufti Musiqi”, British Gymnasium of Technology (BGT) në Prishtinë, Qendra e Kompetencës “11 Marsi” në Prizren, Gjimnazi “Skënderbeu” në Preshevë, Shkolla e Mesme “Sezai Surroi”, inkubatori Tirana Inc, Coolab, SEEU Tech Park dhe Innovation Academy.

Applications were received in 7 different categories: ICT Innovacioni i Vitit, ICT Startupi i Vitit, ICT Diploma e Vitit, ICT Ylli në Ngritje deri në 16 vjeç, ICT Ylli në Ngritje 16-21 vjeç, Cyber Security dhe Formulari i Nominimit.

This competition is organized by ICTSmedia and ALBICT Association, and for 12 years it has held over 350 events with 2500 contestants and 250 finalists.

On May 31, 2024, the winners of the Albanian ICT Awards will be announced at the Gala Evening.

Sponsors and partners

The 12^th edition of Albanian ICT Awards comes with the precious support of Diamond sponsors Raiffeisen Invest, EU for Innovation, Albvision, UNICEF; Platinium sponsors Dev.al, European Bank for Reconstruction and Development through Star Venture Program financed by Enterprise Development Innovation Fund (EDIF) and Luxemburg, Albsoft Engineering; Gold sponsors Soft&Solution, Baboon, Facilization, Digit Sapiens, TBU, Unioni i Bashkive Shqiptare në Rajon; Silver sponsors EasyPay, 3i Solutions, Armundia Factory, AUK, SEEUTechPark, Holberton School.

This event is supported by media coverage of Euronews, News24, Shqip.com, PCWorld.al and CIO.al.