The Ministry of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation (MIETI), and Ministry of Economy in cooperation with the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation (LuxDev), have launched the grant scheme for innovation in the field of Information and Communication Technology (ICT), with a total budget of EUR 1 million and 160 thousand. At the same event, the new phase of the Clean Energy Grant Scheme was also announced, within the framework of the project for energy transition and climate change management in Kosovo.
The Minister of Industry, Entrepreneurship, Trade and Innovation, Mimoza Kusari-Lila, while presenting the scheme added that these programs aim to support economic development, innovation and green transition, creating new opportunities for Kosovar businesses.
The ICT Innovation Scheme aims to support micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, as well as start-ups, in the development of innovative products, services and processes. The budget of EUR 1.16 million consists of EUR 600 thousand allocated by MIETI and EUR 560 thousand by LuxDev. Of this amount, EUR 760 thousand are dedicated to micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, while EUR 400 thousand are for start-ups.
According to the Minister, the projects to be financed must provide innovative solutions in areas such as artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, blockchain, data analysis, process automation, software application development, online collaboration platforms, business management systems and other modern technologies.
She announced that for micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, the grant will cover up to 50 percent of the project cost, i.e., funding from EUR 30 thousand to 50 thousand, while for start-up businesses it will cover up to 80 percent of the cost, i.e., from EUR 15 thousand to 25 thousand.
Minister Kusari-Lila announced that the application will be carried out exclusively through the e-Kosova platform, while beneficiaries will be financed in two instalments, with 80 percent of the grant after signing the agreement and 20 percent after the successful completion of the project.
Speaking about the Clean Energy Grant Scheme, the Minister emphasized that the Ministry aims to help small and medium-sized enterprises invest in photovoltaic systems for self-consumption and measures to increase energy efficiency, with the aim of reducing energy costs, increasing competitiveness and supporting the green transition of the economy.
She recalled that during 2026, MIETI continued to implement a series of strategic programs for economic development.
Nine beneficiary companies have already been selected within the framework of the Clean Energy Scheme, while in the two phases of the program it is planned to support at least 40 businesses with a budget of EUR 1 million.
The Minister also mentioned other support schemes that are being implemented this year, including the Dual Education Scheme with a fund of EUR 1 million, support for 23 companies in the creative industry, the EUR 5 million scheme for the purchase of advanced machinery, subsidizing women-owned businesses with a budget of EUR 200 thousand, grants of EUR 600 thousand for international product certification, as well as the Digital Empowerment Initiative.
In conclusion, Minister Kusari-Lila emphasized that the new innovation scheme represents an important opportunity for businesses in the technology sector to develop value-added products and services, increase competitiveness, create new jobs and contribute to the economic and digital development of the Republic of Kosovo.
