We often hear that universities and businesses should work more closely together. But rarely do we see someone take real action to make that happen. Dr. Alba Skendaj, a professor and expert in European projects and strategic innovation, has decided not to wait for this connection to happen on its own — she’s building it herself.
That’s the idea behind Match4Research, a digital platform designed to bring together researchers, universities, companies, and organizations to collaborate, solve real-world problems, and create impact. Supported by the StartUp Albania Grant 2025, the platform aims to break traditional silos and open new channels for cooperation and innovation.
Turning Knowledge into Action
Despite the growing focus on innovation and digital transformation, academic research in Albania often remains disconnected from the business world. Match4Research tackles this gap by offering a smart, AI-powered matchmaking system that connects market needs with academic expertise. The goal is to help researchers apply their knowledge in practice, and for businesses to benefit from scientific insight they can actually use.
“This platform is built for everyone who wants to make knowledge useful — for researchers who want to do more than publish, for companies who want tailored solutions, and for institutions that believe in collaboration,” says Dr. Skendaj.
What Makes Match4Research Different?
Unlike platforms such as ResearchGate (which focuses on publishing academic work) or LinkedIn (which connects professionals), Match4Research is built for structured collaboration. It allows users to match based on expertise, co-create projects, apply for joint grants, and share opportunities that require academic-industry cooperation.
This isn’t about networking — it’s about working together to solve real problems, develop innovations, and grow as a community.
Building a Team from Vision
Starting a tech-based initiative without an IT background can be daunting, especially in Albania. But Dr. Skendaj turned that into an opportunity. While the application for the StartUp Albania Grant 2025 was straightforward, she notes that building the right team was the biggest challenge — and today, it’s also her biggest strength.
The team behind Match4Research includes AI experts Evis Plaku and Ndricim Topalli (both PhD candidates), Chief Technology Officer Albina Bardhi, and three graduates from Holberton School — Ergi Lama, Flori Mecaj, and Ergis Fejza, who bring fresh ideas and Gen Z energy to the project.
“We dream big,” she says, “and big dreams need people who are not just creative, but disciplined enough to bring them to life.”
Early Feedback and Market Interest
Although the platform is still in its MVP phase, initial conversations with potential users are promising. Dr. Skendaj and her team have already engaged with over five universities and several prominent companies in Albania, including Balfin Group, Agna Group, Salillari shpk, as well as firms like REVO Group, TEXO Solutions, Albacademy, and others.
Many are enthusiastic about using Match4Research for developing business solutions, partnering on EU-funded initiatives, or co-creating research projects. Researchers, too, are excited — they finally have a space where they can showcase their knowledge and offer consultancy services in a structured way.
Who Is the Platform For?
Match4Research is not just for one type of user. It’s built for an entire ecosystem. On one side, you have professors, researchers, and PhD students looking to apply their expertise in the real world. On the other side, there are businesses, startups, consultants, students, and NGOs looking for credible, research-backed support and new ways to innovate.
To reach this audience, the platform is using a multi-layered outreach strategy — from partnering with top universities like the University of Tirana and Metropolitan University of Tirana, to engaging leading companies and banks, to organizing events, running targeted digital campaigns, and collaborating with chambers of commerce and innovation hubs.
Looking Ahead: Growth in Albania and the Western Balkans
After launching the first version of the platform and activating over 20 user profiles, the next step is expanding the network to hundreds of users — including academics, businesses, consultants, and organizations. The team also plans to activate the matchmaking engine, launch collaboration announcements, and support users in building research partnerships, training programs, and joint funding applications.
Ultimately, the vision goes beyond Albania. Dr. Skendaj sees Match4Research as a regional success story that can support innovation and economic development across the Western Balkans.
In Her Words:
“We believe that great ideas deserve real-world impact — and that happens when the right people meet the right opportunities. That’s the core mission of Match4Research.”
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