Future2Tech 2026 has brought together public institutions, companies, entrepreneurs and other key players from Albania’s technology and innovation ecosystem.

Economy and Innovation Minister Delina Ibrahimaj, Interior Minister Ervin Demo, Deputy Environment Minister Gent Gazheli and National Cyber Security Authority Director General Bledar Kazia attended the opening ceremony.

In her welcoming remarks, Ibrahimaj highlighted the first-time participation of French and Czech companies. Their respective embassies organized the two stands at the fair.

“For the first time, Future2Tech has a French Embassy stand with French companies that have expressed interest in coming to Albania. We also have a stand organized by the Czech Embassy, with companies interested in coming, working, living and developing talent in the country,” Ibrahimaj said.

According to Ibrahimaj, this participation shows growing international interest in Albania’s innovation ecosystem. It also reflects the vision that previous editions of the fair have promoted.

Moreover, the minister stressed the importance of cooperation between the private sector and young people. She said this cooperation can help young people develop the skills that the labor market needs, especially as technology and innovation continue to advance.

Meanwhile, Interior Minister Ervin Demo said his ministry considers technology a priority. He described Future2Tech as an opportunity to connect entrepreneurship, innovation and technology.

Demo also highlighted the State Police’s use of technology in several areas. These include smart cameras, forensic laboratories, cybersecurity, secure digital identity and advanced systems.

In addition, Demo highlighted IdentiTek and described it as an important part of Albania’s critical infrastructure.

“The fact that IdentiTek is now a company with 100% state ownership and carries responsibility for producing and distributing biometric documents represents a major responsibility,” Demo said.

At the same time, the minister stressed the need to connect technology companies, universities and the labor market. He said Albania needs to develop its human resources to ensure the sector’s long-term sustainability.

Meanwhile, Deputy Environment Minister Gent Gazheli said innovation and technology can help Albania build a more competitive and resource-efficient economy. He also highlighted the circular economy’s role in the country’s green transition.

“For the Ministry of Environment, the transition to a circular economy is one of the main pillars of transformation,” Gazheli said.

Furthermore, Gazheli explained that the circular economy goes beyond recycling. It also focuses on preventing waste, reusing and repairing products, extending the lifespan of materials and developing new business models.

He also highlighted EU and German support through the EU4Innovation Challenge project and cooperation with GIZ. These initiatives help strengthen capacities, improve the legal framework and promote practical circular-economy solutions.

Meanwhile, National Cyber Security Authority Director General Bledar Kazia stressed the need to strengthen cybersecurity alongside Albania’s technological development.

Speaking at Future2Tech 2026, Kazia said public institutions and businesses must advance digital services while also protecting their systems. He specifically pointed to sectors such as banking and telecommunications.

“People must keep in mind that all this technological development must also go hand in hand with cybersecurity,” Kazia said.

Finally, Kazia said the National Cyber Security Authority will soon present concrete initiatives to strengthen cybersecurity among these stakeholders.

/a.c/