A different kind of public installation is coming to Tirana East Gate Mall on May 13th, 2026 as PayByFace introduces Albanian shoppers to a technology that could change the way people pay forever as one of the Top 20 Startups competing in The Founder Games Season 2 accelerator and reality TV show!
Built around the idea that “the wallet is becoming obsolete,” the activation combines live demonstrations, interactive artwork, social media streaming, and public engagement to introduce facial payment technology in a way that feels visual, spontaneous, and accessible. The concept behind the experience is simple: in the near future, people may no longer need to carry cash, cards, or even their phones to complete a purchase. Instead, their face becomes their method of payment. Visitors attending the event on May 13th between 13:00-15:00 will be able to see the system demonstrated live through hands-on iPad demos while interacting with the PayByFace team throughout the day. To mark the symbolic “death of the wallet,” the activation space will feature a series of bold red lipstick illustrations, handwritten memorial-style messages, and improvised visual pieces inspired by changing consumer habits and the future of retail. The installation is designed to feel more like an evolving art show than a traditional technology launch.
Members of the team will also be engaging directly with shoppers using localized humor, casual conversation starters, and live social content designed specifically for Albanian audiences. The activation will be streamed live across TikTok and other social platforms, capturing reactions and first impressions as visitors encounter the technology in real time.
Rather than presenting the technology in a formal setting, PayByFace aims to introduce the concept through culture, conversation, and curiosity. PayByFace is inviting people to imagine what everyday shopping could look like in the next generation of retail experiences. Visitors are encouraged to stop by, experience the demonstrations firsthand, and take part in one of Albania’s first public showcases of facial payment technology.
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