WBUpreneur 2026 Concludes with Final Startup Pitches and Awards

The final day of WBUpreneur 2026 marked the culmination of an intensive entrepreneurial journey, bringing together participants who transformed initial ideas into fully developed startup concepts.

The event opened with a welcoming address by Prof. Dr. Ferdinand Gjana, Rector of Western Balkans University, who highlighted the importance of innovation, entrepreneurship, and the role of young talent in shaping the future.

Over the course of five days, 47 participants worked collaboratively to develop their ideas, resulting in 15 startup teams presenting their projects in front of a distinguished jury. The presentations demonstrated strong analytical thinking, creativity, and confidence, reflecting the impact of hands-on learning and mentorship.

The jury, composed of representatives from academia and industry, evaluated each project based on innovation, feasibility, and presentation quality. The panel included Ms. Nora Çaushi (Raiffeisen Bank), Dr. Idaver Sherifi (Vice Rector, WBU), Assoc. Prof. Dr. Erlis Cela (Vice Rector, WBU), Prof. Agim Mamuti (Dean, FETI), and Ms. Edlira Mali (Head of PR & Marketing, WBU).

At the conclusion of the event, the winning teams were announced. The first prize was awarded to Shqip’ni, receiving €2000. The second place, Nexora AI, was granted a two-month internship at Raiffeisen Bank, while the third place, Clawpata, received a certificate and gifts.

WBUpreneur 2026 served as a platform for innovation, collaboration, and personal development, reinforcing the University’s commitment to fostering entrepreneurial skills and supporting the next generation of innovators.