Unlocking Potential from Biogenic Waste in Albania and the Western Balkans.
In Albania and the Western Balkan countries, the potential of biogenic waste – such as from agriculture and food processing – remains largely untapped. More than 50 % of municipal solid waste in Albania consists of organic materials, which often end up unused in landfills or improperly released into the environment – with negative consequences for nature and the climate as well as the loss of valuable resources.
The project “Unlocking Potential from Biogenic Waste” aims to develop viable and scalable business models for the utilization of this waste. The focus lies on key areas of the bioeconomy:
- • Bioenergy: e.g., biogas, pellets
- • Organic fertilizer: from animal and plant-based residues
- • Animal feed: protein-rich through insect farming or the use of food and fish waste
- • Biofuels: e.g., from used cooking oil
- • Circular economy & material logistics: efficient collection, separation, and transport of biogenic materials
As part of the lab of tomorrow project #26, companies, innovators, and experts from Central and Southeastern Europe will be brought together to jointly develop solutions that strengthen the circular economy and create new sources of income.
Application
Application deadline: July 14, 2025
Innovation Sprint: September 9–12, 2025
Location: Albania (Tirana / surrounding area)
About the Project
“lab of tomorrow” is a business development program for adapting or founding new sustainable enterprises in emerging markets. The project promotes economic development to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). It organizes an innovation and incubation program at the intersection of sustainability and entrepreneurship – without pursuing any commercial interest of its own.