Klevisa Kapo, an experienced entrepreneur and expert in innovation, has founded Neocortex Hub, a multifunctional center dedicated to fostering innovation and knowledge circulation. In this interview, she shares her journey, the inspiration behind creating Neocortex Hub, and her ambition to transform education and business services in Albania. Discover how Klevisa’s vision and expertise are shaping the future of startups, education, and sustainable projects, positioning Neocortex Hub as a key player in the country’s innovation ecosystem.
What inspired you to create Neocortex Hub? What are your main goals for this new project?
“Neocortex is the part of the brain responsible for higher functions such as learning, thinking, creating, moving, and speaking.” Hearing a detailed explanation about the neocortex during a training session last year, the words “Learn, Think, Create, Move, Speak” resonated deeply with me. Listing them in this order felt like a meaningful slogan to bring together several ideas I had been working on for the past eight years. Furthermore, studying the methodology of Social Network Analysis during one of my PhD courses provided valuable insights into the importance of interconnectedness and how businesses can be empowered through network relationships.
These two events became “aha moments” that helped crystallize the concept, model, and structure of what would become Neocortex Hub.
What does Neocortex Hub offer, and how do you plan to deliver innovation and knowledge?
Neocortex Hub is a multifunctional center, built on the foundations of knowledge and innovation, aimed at producing and circulating knowledge through various services such as market research, business planning, pitch decks, training, business consultancy, and project/grant management. In addition to these, Neocortex Hub contributes to continuous development of educational, cultural, creative, and sustainable products and projects.
One of our initial projects is Neocortex Education, a center offering after-school study programs for children, integrated with psychological development programs and fun cultural activities. Neocortex Education also provides courses focused on essential professional, human, and civic skills. For instance, we offer programs on eco-sustainability through outdoor experiments, civic and legal education, and entrepreneurship courses designed for children.
What is the core mission of Neocortex Hub, and how do you aim to achieve it?
The mission of Neocortex Hub is to foster the production, development, and exchange of knowledge among organizations and individuals. As a dynamic hub for innovation, education, and creative industries, it aims to create sustainable, educational, cultural, and innovative projects and services.
Our core offerings include:
- Business Services and Consulting: Supporting startups, NGOs, educational institutions, and businesses with project writing and management, market research, business planning, strategic communication, and training.
- Neocortex Education: A unique space for creative learning, offering after-school study support, psychological development programs, and diverse educational courses designed to foster personal growth, skill development, and active citizenship.
What makes Neocortex Hub stand out from other innovation and education centers?
My extensive experience in the startup ecosystem as a consultant, along with my involvement as a lecturer and researcher, has allowed me to stay connected to market needs and emerging ideas. This, combined with my ongoing PhD studies at the University of Florence, has provided me with a deeper scientific perspective.
These elements give Neocortex Hub a practical yet scientific approach, ensuring the highest quality in achieving its mission. Meanwhile, Neocortex Education distinguishes itself through its blend of traditional education, creativity, and modern methods, creating a space where children and youth can explore their interests meaningfully. Additionally, our team includes family members with successful careers in education, sports, and psychology, enriching our programs with diverse expertise.
We collaborate with professional trainers in fields like entrepreneurship, sports, psychology, law, sustainability, and foreign languages, ensuring high-quality programs.
What important lessons have you learned so far as the founder of a new startup?
The book of lessons has only just begun, and I know there are many more to come. So far, I’ve learned that success doesn’t come instantly—it requires patience and persistence. Having a strong support network of partners, collaborators, clients, and mentors is essential for guidance during challenging times.
Are there any ongoing projects that you believe will have a significant impact on the community?
Yes, we are currently working on a very special project set to launch in November called LitCor Audio. This platform offers audio stories in Albanian, aiming not only to educate and entertain Albanian children but also to preserve the Albanian language and culture for children living abroad.
LitCor Audio will function as a digital platform (similar to Netflix in its business model) with a diverse catalog of educational stories in Albanian. It aims to foster children’s imagination and creativity, promote language preservation, and offer a screen-free experience to protect eyesight and reduce environmental impact.
Was there a particular moment that made you feel Neocortex Hub was exactly what the market needed?
As I mentioned earlier, my work with startups and research in this field made it clear that there was a gap in fostering knowledge exchange within the ecosystem. This realization inspired the creation of Neocortex Hub. Additionally, Neocortex Education addresses the need for alternatives to traditional education, which I believe are currently in a critical state. I see significant potential for developing diverse formal and informal education solutions.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice when you started Neocortex Hub, what would it be?
Although Neocortex Hub was officially launched recently, I’ve been working on its elements for the past eight years. One of the most valuable lessons I’ve learned is the importance of timing. You might have a unique idea, but rushing it to market without considering all the related factors can lead to failure. On the other hand, hesitation in launching a well-prepared product can cause you to lose your market advantage. Finding the right moment is crucial for a startup’s success.
What is your vision for the future of Neocortex Hub, and how do you want it to be remembered in the industry?
My vision for Neocortex Hub is for it to become a reference point for innovation and education in Albania and the region. Our goal is for the company to be recognized as a place where knowledge creation and circulation are at the heart of every project and service.
I would consider it a success if I see various organizations in the ecosystem empowered as a result of Neocortex Hub’s support. There are many challenges ahead, but having long-term, visionary goals provides us with a clear framework for progress.
About Klevisa Kapo:
Klevisa Kapo is an experienced researcher in entrepreneurship and innovation, specializing in project writing and management. She provides professional services to startups, SMEs, NGOs, and educational institutions. Her expertise includes market research, project proposal writing, business planning, data analysis, and strategic consulting. Klevisa’s project proposals have secured funding of up to 600,000 euros, enabling various organizations to develop innovative projects in fields such as social entrepreneurship, sustainability, education, sports, youth development, digital finance, big data, and tourism.
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