Building Bridges across the startup ecosystems of Berlin, Sarajevo and Tirana!

The Ecosystem Connectors project builds bridges across European entrepreneurship ecosystems with the aim of encouraging a stronger economic integration through facilitating partnerships, knowledge sharing and resource exchange between entrepreneurs and stakeholders. The project’s first edition focuses on connecting Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Berlin.

Through regular networking events, dedicated training and workshops, and exchange trips, the project will provide entrepreneurs across the Western Balkans with market access and business development support, and access to opportunities for international growth.

Applications will soon be open for a delegation trip to Sarajevo and Tirana from Berlin, taking place from the 21st of September to the 27th of September 2025.

Why Apply?

By applying to Ecosystem Connectors Goes Western Balkans, you have the chance to take part in a one-week trip to Sarajevo and Tirana in September 2025 encompassing:

Site visits

in sector-based groups to key players in the Sarajevo and Tirana ecosystems to kickstart collaboration and knowledge exchange.

Networking opportunities

in your group of startups and support organizations travelling to Sarajevo and Tirana from Berlin, and with ecosystem players based in both cities.

Global visibility

and access to potential partners through industry events such as the AI Summit 2025 in Sarajevo.

Cultural discovery

to provide a comprehensive overview of the cities and the context in which the market operates.

Building connections

After the one-week trip to Sarajevo and Tirana, further steps will be taken to build on the connections established during the trip to create sustainable collaborations.

Travel expenses included!

Travel expenses for the duration of the delegation trip will be reimbursed by the Ecosystem Connectors program. These include: Flights, transportation to and from different delegation activities, and accommodation in Sarajevo and Tirana.

Who can join?

We are looking for up to 10 founders and ecosystem enablers to join the Ecosystem Connectors exchange trip to Tirana and Sarajevo.

For startups and innovative businesses:

You are a founder of an SME or startup with a business based in Berlin
Your service/product shows potential for growth and can be scaled to the Western Balkans
You operate in a sector with significant growth and collaboration potentials in both Tirana/Sarajevo and Berlin
Your startup has raised traction and is ready for international expansion

For ecosystem enablers and representatives of Business Support Organizations:

Your organization is supporting startups and founders in Berlin.
You are looking to create partnerships with similar organizations in Sarajevo & Tirana.
Your organization can support companies & startups from Sarajevo or Tirana in scaling their work or creating partnerships with businesses in Berlin.
You (as representative for your organization) are willing and able to actively participate in the project and share knowledge and experience with other participants.

What does the application and selection process look like?

The aim of the application process is to ensure that your business would benefit from taking part in the delegation trip. All applications will be reviewed according to the eligibility and selection criteria.

Preparing your application

Review eligibility and selection criteria. Download and carefully review the eligibility and selection criteria document to familiarize yourself with the program requirements.
1st round of the selection process

Fill in your application form for the 1st round of selection. It takes around 20 minutes. Through the form, you have the chance to elaborate about yourself, your business, why you’re working towards expansion to the EU market, and what you expect to gain from the program. If you are eligible and among the top scoring applicants, you will receive an e-mail to continue to the next round.
2nd round of the selection process

Upload your documents. If your application is eligible, you will receive an e-mail for the second round, please prepare and upload the following documents: Your CV/Resume, your personal ID/passport or proof of residence, and the business registration certificate. You can further support your application by proof of traction.
Final results

Check your inbox! We will reach out to you by the end of July 2025, within two weeks of the applications deadline.
Onboarding session

Take part in our onboarding session. If you’re accepted into the Ecosystem Connectors program, you’ll be invited to attend the onboarding session in the first week of September at enpact HQ before the delegation trip.

Learn more about our other programs in the region!

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About the partners

The project is funded by the Berlin Senate Department for Economic Affairs, Energy and Public Enterprises and the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). The project is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH through the “Bund-Länder-Programm – German Government and Federal States Program (BLP)” in cooperation with the non-profit organization enpact.

The project is being implemented in Albania with the support of the EU4Innovation project and in Bosnia and Herzegovina with the support of the Sustainable Economic Development and Employment Promotion (SEDEP) project.

About the partner projects

EU4Innovation

The European Union, Germany and Sweden work to create high paying jobs in Albania, by developing the innovation economy. The project leverages on Albania’s human capital, entrepreneurial and research potential. The project is funded by the European Union with co-funding by the Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and Sweden. The project is implemented by GIZ Albania and the Swedish Embassy in Albania.

Visit website

SEDEP

SEDEP is aiming to improve the employment situation in Bosnia and Herzegovina, through its support for the digital and green transformation of the economy. The project is co-financed by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the Government of Switzerland and implemented by Deutsche Geselleschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH. The project component “Strengthening of Vocational Education and Training in Bosnia and Hercegovina” (SVET) aims to strengthen the vocational education and training system to ensure the qualified labour force necessary for the country’s sustainable economic development. The project component “Private Sector Development” (PSD) is primarily targeting the transformation of businesses towards a more digital and green economy ensuring a competitive and innovative economic ecosystem.