This project aims to support 7 start-ups from Kosovo to participate in PODIM Conference 2026 in Maribor, Slovenia, by providing training, mentoring, investor pitch preparation, and concrete opportunities to meet investors, business angels, and venture capital funds. The project is supported by IPKO, the Embassy of Slovenia in Kosovo, and the Embassy of Kosovo in Slovenia.
Partners
IPKO, Ambasada Sllovene në Kosovë, Ambasada Kosovës në Slloveni
Location
Ljubljanë Slloveni, Maribor Slloveni
The project “From Idea to Investment: 7 Kosovo Start-ups at PODIM Conference 2026” is an initiative of ITI Pro Kosova, in partnership with the Prizren Chamber, designed to empower start-ups and innovative businesses from Kosovo by providing them with access to one of the most important innovation and investment events in Southeast Europe.
Through this project, 7 start-ups with different ideas and growth potential will be selected to go through a structured preparation process that includes training, mentoring, and pitch development for investor presentations. The goal is to prepare participating teams professionally so they can present their ideas effectively, communicate their business value clearly, and hold meetings with investors, business angels, venture capital funds, and potential partners.
Participation in PODIM Conference 2026 in Maribor, Slovenia, will create concrete opportunities for the selected start-ups in terms of international exposure, professional networking, and direct discussions with key actors in investment and innovation. This experience is intended to increase their investment readiness, strengthen their presence on the regional and international stage, and create real opportunities for partnerships, cooperation, and financial support.
The project is supported by IPKO, the Embassy of Slovenia in Kosovo, and the Embassy of Kosovo in Slovenia, demonstrating the importance of cooperation between the private sector, diplomatic institutions, and organizations that support entrepreneurship and innovation. This support gives the project institutional weight and creates a stronger foundation for the dignified representation of Kosovo start-ups on an international investment platform.
At its core, this project seeks to build a direct bridge between innovative ideas from Kosovo and real opportunities for investment and growth. It contributes to the development of the national start-up ecosystem, promotes the potential of young people and innovative entrepreneurs, and strengthens Kosovo’s links with regional and European networks of innovation and capital.
Through this project, 7 start-ups with different ideas and growth potential will be selected to go through a structured preparation process that includes training, mentoring, and pitch development for investor presentations. The goal is to prepare participating teams professionally so they can present their ideas effectively, communicate their business value clearly, and hold meetings with investors, business angels, venture capital funds, and potential partners.
Participation in PODIM Conference 2026 in Maribor, Slovenia, will create concrete opportunities for the selected start-ups in terms of international exposure, professional networking, and direct discussions with key actors in investment and innovation. This experience is intended to increase their investment readiness, strengthen their presence on the regional and international stage, and create real opportunities for partnerships, cooperation, and financial support.
The project is supported by IPKO, the Embassy of Slovenia in Kosovo, and the Embassy of Kosovo in Slovenia, demonstrating the importance of cooperation between the private sector, diplomatic institutions, and organizations that support entrepreneurship and innovation. This support gives the project institutional weight and creates a stronger foundation for the dignified representation of Kosovo start-ups on an international investment platform.
At its core, this project seeks to build a direct bridge between innovative ideas from Kosovo and real opportunities for investment and growth. It contributes to the development of the national start-up ecosystem, promotes the potential of young people and innovative entrepreneurs, and strengthens Kosovo’s links with regional and European networks of innovation and capital.
Objectives
To identify and select 7 start-ups with potential to present to investors.
To provide training and mentoring for team preparation for PODIM Conference 2026.
To develop the start-ups’ skills in pitching, investor communication, and strategic positioning.
To create opportunities for meetings with investors, business angels, venture capital funds, and potential partners.
To strengthen the international presence of Kosovo start-ups and contribute to the development of the local innovation ecosystem.
To provide training and mentoring for team preparation for PODIM Conference 2026.
To develop the start-ups’ skills in pitching, investor communication, and strategic positioning.
To create opportunities for meetings with investors, business angels, venture capital funds, and potential partners.
To strengthen the international presence of Kosovo start-ups and contribute to the development of the local innovation ecosystem.
Results
An open call has been launched for start-ups and innovative businesses from Kosovo.
7 start-ups will be selected to participate in PODIM Conference 2026.
Workshops and mentoring sessions will be organized to prepare teams for investor presentations.
Participating start-ups will have opportunities to meet international investors and partners.
The international visibility of Kosovo start-ups will be strengthened at one of the region’s most important conferences.
Number of selected start-ups: 7
Number of training / mentoring sessions: 15
Number of meetings with investors / partners: Unlimited
7 start-ups will be selected to participate in PODIM Conference 2026.
Workshops and mentoring sessions will be organized to prepare teams for investor presentations.
Participating start-ups will have opportunities to meet international investors and partners.
The international visibility of Kosovo start-ups will be strengthened at one of the region’s most important conferences.
Number of selected start-ups: 7
Number of training / mentoring sessions: 15
Number of meetings with investors / partners: Unlimited