Last night, the seventh episode of the “Think Big” program aired — a continuation of the previous episode where we spoke with the leading figures behind projects such as Tumo, Plug and Play Tirana, Innovation Hub, and Tirana 42.
In this episode, we sat down with Sokol Ymeri, the main manager of these initiatives, as well as Aleksandër Sarapuli and Martin Mata, co-CEOs of AADF.
The discussion centered on the challenges faced by Albanian startups, the importance of adapting successful international models, and the concrete ways to bring global experience into a local context.
The leaders emphasized that Albania should not merely replicate international examples mechanically but should extract their core essence and tailor them to fit the Albanian reality. These models are not imported as they are; they undergo a thoughtful adaptation that gives them continuity and effectiveness in a completely different environment. This deliberate approach is what makes the effort to build a thriving ecosystem meaningful.
A special focus was placed on the lack of international exposure among Albanian startups. Many of them think locally and fail to envision themselves as globally scalable from the start. According to Sarapuli and Mata, this challenge will gradually be overcome through strategic partnerships such as the one with Plug and Play, a global accelerator network supporting startups worldwide.
These collaborations bring to Albania the expertise of those who have built real startups, led innovation within corporations and institutions, and can now share their practical experience with young entrepreneurs.
The interview culminated with a reflection on the inspiration that comes from youth. As Martin Mata highlighted, AADF’s vision is clear: investing in youth today is investing in the future. Young people are the core of this transformation, and supporting them is not only a moral duty but also a strategic necessity for the country’s development.
The seventh episode of “Think Big” once again proved that the potential exists. With the right support, by focusing on models that work, and by fostering a global mindset, Albania can shape a new generation of entrepreneurs — those who not only think differently but act in ways that transform the future.
0 comments