Albania has been ranked the 4th fastest growing startup ecosystem in Europe and 75th in the world, climbing eight places in the Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 published by StartupBlink, the most comprehensive global map of startup ecosystems, the Ministry of Economy announced.

The eight-place climb is tied for the highest growth among European countries and the 3rd largest in the world, returning Albania to the top 80 of global ecosystems. The country recorded 71.1% annual ecosystem growth, ranking fourth in Europe in this indicator.

The total value of the Albanian startup ecosystem is now estimated at US Dollar 606.4 million.

The report notes that Albania’s ranking in the Business Environment Index for Innovators (60) indicates strong fundamental business conditions that should fully translate into ecosystem outcomes, indicating further growth potential as the ecosystem matures.

“This result confirms that Albania’s investment in innovation and startups is paying off. Climbing eight places in one year, with the fourth highest growth in Europe, shows that reforms, public investment, and the confidence of our founders and investors are moving in the same direction. We will continue to align financing, EU funds, and infrastructure with the real needs of the ecosystem, including the strategic priority of building startup hubs beyond Tirana,” said Delina Ibrahimaj, Minister of Economy and Innovation.

The improvement comes as Innovation4Albania, established through the merger of Startup Albania and the Innovation and Excellence Agency, is completing its first full grant cycle, which attracted 1,179 applicants in 2026 and supports a portfolio of 40.6% women-led ventures.

Tirana remains the only Albanian city ranked in the report. The development of additional startup hubs beyond the capital has been identified as a key structural priority for the next phase of ecosystem development.

StartupBlink’s Global Startup Ecosystem Report 2026 ranks 1,000 cities and 125 countries by the strength of their startup ecosystem, using indicators of quantity, quality, and business environment.