The B2B and Matchmaking Event took place from 8 to 10 May 2023 in Vienna. During the event, six Kosovar ICT businesses (one attended at their own expense) had the opportunity to meet with Austrian and EU companies. The primary goal was to explore potential business opportunities and establish direct cooperation. The event was organized in collaboration with key partners, including:
The first day of the event began with registration at 8 AM. Shortly after, Welcome Addresses were delivered by representatives from:
These speeches provided valuable insights into the digital business landscape, setting the tone for the next few days. After the addresses, keynote speakers discussed important topics like Computational Sustainability, Digital Transformation, and Quantum Computing. Top digital companies from the EU and US also shared their innovative ideas, inspiring attendees.
Later in the day, the B2B meetings took place at Vienna City Hall, where participants connected with potential partners. The day concluded with a vibrant Evening Reception, offering an opportunity for informal networking. Attendees enjoyed traditional Viennese cuisine and a glass of Austrian wine while connecting with over 200 participants.
On Day 2, the conference offered a series of workshops and Pitching battles in front of international investors. These sessions provided valuable opportunities for showcasing business ideas and receiving feedback. After a lunch break, attendees participated in a keynote session that covered topics like the Innovation Ecosystem, Blockchain, and Unicorns.
In the evening, the Kosovar ICT Delegation hosted a Thematic Salon on the topic “Digitalisation – The Way We Prosper“. The event, held at the Embassy of the Republic of Kosovo in Austria, brought together Kosovar specialists, professors, entrepreneurs, and ICT & Digital sector students living in Vienna. It offered a platform for meaningful collaboration and knowledge sharing.
On the final day, the delegation traveled to Tulln, where they were introduced to the local business ecosystem. Hosted by Accent Incubator and Prishtina REA, the session provided insights into local programs and support for start-ups. Kosovar ICT businesses and start-ups pitched their ideas to Austrian businesses, followed by discussions on potential collaboration opportunities.
The group then visited the House of Digitalisation, where they learned about the “Innovation Services in the Mobility Sector” project. This visit allowed participants to explore innovative solutions in mobility. Later, the delegation toured St. Pölten University of Applied Sciences, where they explored the university’s labs, met with Alumni Start-ups, and presented the ICT for Kosovo’s Growth Project. The university also presented several of its ongoing research projects.
The Digital Skills are enhanced and ICT skilled workforce is developed in a sustainable manner that meets the need of the market and enhanced competitiveness of Kosovo ICT and traditional businesses.
Export capacities of Kosovar ICT businesses are enhanced by supporting cooperation between Kosovar ICT businesses with domestic and international companies, with the organisation of four international ICT conferences, six international B2B events and 25 regional B2B events in Kosovo.
Preparation for implementation of e-IDAS in Kosovo- identification and design of the appropriate framework and solution for e-ID system in Kosovo
The Round VI Certification Award Ceremony was held to recognize the achievements of 272 certified trainees who participated in the 300-hour advanced ICT training program. The training spanned over five months, covering one of the following seven modules: Web Development Professional, Enterprise Java Programming, Cyber Security, Web Development Practitioner, Python, Big Data Analytics, and Machine Learning. Experienced international and local trainers delivered these modules, ensuring the highest quality of education. Certificates were awarded to trainees who successfully completed the program and passed the final examination.
The ceremony was organized by the ICT for Kosovo’s Growth Project team, with a range of participants including representatives from:
Over 200 attendees participated, including managers from 21 ICT companies such as Novus, APPDEC, Techframe, Protecht, eTech, and Komtel, among others. Many of these companies had stands at the event, engaging with certified trainees about potential internships and employment opportunities.
The award ceremony was honored by the presence of Mr. Johannes Stenbaek Madsen, Head of the EU Cooperation, who expressed confidence in the project’s direct contribution to developing young people’s digital skills and promoting ICT sector exports in Kosovo.
Dr. Artane Rizvanolli, Minister of the Ministry of Economy, emphasized the government’s commitment to developing a skilled and internationally competitive young workforce, particularly to meet the needs of the ICT sector.
On behalf of STIKK, Ms. Zana Tabaku shared her enthusiasm for the continued growth of the ICT sector, referencing the latest findings from the IT Barometer, set to be published next week.
The Project Team Leader, Grigoris Kontzoglou, presented the project’s achievements, noting that the initial target of training 1,440 people had been exceeded by 29.7%. To date, 1,868 individuals have been trained, with 1,513 of them certified through the project.
The ceremony featured motivational speeches from two trainees who successfully transitioned into employment after completing their training. Mr. Albian Morina, from Gjakova, began his career as a full-time employee at the ICT company Permiso. Meanwhile, Mr. Andi Gela started as an intern at Starlabs in Prishtina. Their success stories serve as powerful examples of the training program’s impact on creating employment opportunities for Kosovo’s youth.
The event was covered by media: