A Shared Vision: Acting President Albulena Haxhiu Visits StarLabs and Shkolla Digjitale

In a visit that underscored the growing importance of technology for Kosovo's economic future, Acting President Albulena Haxhiu made an official visit to StarLabs and Shkolla Digjitale. Two institutions that have become a symbol of Kosovo's digital transformation and ambition on the global stage. The meeting brought together government leadership with one of the most dynamic technology ecosystems in Kosovo, paving the way for an important dialogue about innovation, international ambition, and investment in the younger generation, at a time when technology is developing more and more every day.

StarLabs: The Success Positioning Kosovo in the Global Technology Industry

At the center of the discussions was the extraordinary journey of StarLabs. A story from its founders, Hana Qerimi and Darsej Rizaj, who built the company from a two-person startup in Pristina to the largest software development company in Kosovo. Today, StarLabs operates internationally, offering full software development services across a wide range of industries, supported by Software Engineering, Quality Assurance, and Client and Technology Support, with clients spanning Europe and beyond. According to Data Forex data, StarLabs contributes about 7% of Kosovo's total technology service exports. A figure that speaks to the company's extraordinary impact on the national economy. In a country where the information and communication technology sector is one of the most promising growth sectors, StarLabs has proven that world-class software development is not only possible from Kosovo but is already being implemented. Acting President Albulena Haxhiu took a direct interest in StarLabs' leadership, on how the company's international model works, how it cultivates local talent, and how the government and industry can collaborate to position Kosovo even more competitively in the global technology market.

Shkolla Digjitale: Learning Through Play, Building Through Code

One of the highlights of the visit was an in-depth introduction to Shkolla Digjitale, dedicated to teaching children and young people the skills of the future in the world of technology. What sets Shkolla Digjitale apart is the integration of gamification into its teaching methodology. Instead of programming languages and coding being taught only through traditional learning, Shkolla Digjitale has built a system where students learn by playing. One of the key elements of this experience is the Houses System, a gamified system that organizes students into four separate teams, each with its own identity, strengths, and spirit: 🏗 Engineer — Builders and architects of logic ⚡ Speedster — Fast thinkers and problem solvers 🎨 Hipster — Creatives who combine design with technology 🌑 Shadow — Strategic minds who work with precision and purpose Through this system, students not only learn to code, but they develop teamwork, critical thinking, and a competitive spirit that reflects the real dynamics of the technology industry. It is education recreated for a generation that has grown up in a digital world. Acting President Haxhiu expressed enthusiasm for this approach, recognizing gamification as a progressive model that can shape today's students into the digital professionals of the future, thus investing in the development of the generation that will lead digital Kosovo for decades to come.

Government Support: A Partnership for the Future

The visit concluded with a clear message of commitment and optimism. The government, represented by Acting President Albulena Haxhiu, expressed full support for the continuation of cooperation between public institutions and technology-driven companies like StarLabs and Shkolla Digjitale. For StarLabs and Shkolla Digjitale, the visit was proof that the work they build carries national importance.