RUNNER-UP

Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award

University for Business and Technology

RUNNER-UP Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year Award

University for Business and Technology - Kosovo

""Where Innovation Meets Excellence, Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders Today""


Summary

UBT stands out as a pioneering institution in higher education with a strong focus on entrepreneurship and innovation. Driven by visionary leadership and a Comprehensive Strategic Plan, UBT integrates entrepreneurship across its curriculum, offering specialized programs in Management, Business, and Economics, but also integrating innovation and entrepreneurial spirit into all other disciplines and fields of study. Key initiatives like the UBT ACCELERATOR, Digital Innovation Hub and INSPIRE CENTER provide essential resources and mentorship, fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial culture. UBT’s impact extends globally through participation in prestigious conferences and international partnerships, enhancing knowledge exchange and collaborative research. The university’s commitment to cutting-edge technology and research excellence is demonstrated by its establishment of innovative centers and its proactive stance in adopting new technologies. Recognized as the "European Young Entrepreneurial University of the Year" in 2023, UBT has achieved notable milestones, including the creation of over 100 spin-offs and the development of the UBT Excellence Learning Center for Future Competences. With a focus on sustainability, global impact, and community engagement, UBT exemplifies a holistic approach to education and entrepreneurship, shaping skilled professionals and contributing significantly to the global knowledge landscape. Thus; it is to emphasize that UBT stands out for its holistic integration of entrepreneurship across disciplines like Management, Business, Engineering, Technology, and Architecture, equipping students with essential innovation and entrepreneurial skills. Its innovative support structures, foster a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem. The university's focus on cutting-edge technologies and research excellence, exemplified by the Innovation Incubator and EON Virtual and Augmented Reality Center, further showcases its leadership in innovation and entrepreneurial set up culture. Additionally, UBT's strong community and alumni engagement, reflected in successful spin-offs and notable achievements, underscore its significant contribution to economic growth and innovation.

Key People


Prof.Dr. Edmond Hajrizi
Rector; Lead Enterpreneur and Innovation Manager
UBT Higher Management,  University for Business and Technology, Kosovo



PhD Cand. Shqiprim Ahmeti
Head of Institute for Urban Studies and Lead of Sustainability Operations
UBT Institute for Urban Studies ,  University for Business and Technology, Kosovo



Dr.Sc. Besnik Qehaja
Dean of the Faculty of Computer Sciences, Lead of IT and Digital Operations
Faculty of Computer Sciences,  Faculty of Computer Sciences



Dr.Sc. Besnik Skenderi
Lead of Industry Products and Services
UBT Industry Products and Services,  UBT Industry Products and Services



Dr.Sc. Gonxhe Beqiri
Lead of Open Academia for Innovation and Entepreneurship
Open Academia for Innovation and Entepreneurship,  University for Business and Technology, Kosovo


Acknowledgements

/

Images

UBT GLOBAL FEST 2024_OPENING CEREMONY

UBT Presents the “Leadership Excellence Award” to Porto Mayor Rui Moreira

FutureTech_Summer Academy

UBT CAMPUS LIFE

Summer Academy_Architecture and Spatial Planning

GRADUATION CEREMONY

STAFF TRAININGS AT UBT

STUDENT-CENTRIC APPROACH

IMPACT STORY

Impacting lifes

/

LEARNINGS

Lessons learned

UBT's journey reveals several key insights into fostering a thriving entrepreneurial culture within an academic institution, especially in a country and society in transition, as such as Kosovo. One surprising aspect was how integrating entrepreneurship across diverse disciplines—beyond just business programs—significantly amplifies innovation and real-world application. The success of initiatives like the UBT ACCELERATOR and Digital Innovation Hub underscores the importance of creating dynamic support structures that go beyond traditional education.
Leadership at UBT demonstrates that a visionary approach, supported by a comprehensive strategic plan, is crucial for driving institutional success. Engaging all stakeholders in agile decision-making and maintaining a strong focus on technology and interdisciplinary collaboration are vital for adapting to global trends and fostering a culture of experimentation and creativity.
For those pursuing a similar path, the key advice is to embed entrepreneurship deeply into all aspects of your institution or organization. Develop innovative support systems and prioritize global engagement and technological advancements. Ensure that leadership remains flexible, inclusive, and committed to continuous improvement. By fostering an environment that encourages risk-taking and embraces diverse perspectives, you can significantly impact both the institution and the broader community

FUTURE PLANS

What's coming?

UBT is poised to continue its trailblazing journey in entrepreneurship and innovation, building on its established foundation. Moving forward, UBT plans to deepen its integration of entrepreneurship across its curriculum, expanding specialized entrepreneurship courses throughout diverse study programs while fostering innovation through its existing structures and creating new ones. These platforms will further enhance the university's ability to provide cutting-edge resources and mentorship.
The future focus includes advancing its multidisciplinary centers like the INSPIRE CENTER, UBT Science and Technology Park, and UBT Smart City. These hubs will continue to leverage emerging technologies such as 5G, virtual and augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and the Internet of Things to drive innovation. UBT aims to expand its practical impact by generating additional income through its successful spin-offs, which have already surpassed 100.
Additionally, UBT will emphasize sustainable growth and societal impact through its comprehensive ecosystem of incubators, accelerators, and funding opportunities. Future projects will target diverse fields including technology, tourism, arts, and cybersecurity, contributing to economic, social, and environmental sustainability. UBT's ongoing involvement in national and international projects will reinforce its commitment to fostering smart cities and sustainable development, solidifying its role as a global leader in innovation and entrepreneurship


KEY STATISTICS

1/13

Staff/Student Ratio. Best Staff/Student Ratio in Kosovo HEIs

100+

Total number of Spin-Offs

6

Average number of Spin-Offs created per year

40+

Study Programs

75 %

Renewable Energy Campus

92.7%

At UBT, 92.7% of the teaching staff think that teachers have full academic freedom in the institution

78.7%

Interest shown in UBT webpage with has increased of up to 78.7% in recent years

98 %

Employability Rate of the graduated students in first three years after graduation

40 %

40 % of new entries at UBT as a work place are women

1000

1000 publications per year

120

120 Labs as supportive infrastructure for research and impact

500+

500+ International Partnerships

2024 © ACEEU. All rights reserved.