How do we work with Startups
Tirana Slush'D 2024
Tirana Slush’D is Albania’s first Slush’D event, focused on supporting founders and transforming the startup ecosystem. Protik was the limited partner and local consultant of the event.
The event took place at the Pyramid of Tirana, October 25th, 2024, and it aims at fostering innovation, it connects the Albanian entrepreneurial scene with the Balkans, Europe, and the Nordics, providing a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
During Tirana Slush’D, 10 Albanian startups were selected, and four of them were announced as winners:
Bliss (Founders: Jona Doda and Alba Bakiasi) – Full Slush Helsinki Experience and €15,000
SKAITECH (Founder: Arbi Bamllari) – No Strings Attached Prize of €10,000
Patoko (Founder: Arber Kadia) – Full Slush Helsinki Experience and €5,000
GARAZHI (Founder: Gerti Dokaj) – Loan Financing of up to €100,000 from BALFIN Group
Key partners of Tirana Slush’D included The Ministry of Economy, Culture and Innovation (MEKI), Startup Albania Agency, The Municipality of Tirana, B40 Network, BALFIN Group, Tirana Business University (TBU), Credins Bank, Albanian Investment Development Agency (AIDA), BOLV Oil, Folé Residence, Keiretsu Forum and haPPy.
TechLab by Protik 2022
TechLab by Protik was an initiative designed to support young innovators and early-stage startups in technology. It aimed to help participants develop and scale their ideas through access to a network of national and international mentors, partners, and investors. The program featured an intensive bootcamp based on Lean StartUp principles, guiding participants in refining their business models, creating prototypes, and pitching to potential investors. Selected startups also had the chance to join an incubation program abroad for further development.
Ideathon 2022
As part of Tirana European Youth Capital 2022 and supported by the National Youth Congress (KRK) and the Municipality of Tirana, Protik organized a 5-day Ideathon from October 31 to November 4, 2022. The event brought together young ICT students to develop creative technological solutions for local challenges, with the top three teams winning cash prizes
Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs 2022
Protik was part of the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs program funded by the European Commission since 2016. This entrepreneurial support is a core focus, both at the program and project level, and this sharing of experiences takes place through cross-border mobility where aspiring entrepreneurs have the chance to learn from experienced entrepreneurs in other participating countries.
