“Ecosystem Connectors”: Building bridges between the startup ecosystems of Berlin, Sarajevo, and Tirana!

The Ecosystem Connectors project builds bridges across European entrepreneurship ecosystems with the aim of encouraging a stronger economic integration through facilitating partnerships, knowledge sharing and resource exchange between entrepreneurs and stakeholders. The project’s first edition focuses on connecting Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Berlin.

Through regular networking events, dedicated training and workshops, and exchange trips, the project will provide entrepreneurs across the Western Balkans with market access and business development support, and access to opportunities for international growth.

Applications are now open for a delegation trip to Sarajevo and Tirana from Berlin, taking place from the 21st of September to the 27th of September 2025.

Full report about Ecosystem Connectors Tirana

Why Apply?

By applying to Ecosystem Connectors Goes Western Balkans, you have the chance to take part in a one-week trip to Sarajevo and Tirana in September 2025 encompassing:

Site visits

in sector-based groups to key players in the Sarajevo and Tirana ecosystems to kickstart collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Networking opportunities

in your group of startups and support organizations travelling to Sarajevo and Tirana from Berlin, and with ecosystem players based in both cities.

Global visibility

and access to potential partners through industry events such as the AI Summit 2025 in Sarajevo.

Cultural discovery

to provide a comprehensive overview of the cities and the context in which the market operates.

Building connections

After the one-week trip to Sarajevo and Tirana, further steps will be taken to build on the connections established during the trip to create sustainable collaborations.

Apply now

Deadline: 14 Jul 2025

Go to application

Who can join?

They are looking for up to 10 founders and ecosystem enablers to join the Ecosystem Connectors exchange trip to Tirana and Sarajevo.

For startups and innovative businesses*:

• You are a founder of an SME or startup with a business based in Berlin
• Your service/product shows potential for growth and can be scaled to the Western Balkans
• You operate in a sector with significant growth and collaboration potentials in both Tirana/Sarajevo and Berlin

For ecosystem enablers and representatives of Business Support Organizations:

Including: Business associations, incubators, accelerators, innovation hubs, investors, networks/platforms

• Your organization is supporting startups and founders in Berlin.
• You are looking to create partnerships with similar organizations in Sarajevo & Tirana. 
• Your organization can support companies & startups from Sarajevo or Tirana in scaling their work or creating partnerships with businesses in Berlin.
• You (as representative for your organization) are willing and able to actively participate in the project and share knowledge and experience with other participants.

**Representatives of women-led companies and persons who identify as women are encouraged to apply.

 Download the selection and eligibility criteria (0.24 MB PDF)

 FAQ Delegation to Sarajevo/Tirana (0.28 MB PDF)