Kineton Albania, an innovative startup in the automotive industry, has brought a fresh perspective to the Albanian market by combining technological expertise with a clear vision for the future. In this interview, co-founder Mario Kazazi shares the story behind this successful startup, its achievements so far, and its ambitious plans for the future. From developing a new generation of automotive engineers to establishing international partnerships, Kineton Albania aims to become a center of excellence contributing to the global development of the automotive industry.
Tell us a bit about the history of your startup. How did the idea come about, and what were the initial steps you took to establish this business?
Kineton Albania was born out of a desire to contribute to the development of Albania by bringing expertise and innovation to the country. Co-founder Dr. Mario Kazazi returned to Albania after 27 years of emigration, bringing with him extensive academic and professional experience in innovation and technology. Believing that a business model that includes and empowers young Albanians in software development and testing for the automotive industry would be successful, he took the first steps toward founding Kineton Albania. Since universities and companies do not provide or foresee the development of a profile that contains the necessary competencies of an automotive engineer, the initial steps focused on creating an academy that develops the skills required by the industry and the European market.
What are the biggest achievements of your startup so far?
One of our most important achievements is the creation and development of the first generation of automotive engineers in Albania, who now offer their services to some of the most prestigious car manufacturers in Europe, such as McLaren, Stellantis, Aston Martin, and Garrett. We have built an innovative and motivating work environment where each individual has the opportunity to grow professionally. Additionally, we have laid the foundation for sustainable development and a long-term vision by establishing impactful international partnerships within our industry.
How do you see the development of your startup in the next 3-5 years?
In the next 3-5 years, we aim to become a center of excellence with a European reputation, significantly expanding both our team and revenue. To achieve this, we will strengthen relationships with universities, creating a strong bridge between education and a successful career in the automotive industry. This includes organizing specialized practical training sessions that offer hands-on experience for students. A key element of our strategy will be investing in Research and Development (R&D), focusing on innovative trends in this industry, such as advanced simulation techniques, artificial intelligence integration, and cybersecurity.
How do you evaluate the support of the government and other institutions for startups in our country?
The Albanian government’s support for innovation has been steadily increasing, and we have noticed that the automotive industry is receiving special attention. We have benefited from important initiatives like Startup Albania, and we believe that this support will be ongoing and crucial for our development. Additionally, we have had contacts with other agencies that have expressed interest in collaborating with us on future projects, which gives us hope for growth and further progress in the automotive industry.
Do you have any partnerships or collaborations that have been key to the development of your startup?
Yes, our partnership with Kineton Italy has been crucial to our success. This collaboration has provided us with support in technology and technical expertise. This support has been essential for the development and training of new professionals at Kineton Albania, enabling us to offer high-quality services. Furthermore, we have built strong relationships with international clients, where Kineton Albania teams have been engaged in developing technologies for the cars of the future.
Lastly, you were one of the startups selected for a grant provided by the government. What projects do you plan to implement with the help of this grant?
Our objective is to create a modern infrastructure for testing and diagnosing software for future vehicles. With the help of this grant, we plan to take the first step toward this ambitious project by using the funds to purchase hardware equipment, licenses, and necessary training. These will enable us to analyze and test CAN (Controller Area Network) networks and other automotive communication protocols like LIN, FlexRay, and Ethernet. This investment will be a key step in positioning Kineton Albania as an advanced technical center in the region.
What is your vision for the future of your startup, and how do you want your startup to be remembered in the industry you operate in?
Our vision is to build a center of excellence with significant international influence, contributing to the innovation and development of the automotive industry in the country. We aim to be a reference point for quality and technological expertise in this field. We want our startup to be remembered as a company that helped shape young professionals, offering them a springboard to successful careers in the international automotive industry. Through our commitment, we hope to have a lasting and positive impact by preparing new generations and bringing innovative changes to this industry.
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