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Connecting the Western Balkans to Global Innovation & Investment
Voices That Shaped Balkonnect 2025
Bridging the Western Balkan leading industries to global Innovation, Matchmaking, Promotion, Networking and Investment
Balkonnect Festival 2025 featured 50+ distinguished speakers and moderators from across Europe, the United States, India, the Gulf region, and the Western Balkans. From tech innovators and banking leaders to policymakers and global investors, the stage reflected the diversity and ambition of the region’s evolving business landscape.
Across 7 thematic sessions, discussions covered Green & Renewable Energy, ICT & Digital Evolution, Outsourcing, Sustainable Finance, Social Enterprise, and Women Entrepreneurship — creating a powerful platform for knowledge exchange and cross-border collaboration.
PROVEN TRACK RECORD
A strong foundation for an advanced Tirana edition
The first edition in Prishtina (May 2025) confirmed the demand for a curated, results-oriented platform:
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B2B meetings
7 Thematic Sessions, 50+ Global Experts
Explore Balkonnect 2025 Sessions
From renewable energy to digital innovation and sustainable finance, each session brought together thought leaders and industry pioneers to inspire ideas, partnerships, and regional growth.
Connecting continents. Inspiring innovation. Accelerating growth in the Western Balkans.
Global Voices of Balkonnect 2025
Vanya Manova
Founder Talky
George Dimitrov
Chairman of Board of Directors
Jeta Zagragja
Founder & CEO
Gonçalo Terenas
Co Founder
Fabiola duro
Founder and CEO
Hamsa Thota
President and Founder
Pitching Event
6 Startups Funded | 7 Venture Capital & Angel Networks Participated
The Balkonnect Pitching Event brought together ambitious founders and leading investors for a dynamic exchange of ideas and opportunity. From mentorship and strategic advisory to direct equity investment, the commitments made during the event reflect growing confidence in the region’s startup potential.
The session strengthened cross-border collaboration and reinforced Balkonnect’s role as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Western Balkans.
Keynote Speaker
Umesh Perera | Founder of AYOZAT | Digital & Deep Tech Innovator
At Balkonnect Festival 2025, Umesh Perera delivered an inspiring keynote on innovation, digital transformation, and scaling businesses in a fast-evolving technological landscape. Drawing from his experience in deep tech and advanced digital solutions, he shared practical insights on accelerating growth while maintaining strong human values at the core of enterprise success.
His session energized participants and reinforced the power of purpose-driven leadership in shaping sustainable impact.The session strengthened cross-border collaboration and reinforced Balkonnect’s role as a catalyst for innovation and entrepreneurial growth in the Western Balkans.
