Tirana, Albania
The acceleration program to expand the global potential of your startup. Built to connect the brightest minds in Albania and the Balkan region with our ecosystem in Silicon Valley and around the globe.
Overview this location
How we boost innovation in Tirana
Our program offers a unique opportunity for startups from Albania to grow, attract venture capital investments, pilot the technology, and strengthen their presence in the local and global markets.
We select 10 startups to participate in the Global Overseas Acceleration & Learning (GOAL) program in Silicon Valley. This program is specifically designed to grant startups immediate access to Silicon Valley, including a global experience and an extensive international network.
With the support of the Albanian-American Development Foundation, in collaboration with Municipality of Tirana, Pyramid of Tirana, and sponsored by IDEMIA Smart Identity (ISI), this initiative is set to foster innovation and entrepreneurship across Albania.
Michael D. Granoff
Chairman of the Board of Trustees Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF)
"The launch of this accelerator program is a testament to Albania’s growing role in the global entrepreneurial landscape. At AADF, we have always believed in the potential of Albanian talent to innovate and drive impactful change.
By partnering with Plug and Play, we are ensuring that Albanian startups not only gain access to local resources but also a global network that will help them scale and thrive in the international market. This is an important moment for Albania’s startup ecosystem, and we are proud to support initiatives that foster entrepreneurship and innovation in this country."
Antoine Grenie
CEO
IDEMIA Smart Identity
"In the many years that we have been active in Albania, IDEMIA Smart Identity has always been impressed by the creativity and innovative power of this nation and its citizens.
We are proud to partner with AADF and Plug and Play on this important initiative that will not only give a home to those who want to take their entrepreneurial ideas to the next level, but also give them access to the resources needed to achieve their aims."
Blendi Gonxhja
Minister of Economy,
Culture, & Innovation
Government of Albania
"This accelerator program marks a new chapter in Albania’s journey towards becoming a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship in the Balkans. We are excited to partner with Plug and Play and AADF to offer Albanian startups the opportunity to connect with global mentors, investors, and industry leaders.
This initiative aligns perfectly with our vision of fostering economic growth through innovation, and we believe it will serve as a catalyst for both local and regional development, empowering young entrepreneurs to turn their ideas into successful businesses."
See what's happening in Tirana
Program Benefits
Accelerator Program
An 8-month program designed to catalyze growth & innovation to become investment or/and pilot-ready.
Go to Silicon Valley
Unlock the golden opportunity for 10 standout startups to participate in the GOAL Program in Silicon Valley. Yes, you read that right – Silicon Valley!
Mentorship
Access personalized guidance, education, and support from local and global experts, to help you to achieve your vision.
Events & Expo Days
Showcase your technology & solutions to potential investors & corporations from global markets at our Expo at the end of the program.
Office Hours
Have the flexibility to innovate & strategize, with personalized feedback and guidance during the remaining 3 weeks of each month.
Bootcamps
Participate in 8 intensive, week-long bootcamps led by industry pioneers, once a month, ensuring your startup evolves at the speed of light.
Workshops
Grow your entrepreneurial knowledge & refine your pitches with experienced international lecturers, successful founders, & our team.
Funding
Get your startup investment-ready and have the chance to receive funding from our team at Plug and Play.
Potential Partners
Through dealflow sessions with corporates, gain a chance to test your tech in real life & meet potential partners to scale your solution.
Office space
You will have access to an open office space located in the heart of Tirana throughout the entire 8-month program.
About the Program
Tirana is famous for its unique blend of Ottoman, Italian, and Greek influences, visible in landmarks such as Skanderbeg Square, the Et'hem Bey Mosque, and the Pyramid of Tirana. Tirana is also known for its lively café culture and artistic scene, with many galleries, museums, and cultural events that reflect the city’s creative spirit.
In recent years, Tirana has gained recognition for its rapid modernization, green spaces, and efforts to promote sustainability and urban development. Albania's growing startup ecosystem positions the city as a rising technological and entrepreneurial hub of the Balkans. With an increasing number of young innovators, tech initiatives, and investments in digital infrastructure, Tirana is becoming a dynamic center that fosters creativity, attracts talent, and connects the region to global markets.
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The program offers a range of benefits to participating startups.
These include mentorship from industry experts, pitch polishing workshops, office hours with the Plug and Play team, and an Expo, where startups can present their innovative products or services to diverse potential investors and corporations from international markets.
Program Details
Startups
Startups
Months
Months
Mentors
Mentors
investments in 3 years
investments in 3 years
December 31, 2026 | Application Deadline for Batch 3
- Bootcamp 1: Intro, Problem Definition & Customer Discovery
- (Scheduled for February 2 -6)
- Bootcamp 2: Product Development & Prototyping
- (Scheduled for February 23 -27)
- Bootcamp 3: Go-to-Market Strategy
- (Scheduled for March 16 - 20)
- Bootcamp 4: Business Model & Legal
- (Scheduled for April 13 - 17)
- Bootcamp 5: Venture Clienting
- (Scheduled for May 11 - 15)
- Bootcamp 6: Sales & Marketing
- (Scheduled for June 1 - 5)
- Bootcamp 7: Investments
- (Scheduled for June 22 - 26)
- Bootcamp 8: Pitch Training
- (Scheduled for September 21 - 25)
- October 2027 | Plug and Play Tirana Expo
- October - November, 2027 | GOAL Program
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We have a community of experts all over the world. We work as a bridge between Silicon Valley and the rest of the world, making innovation open to anyone, anywhere.