Albania’s startup ecosystem is connecting this September with one of the world’s largest international platforms for entrepreneurship and investment. Startup World Cup Albania 2026 will take place on September 25 at the Palace of Congresses in Tirana, on the Main Stage of Future2Tech – the Technology, Innovation & Education Fair.

Created to give Albanian startups the opportunity to present their businesses in front of a professional jury and compete for the chance to represent Albania at the Startup World Cup in San Francisco.

Startup World Cup is a global startup competition organized internationally by Pegasus Tech Ventures, which hosts regional events in dozens of countries and connects entrepreneurs with investors, companies, mentors, and leaders from innovation ecosystems around the world.

Regional winners become part of the global Startup World Cup process in San Francisco, where they have the opportunity to advance to the Global Grand Finale and compete for a $1 million investment prize.

From Tirana to San Francisco

Albanian startups can apply until September 21, 2026. Following the selection process, the finalists will be invited to pitch their startups live on September 25, on the Main Stage of Future2Tech 2026 at the Palace of Congresses.

The Startup World Cup Albania 2026 Final will be hosted by Aneida Bajraktari Bicja and Gerti Boshnjaku, two active figures in Albania’s entrepreneurship and business ecosystem.

The finalist startups will present their businesses in front of a professional jury and will be evaluated based on criteria including the problem and solution, market potential, business model and traction, competitive advantage and scalability, team strength, and investment readiness.

At the end of the pitches, the Startup World Cup Albania Winner 2026 will be announced. The winner will represent Albania in the global Startup World Cup process in San Francisco, alongside regional winners from countries around the world.

A Bridge Between Albanian Startups and the Global Ecosystem

Beyond being a pitch competition, Startup World Cup Albania aims to create a tangible bridge between Albanian entrepreneurship and international capital, expertise, and networks.

In Albania, the initiative is led by Startup Albania Foundation, with Aneida Bajraktari Bicja, founder and head of the foundation, who is actively involved in developing the country’s startup, entrepreneurship, and innovation ecosystem.

“Albania has founders and startups with the potential to compete internationally. What is often missing is the bridge connecting them with investors, networks, and global opportunities. Startup World Cup Albania aims to do exactly that: create a pathway from Tirana to a global stage such as San Francisco. We are not simply looking for a good pitch, but for Albanian startups with the ambition to build companies that can grow beyond our domestic market,” says Aneida Bajraktari Bicja.

According to her, Startup World Cup Albania is also an opportunity to make the local ecosystem more visible internationally and create more points of connection between Albanian founders, investors, and global networks.

Applications Are Open Until September 21

The call is open to Albanian startups with the ambition to grow and compete in international markets. Selected startups will have the opportunity to present their product, business model, and potential in front of the jury and the Future2Tech audience.

Startup World Cup Albania 2026 is organized by Startup Albania Foundation, in collaboration with Future2Tech by I-Exhibitions & AlbaniaTech, with the support of Business Magazine Albania and Balkans Capital.

Application deadline: September 21, 2026

Final: September 25, 2026

Time: 17:00

Venue: Palace of Congresses, Tirana

Albanian startups aiming for international markets have only a few days left to apply for the opportunity to represent Albania at the Startup World Cup in San Francisco.