On March 1, 2013, the Innovation Center Kosovo (ICK) recognized six startup companies for their innovative ideas in businesses. The awardees include an internet service provider, a developer of educational software for kids, and a developer of videogames for the Facebook, iOS, Android and Windows Phone platforms.

Designed to propel business innovation and create jobs in Kosovo, the USAID fund provides support, on a competitive basis, of up to $5,000 to selected ICK incubator tenants to develop their product or service and bring their innovation to the market.

USAID Mission Director Maureen A. Shauket spoke at the ceremony and highlighted the importance of business growth in Kosovo. “I am very pleased to be able to award grant certificates to the first six ICK tenant companies, two of which have women co-owners. With these grants, you will be able to promote your businesses, test your new products and services and launch your products in the market,” concluded Shauket.

The ICK Foundation was established and operates with funding from the Norwegian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is designed to assist entrepreneurs in developing innovative and commercially successful companies that create future-oriented jobs. The ICK provides workspace, mentoring and training to select entrepreneurs, and has already supported 19 companies on a cost-shared basis.

The USAID Innovation Grant Fund is made possible via the USAID Regional Competitiveness Initiative (RCI) to ICK as a center of excellence and is an example of close donor cooperation and co-financing.