On 18 March 2026, the EIT Community Hub Albania, in collaboration with Barleti University, hosted “Harvesting Innovation with EIT Health” at the Maritim Plaza Hotel Tirana. The high-level event brought together health leaders, academia, SMEs, and innovators, and was dedicated to unlocking opportunities under EIT Health and the wider European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT) for Albania’s health ecosystem.
The event opened with introductory insights from Dr. Françeska Korançe, EIT Community Officer at EIT Community Hub Albania; Mr. Sebastian Berwanger, Project Manager at EU4Innovation, GIZ Albania; and Mr. Oltjon Muzaka, Deputy Minister at the Ministry of Health and Social Protection.
Dr. Izabel Alfany, European Head of Ecosystem Management at EIT Health, then presented an overview of the programmes and opportunities available to entrepreneurs, innovators, healthcare professionals, researchers, startups, and investors. Participants gained practical insights into how to access European funding, benefit from mentorship, engage in cross-border collaboration, and turn ideas into impactful healthcare solutions.
Three panels on Albania’s health ecosystem
Three panel discussions followed. The first, “Exploring Challenges and Potentials within the National Health Ecosystem”, moderated by Ms. Elona Xhaferri, Advisor at EU4Innovation, GIZ Albania, brought together representatives from the Healthcare Service Operator, the Institute of Public Health, the Agency for Quality Assurance of Health and Social Care, Western Balkans University, and Albanian University. Speakers addressed service quality, regulation, research integration, and the need for stronger institutional collaboration.
The second panel discussion, “Supporting Health Innovation in Albania: National, Regional, and European Funding Mechanisms”, moderated by Ms. Michele Biring, Business Development Director at Barleti University, featured representatives from Start Up Albania, Horizon Europe (Cluster 1: Health), Keiretsu Forum, and BRIDGE. The discussion focused on improving access to finance, strengthening investment readiness, and leveraging European instruments to scale health solutions.
The third session, “Defining New Business Models to Deliver Healthcare in Albania”, moderated by Dr. Françeska Korançe, brought together innovators, entrepreneurs, and industry professionals from Poseidon CRO, Stamina Hub, Dr. Luke & Women in Health Innovation Balkans, and the pharmaceutical and dental sectors. Speakers explored emerging healthcare models, digital transformation, and private-sector innovation, emphasising patient-centred approaches and technology-driven services. The event concluded with a networking cocktail.
The event brought together policymakers, academia, healthcare professionals, entrepreneurs, and innovators, strengthening collaboration and reinforcing Albania’s role within Europe’s health innovation ecosystem.
How can you get involved?
If you’re interested in delving deeper into the EIT’s offerings and discovering how it can support you on your innovation or entrepreneurial journey, please reach out to the EIT Community RIS HUB Albania: albania@eitcommunity.eu or follow the LinkedIn page: EIT Community Hub Albania and EIT Community RIS Hub in Albania country page.
