At the end of August, Junior Achievement of Albania (JAA) and its JuniorUP alumni took part in two inspiring European startup gatherings – Startup Open Air in Bonn on August 27th and the very last Pirate Summit in Cologne on August 28th.
Startup Open Air was a vibrant celebration of innovation, a space for founders, investors, and creatives to connect in an informal, energetic atmosphere. For our alumni, it was the perfect warm-up before stepping onto one of Europe’s most iconic entrepreneurial stages.
The next day in Cologne, they joined the final edition of Pirate Summit, a legendary event that since 2010 has brought together thousands of founders from all over the world. Pirate Summit was never just about startups, it was about authenticity, purpose, and building real connections.
Through JuniorUP, our startups had the opportunity not only to pitch and network but also to experience the energy of an ecosystem that celebrates entrepreneurship. From the open-air setting of Bonn to the symbolic grounds of Odonien in Cologne, our alumni engaged with peers, investors, and changemakers from across continents.
JAA continues to foster entrepreneurial spirit by exposing young founders to international stages and global networks, creating opportunities for Albanian youth to learn, connect, and grow as the next generation of changemakers.
Once a Pirate, always a Pirate.
ARRR! 🚀