Innovation Lab in Tirana, Albania
Date: 26-29 March 2026
Place: Tirana, Albania
From 26–29 March 2026, the RiseUp-WB Innovation Lab was successfully held in Tirana, Albania, bringing together motivated young participants for four days of learning, collaboration, and creativity. Hosted by NECI Albania, the lab created a dynamic space where ideas could grow, evolve, and take shape through teamwork and shared purpose.
The Innovation Lab focused on strengthening skills in entrepreneurship and innovation, guiding participants through a structured yet engaging journey:
- Digital Foundations & Community Problem-Solving
- Creative Social Innovation for Young People
- From Idea to Solution & Prototyping
- Final Pitch, Reflection & Youthpass
Beyond the learning outcomes, the Innovation Lab stood out as a space where connections were built and a strong sense of community emerged. Participants brought diverse perspectives, creativity, and a genuine willingness to contribute to positive change. The energy of working together—sharing ideas, supporting one another, and growing collectively—was at the heart of the experience.
This lab represents another important step in the RiseUp-WB journey, where innovation meets collaboration and young people are empowered to turn ideas into impact.
RiseUp-WB – Raising Innovation, Skills & Empowerment for Youth in the Western Balkans
Co-funded by the Erasmus+ Programme of the European Union
``My participation in the TOT training within the RiseUpWB project was a very valuable and inspiring experience. As a teacher and school principal from the Municipality of Berat, I had the opportunity to further develop my professional skills, especially in the areas of innovation and youth empowerment.
The training was well-organized, interactive, and created a collaborative environment that encouraged the exchange of ideas and best practices. I am very grateful for this experience and motivated to apply the knowledge gained in my community.``
``Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in a training course on youth entrepreneurship in the Balkans, representing my association, Musikart. One of the most enriching aspects was the international exchange: collaborating with peers from various nations allowed me to observe different, dynamic approaches to problem-solving, significantly broadening my perspective.
Lastly, this experience was a fantastic opportunity to discover Kosovo firsthand—a territory rich in potential, buzzing with energy, and driven by a contagious desire to grow``
``Participating in this Training of Trainers in Kosovo has been a truly enriching experience, both professionally and personally.
The workshops were highly interesting, practical, and engaging. Each session provided useful tools, real examples, and meaningful opportunities to exchange experiences with participants from different countries, which made the learning process even more inspiring.
I am leaving this experience with new skills, fresh ideas for future projects, and valuable international connections with people and organisations committed to youth work and non-formal education.``
``Being part of the Training of Trainers #2 in Prishtina was a genuinely enriching experience. The sessions covered everything from digital facilitation to volunteer coordination, but what stayed with me most was the energy of the group — people from different countries and backgrounds, all committed to making a real impact in their communities. I came back with practical tools, new perspectives, and connections I know will last beyond t
