The Grant 2026 call has officially opened, marking one of the most important financial support programs for startups and support structures in Albania. The new scheme aims to boost innovation, the development of new businesses, and the strengthening of the entrepreneurial ecosystem, with a total fund of ALL 300 million allocated for 2026.
The new scheme builds on the results of 2025, when over 420 applications were submitted and 81 projects were funded, achieving a very high level of budget allocation. A significant share of last year’s funding went to initiatives in the green and digital economy, which has led to an even stronger focus on these areas for 2026.
For 2026, the total fund amounts to ALL 300 million, and the program foresees two calls throughout the year, while beneficiaries will be divided into three main categories. A substantial portion of the budget will be dedicated to projects related to technology and the green economy, with the aim of supporting ideas that contribute to digital transformation and the development of sustainable solutions for the environment.
The call is open to early-stage startups, where private individuals, local or foreign, including digital nomads, can apply, as well as to support structures such as public and private universities, incubators, accelerators, and other organizations that play a role in developing the innovation ecosystem. The scheme offers different funding levels depending on the stage of project development, covering from 75% to 100% of costs, with amounts ranging from smaller support for early ideas to larger funding for startups in the growth phase or for structures that support their development.
Priority areas for Grant 2026 remain the green economy and the digital sector. In this context, the program aims to support initiatives in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, waste management, energy efficiency, sustainable transport, and water resource conservation, as well as projects in information technologies, software development, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, and digital platforms. The approach is to advance technological innovation and green solutions in parallel as two core pillars of economic development.
The application process and documentation are fully digital and are carried out through the e-Albania platform. Startups are not required to submit physical documents, as only the application form and project budget are needed, while support structures are required to provide legal and financial documentation proving their activity. Applications are evaluated by a dedicated committee, with the right to appeal and contract signing for selected beneficiaries within the defined deadlines.
Grant 2026 Funding Scheme
Phase 1 – Early Stage
100% of eligible costs
Up to ALL 1.5 million
Phase 2 – Validation
85% of eligible costs
Up to ALL 4.5 million
Phase 3 – Growth
75% of eligible costs
Up to ALL 9 million
Facilitators / Support Structures
75% of eligible costs
Up to ALL 13 million
Required Documentation
For startups:
No physical documents required
Application form and project budget only
For facilitators / support structures:
Legal registration
Last two certified financial statements
Documentation of activities for the last two years
Founding act and statute (for NGOs)
How are applications evaluated?
The evaluation process follows these steps:
Online application (30 working days)
Evaluation by a 5-member committee
Right to appeal within 15 working days
Approval of the final list of winners
Contract signing within 30 working days from approval
With the launch of Grant 2026, Albanian startups and innovation ecosystem actors now have a concrete opportunity to finance their ideas and turn them into real products and services, while contributing to the country’s economic, digital, and sustainable development.
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