The Albanian startup and innovation ecosystem is transforming exponentially. However, Intellectual and Industrial Property remains a topic on which startups still need to be informed. Through acceleration programs focused on Intellectual and Industrial Property, enterprises in Albania can increase their potential for economic development and innovation, positioning Albania as an advanced innovation hub for the region.

The protection of a startup’s Intellectual and Industrial Property, beyond trademark registration or patenting, includes a branding strategy and robust protection in case of rights violations. The “IP4Startups” program, which will directly support several Albanian startups in Intellectual and Industrial Property, is implemented by the General Directorate of Industrial Property (GDIP) with the support of the Albanian-Swiss Intellectual Property Project (ALSIP).

The goal of the IP4Startups program is to support 10 Albanian startups in reaching their potential and provide them with personalized support to effectively register and protect their intellectual and industrial property assets, including capacity building, personalized consultancy, free trademark registration for their entities, and the development of branding or rebranding packages to gain a competitive advantage and market differentiation.

About the Program

IP4Startups will offer an intensive acceleration program dedicated to addressing the specific needs of startups. The selected startups will have access to a range of resources and support mechanisms aimed at increasing understanding of intellectual property and implementing effective strategies for sustainable growth. To address specific needs, participants will find guidance and support starting from growth and branding strategy development, trademark registration to intellectual property management. The program aims to support 10 startups in Albania, who will receive free personalized support throughout the program.

What the program offers:

• Workshops/Trainings: Startups will participate in informative workshops on branding, intellectual property, and various topics related to the protection of intellectual property;
• Intellectual and Industrial Property Diagnostics (WIPO IP diagnostics);
• Personalized Report from GDIP: A preliminary personalized report from GDIP on the intellectual property assets of each startup and branding strategy;
• Personalized Branding/Rebranding Package: Each startup in the program will receive personalized support with a “Branding/Rebranding Package”;
• Dedicated Mentoring Sessions: Program experts will offer dedicated mentoring sessions for the program’s startups;
• Trademark Registration: Direct support for the registration and protection of the trademark;
• Networking: Networking events, access to investors, mentors, project donors, and key players in the startup ecosystem to foster new collaborations.

Application Criteria

We are looking for innovative startups that want to grow and reach new levels of development. To be part of the program, startups must meet the following criteria:

• Startups must be registered in Albania and have a NIPT number;
• They must be in the early stages of development (from 6 to 36 months);
• They must have growth potential and expansion into regional/international markets;
• They must have innovative solutions that incorporate new digital technologies;
• Applicants must have at least a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) or a demonstrable prototype. Startups in the launch/sales phase of their products will have an advantage;
• They must consist of dynamic teams with a rich CV and be committed to engaging in every activity scheduled in the program;
• They must have clearly and concretely addressed the needs and challenges related to Intellectual and Industrial Property.

The evaluation committee will base its assessment on the above criteria. The beneficiaries of this program will mainly be startups that, in addition to meeting the above criteria, also align well with the program’s objectives.

• Application Opening Date: August 1, 2024
• Application Closing Date: August 31, 2024
• Program Duration: September 15 – October 24, 2024

Apply here through the link: https://forms.gle/rSXjMbYY2DYaw3W98

Applicants will be notified by September 14, 2024, regarding the status of their application.