On May 8 and 9, 2025, the 13th edition of GEN-E Albania – the National Entrepreneurship Festival, organized by Junior Achievement of Albania, took place at the Pyramid of Tirana and the Innovation Hub. This event brings together the most talented and engaged high school students from across Albania to showcase their entrepreneurial ideas and businesses created throughout the school year.
This edition saw the participation of 150 students, who presented 26 successful student companies, selected from over 500 participants in the "Student Companies" program. Prior to the National Festival, these students also showcased their ventures at regional fairs held in Berat and Shkodër, where a total of 88 student companies were exhibited.
The diverse companies presented innovative solutions across various fields:
9 technology companies, focused on developing applications and software;
4 companies with smart devices and innovative products;
5 companies in environment and agriculture;
6 companies focused on mental health and well-being;
2 artisanal companies.
This wealth of ideas demonstrates that young Albanians are prepared to bring creative and sustainable solutions to today's challenges.
In the closing ceremony, the winners of the edition were announced, some of which including:
Student Company of the Year 2025: SilverSprings from "Arben Broci" school, Tirana, which will represent Albania at the European Entrepreneurship Festival GEN-E in Athens, Greece, in July 2025.
Award for the Most Innovative Idea: FIPLAST.
"Ready for Work Company" Award: METAL ART from the Professional School of Korça.
Best Marketing and Sales Plan: ME’DIT from TES school.
Teacher of the Year: Genci Nelaj from "Sherif Hoxha" school, Koplik.
Representatives from the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), Tirana Bank, Junior Achievement Europe, and Junior Achievement of Albania addressed the youth, emphasizing the importance of financial literacy and entrepreneurship for the personal and professional development of future generations. They highlighted that skills such as creativity, teamwork, determination, and responsibility are crucial for success in the job market, especially in a rapidly changing world.
During the 2024–2025 school year, the "Student Companies" program was implemented in 41 upper secondary schools, with over 2000 students and more than 50 teachers actively participating, gaining valuable knowledge and skills that will aid them on their path toward professional success. This festival and the program in general have become an important tradition of Junior Achievement of Albania, thanks to the strategic support of the Albanian-American Development Foundation (AADF), collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Sports, and financial support from Tirana Bank.
