ACT NOW connects the regional innovation ecosystem — Kushtrim Shala: We are building bridges for digital Albania

In an era where the world is accelerating toward a digital future, Albania is ready to claim its place on the global innovation map. With a clear vision and unwavering ambition, ACTI (Albanian Council for Technology and Innovation) brings to the heart of Tirana the country’s largest technology conference — ACT NOW 2025.

This event is not just another gathering. It is an invitation to think differently, to create meaningful networks, and to build bridges between Albania, regional countries, and global tech giants like Microsoft, Dell, Oracle, and IBM.

Ahead of this milestone moment, we spoke with Kushtrim Shala, Board Member and Chair of the Local and Global Policy Committee at ACTI. In this exclusive interview, he shares the passion, dedication, and strategy behind an initiative aimed at positioning Albania at the center of regional and international attention — while creating a sustainable innovation and startup ecosystem.

ACT NOW is regarded as the biggest technology and innovation event in Albania. What makes it so special?

ACT NOW aims to establish itself as an annual flagship event in Albania’s tech and innovation sector. It will, for the first time, bring together in Tirana leading technology and innovation companies, entrepreneurs, investors, and professionals from around the world to discuss the technologies shaping our future.

The conference kicks off on the evening of May 29 with a networking event among invitees to set the tone for the main day, May 30. We are proud to host elite representatives and keynote speakers from prestigious tech companies like Microsoft, Dell, Oracle (StarGate), IBM (watsonx), Super Micro, and SimSpace.

Keynote speeches, expert panels, workshops, challenges like Cyber Drill, and networking opportunities will fill the day. The conference concludes with the exclusive ACT NOW Grand Prize Ceremony, highlighting the importance of valuing innovative projects with global scaling potential.

How did you manage to collaborate with global giants like Microsoft, Dell, and Oracle? What are the expectations from their keynote speeches?

Bringing such companies to Albania was undoubtedly challenging. However, ACTI, as a specialized structure for technology and innovation, used its mechanisms and existing partnerships, including its five committees (detailed on ACTI’s official website) to secure these collaborations. These companies welcomed the idea with great interest.

The strengthening of Albania’s innovation and startup ecosystem shows this was the right moment to showcase Albania as a rising tech hub. Topics covered will include AI, Cyber Security, Quantum-readiness, Deepfakes, Secure Access and Identity, Startups & Scaleups, and more.

In a country like Albania, where digital infrastructure is still developing, how does ACT NOW help achieve the vision for Digital Albania 2030?

Albania is rapidly integrating innovative technologies in public administration and fintech. ACT NOW is designed as a foundation for an annual event, strengthening the Digital Albania vision. It promotes new partnerships, exposes the ecosystem’s strengths, and encourages global investment in local human and technical capacities.

A key mission of ACT NOW is also to foster cross-border collaboration among leaders from Albania, Kosovo, North Macedonia, Montenegro, Serbia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Croatia, connecting the region and the world.

What is the real weight of this event in building a sustainable ecosystem for Albanian and regional startups?

For startups in Albania and beyond, this is a chance to learn from the world’s top tech innovators, get inspired, and network. Startups and companies with innovations in various sectors can also apply for the ACT NOW Grand Prize during the exclusive ceremony.

We are bringing together dozens of angel investors and VCs from the region and Central Europe, offering exposure and first-hand access to key investment players. ACT NOW also offers prizes, including a €50,000 fund for the most innovative project judged by industry experts.

Who can join the competition and how will winners be selected?

The awards ceremony is open for applications in a single main category:

• ACT NOW Grand Prize (€50,000) — for spin-offs, startups, and scale-ups.

There will also be prizes encouraging youth and cybersecurity skills:

• Youth Prize — for the most original project by individuals up to 25 years old.
• Cyber Drill Prize — awarded to the winners of the Cyber Drill challenge using SimSpace and First’s dedicated zero-trust cybersecurity simulation platform.

Applications must be submitted online via ACT NOW’s website by May 10. Selected applicants will be announced after May 15.

You have involved many stakeholders: from the government to startups to students. How do you ensure that this diversity results in real collaboration and not just networking?

Besides the public conference on May 30 (9 AM to 3 PM), ACT NOW includes three parallel activities designed to create tangible collaborations.

On May 29, a social networking event exclusively for ACTI member companies and prominent guests will encourage connections before the main conference. During the conference day, a B2B lounge will enable 300 participants to meet and discuss. Meanwhile, young cybersecurity enthusiasts will join a parallel session with Lee Rossey for military-style cybersecurity defense training.

Is ACT NOW becoming a strategic platform to connect the Albanian diaspora in tech with the homeland?

Absolutely. ACT NOW aims to be a bridge not only for local but also for Albanian-speaking and Diaspora talents. Applications are open to all, and a dedicated Diaspora Committee within ACTI is actively fostering cooperation with diaspora professionals.

The committee’s mission is to strengthen ties with the industry, promote talent return, and ensure Albania’s sustainable development.

What can participants expect from the Gala Networking Dinner and how will it help create real opportunities?

On the evening of May 30, the exclusive Gala will feature the Grand Prize ceremony, and bring together 15 angel investors and VCs from the region and Central Europe in collaboration with the Swiss Entrepreneurship Programme. This offers ACTI member companies the chance to enter investor academies and secure funding.

What were the biggest challenges in organizing ACT NOW 2025 and how did you overcome them?

The biggest challenge has been our own ambition. The ACTI Board set very high standards, aiming to leave a meaningful mark on the ecosystem through unification, competition, and best practices.

Will there be any surprises at ACT NOW 2025 that the public doesn’t know about yet?

Yes, there will be surprises! One highlight will be the presence of a humanoid robot bartender, interacting with guests and creating a futuristic tech experience. This is not just for show — it symbolizes the arrival of technology into our everyday lives. And this is only one of many surprises ACT NOW will offer.

If you could sum up ACT NOW 2025 in one sentence for those who haven’t registered yet — what would it be?

At ACT NOW 2025, Albania will speak the language of innovation — where ideas, collaboration, and impact will take center stage.

Apply now for the prizes at: https://now.acti.al/apply-for-an-act-now-prize/

Note: Due to high interest, registrations for the conference have closed, but you can still be part of ACT NOW 2025 by applying for one of the prizes: Grand Prize, Youth Prize, or Cyber Drill Prize.

“Albania Tech” – https://albaniatech.org/act-now-connects-the-regional-innovation-ecosystem-kushtrim-shala-we-are-building-bridges-for-digital-albania/