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  • ACT NOW Prize
Apply for an
ACT NOW Prize
  • Home
  • About us
  • Agenda
  • Registrations
  • Partners
  • News
  • Contact
  • ACT NOW Prize
Apply for an
ACT NOW Prize

The premier Technology and Innovation event organized by
ACTI

29, 30 May 2025 – Tirana Marriott Hotel, Arena Kombëtare

Apply for an ACT NOW Prize

ACT NOW 2025 is Albania’s flagship event for technology, innovation, and entrepreneurship, designed to foster collaboration, spark innovation, and honor technological excellence across Albania and the region.
Scheduled for 29, 30 May 2025, this landmark gathering aims to unite industry leaders, innovators, and enthusiasts from Albania and the broader Balkan region for an unparalleled experience in networking, knowledge sharing, and recognition of excellence.​ 

Agenda

Expand All +
  • May 29


  • May 30


  • May 31


  • 19:30 - 22:00
    NETWORKING DINNER

    18:30
    Registration
    19:30
    Opening
    Organizers
    Opening remarks
    20:30
    Networking
    Participants: ACTI Members, Event’s Sponsors, Speakers and gov representatives
    An evening designed to build connections in a relaxed atmosphere.
    21:30
    Dinner closes
    Where
    Hotel Marriott Tirana

  • 09:00 - 15:00
    MAIN CONFERENCE

    9:00
    Registration
    9:30
    Opening
    Chair of the Board at ACTI, Mr. Ermal Beqiri
    Minister of Economy Innovation and Culture, Mr. Blendi Gonxhja
    Director General of the National Agency for Information Society, Mrs. Mirlinda Karçanaj
    H.E. PM. Mr. Edi Rama
    Opening Remarks
    10:20
    Keynote
    Mrs. Kozeta Garrett, Global Managing Partner for Cybersecurity Services, Microsoft
    “Securing the Future in an AI-Driven World”
    10:35
    Keynote
    Mrs. Ekaterina Solovova, Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Albania
    “Where capital meets innovation: EBRD’s role in digital and tech-led transformation”
    10:45
    Panel
    Mr. Eric Piroux from Entrust,
    Mr. Lee Rossey from Simspace,
    Mr. Peter Markota from Check Point
    Mrs. Jelena Milosevic from IBM
    Mr. Vladimir Vukovic from Supermicro
    “Next-Gen Cybersecurity & Digital Trust”

    Moderated by Mr. Saimir Kapllani,
    Director of GRC at NCSA
    11:45
    Coffee break
    Building the Quantum-Ready World - Opportunities and Challenge
    12:15
    Parallel Event: Cyber Drill Challenge
    12:15
    Keynote
    Dane Hinic, IBM CoE Manager
    “Your companion to agentic AI”
    12:30
    Panel
    Mrs. Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of Entrepreneurship and Business Climate
    Mrs. Mirlinda Karçanaj, National Agency of Information Society
    Mr. Igli Tafa, National Cyber Security Authority
    Mr. Sokol Duma, Deputy Minister of Economy, Innovation and Culture
    Way forward Digital Albania 2030
    13:10
    Lunch break
    14:10
    Fireside chat
    Mr. Andis Papa, ACTI Board Member, CEO at Fastech
    Mr. Gentian Likaj, ACTI Board Member, CEO at Communication Progress
    Mr. Brano Djurovic, ACTI Gold Member, CEO at One Albania
    Mr. Kushtrim Shala, ACTI Board Member, CEO at ALBICT
    Mr. Gjergji Mulla, ACTI Board Member, CEO at Helius Systems
    Mr. Bernard Toci, ACTI Gold Member, CEO at Synapse
    ACTI at its core
    Challenges and opportunities
    14:45
    Keynote
    Onur Koc, Regional Technology Officer - Southeast Europe, Microsoft
    “AI with Purpose: Shaping Agentic AI and Microsoft”
    15:00
    Closing remarks
    Where
    Hotel Marriott Tirana

  • 19:30 - 22:30
    GRAND PRIZE CEREMONY

    19:00
    Registration
    19:30
    Opening
    Government representatives
    Opening remarks
    19:40
    Panel
    6 investors from the Swiss Entrepreneurship Program;

    Vuk Lau of VC Silicon Gardens
    Maaike Doyer of Epic Angels
    Maria Carolina Romero, business angel
    Eli Zhabevska of South-Central Ventures
    Keo Sar of Dream VC
    Ardian Hoxha of Keiretsu Forum
    Backing the Bold: Investing in the Next Generation of Innovation in the Western Balkans.

    Venture Capital, Private Equity and Impact Funds, collectively managing nearly $10bn+ in AUM

    Moderated by Mr. Ravik Mima, CEO & Angel Investor, Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe
    20:20
    Dinner
    20:50
    Pitching
    6 startups pitching on stage
    Pitching for the Grand Prize 50,000 Euro
    21:35
    Dinner
    22:00
    ACT NOW GRAND PRIZE 2025; YOUTH PRIZE 2025; CYBER DRILL PRIZE 2025
    22:30
    Joint picture; Closing remarks
    Where
    Hotel Marriott Tirana

  • 10:00 - 11:00
    PRESS RELEASE


Meet the Jury

Delina Ibrahimaj

Delina Ibrahimaj

Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and Business Climate
Sokol Duma

Sokol Duma

Deputy Minister of Economy, Culture and Innovation
Leonora Kusari

Leonora Kusari

Principle, Regional Coordinator, BIP, SME F&D at EBRD
Mirlinda Karçanaj

Mirlinda Karçanaj

General Director of Albanian National Agency of Information Society
Aleksandër Biberaj

Aleksandër Biberaj

Head of Electronics and Telecommunications Department, Faculty of Technology and Information
Igli Tafa

Igli Tafa

General Director, National Cyber Security Authority
Josh Miekley

Josh Miekley

HUMAN-CENTERED AI STRATEGIST

ACT NOW Speakers

Eli Zhabevska

Eli Zhabevska

Principal - VC South Central Ventures
Edi Rama

Edi Rama

Prime Minister of Albania
Vuk Lau

Vuk Lau

Partner - VC Silicon Gardens
Maria Carolina Romero

Maria Carolina Romero

Business Angel
Keo Sar

Keo Sar

Investor Accelerator Venture Fellow - of Dream VC
Ardian Hoxha

Ardian Hoxha

Chapter President, Keiretsu Forum Southeast Europe
Maaike Doyer

Maaike Doyer

Founder & Mangaing Partner Epic Angels
Onur Koc

Onur Koc

Regional Technology Officer, Microsoft Southeast Europe
Lee Rossey

Lee Rossey

CTO, Co-Founder at SimSpace
Jelena Milošević

Jelena Milošević

IBM Automation Brand Partner Specialist and Partner Activation Leader in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe
Kozeta Garrett

Kozeta Garrett

Global Managing Partner - Cybersecurity Services at Microsoft
Vladimir Vuković

Vladimir Vuković

Director, AI & HPC Solutions, Supermicro
Petar Markota

Petar Markota

Presales Security Engineer, Check Point Software
Dane Hinic

Dane Hinic

IBM CoE Manager
Eric Piroux

Eric Piroux

Center of Excellence Director, Entrust
Ekaterina Solovova

Ekaterina Solovova

Head of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) in Albania

ACT NOW 2025 Awards

Application Process: Submit your applications online by May 10, 2025.
Finalists announced May 15, 2025.

Apply here!

Partners

Become a Strategic Partner:
Highlighting leading organizations partnering with ACT NOW 2025, including tech giants, regional enterprises, and institutions that share our vision and mission.

Become a Sponsor:
To become a sponsor of ACT NOW, select one of the available sponsorship packages presented. For more details, please download the brochure.

Note: If you are a member of ACTI, you may be eligible for special discounts and the opportunity to negotiate the sponsorship package price.

Become a Partner

Attendees

Who Should Attend:

  • Entrepreneurs and startups
  • Investors (Angels & Venture Capitalists)
  • Tech companies (global and regional)
  • Government officials
  • Innovation experts
  • Academics and researchers
  • Students and young tech enthusiasts


Register

Latest Updates

Stay informed about keynote speakers, panel updates, and exciting announcements leading up to ACT NOW 2025. 

31
May
ACT NOW 2025 Successfully Concludes: A Step Forward for Digital Albania
31
May
ACT NOW 2025 PËRMBYLLET ME SUKSES: NJË HAP PËRPARA DREJT SHQIPËRISË DIGJITALE
28
May
ACT NOW 2025 Prize Finalists Announced

Speak at ACT NOW 2025!

Interested in becoming a speaker? Submit your proposal and join our prestigious lineup.
Submit your proposal

FAQ

What is ACT NOW all about?

ACT NOW is a bold new platform that brings together and unites the brightest minds in technology, innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment from across Southeast Europe. ACT now will be Featured by the keynote speakers from tech giants, panel discussions with industry experts, and interactive workshops. You can navigate the Agenda for more information.

When and where does ACT NOW 2025 take place?

ACT NOW will take place in Tirana, Albania on 29-31 May. The exact venue will be announced on the website and social media platforms.

How can I join ACT NOW as a speaker?

If you’re a leader or expert in innovation and technology with insights worth sharing, we invite you to apply to speak at ACT NOW 2025. To be considered, please complete the registration. Our team will carefully review all applications and extend invitations to those whose contributions align with the conference’s vision and mission.

How can I participate in ACT NOW?

To participate in the conference on 30th of May, you can register here. This ticket is for conference entrance only, and does not include the entrance in the exclusive awards ceremony.

What is the deadline for applications?

There is no specified deadline for conference registration. However, we encourage you to register as soon as possible to secure your spot before we reach full capacity.

Is there any fee required to register?

No fees are required to register as an attendee in the conference.

How can I be part of the exclusive awards ceremony?

To become part of the awards ceremony that will take place after the conference first you should apply here for an ACT Now prize. Only the short listed applicants will be entitled to enter the ceremony along with partners, sponsors and other guests

Will there be financial prizes?

A financial prize of €50,000 will be awarded to the winner of ACT NOW 2025. The winner will be selected from the pool of shortlisted applicants who have applied for this award, based on the published criteria.

I am a startup and I want to come to ACT NOW - how?

If you want to participate in the conference to gain insights, meet bright minded people and network you can register as an attendee. If you want to gain recognition for your innovative project or business you should apply here.

I’m interested in participating as a media, is there an opportunity?

You can apply to participate as a media partner in ACT NOW 2025, by registering in the  form. You will have the opportunity to gain exclusive access to thought leaders, inspiring sessions, and groundbreaking ideas; cover compelling stories, connect with changemakers, and bring your audience to the forefront of innovation.

Can I transfer my ticket to another person?

No you can not transfer your ticket to another person. Each person that wants to participate in the event should register by filling out the form.

How can I partner with ACT NOW 2025?

You can join ACT NOW as a partner if you are a leading organization, including tech giants, regional enterprises, and institutions that share our vision and mission.

You can join ACT NOW as a sponsor if you want to position your brand prominently among leading innovators and decision-makers.

How can I join as a sponsor?

To become a sponsor of ACT NOW, select one of the available sponsorship packages presented. For more details, please download the brochure. Note: If you are a member of ACTI, you may be eligible for special discounts and the opportunity to negotiate the sponsorship package price.


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