Each group had an opportunity to again present their idea, and to express their desires for the development. Clean City and hack2O attracted most attention. Representatives were able to schedule a meeting with other players in the ecosystem.
Wednesday, January 18th, the four finalist groups of Climathon Tirana (clean city (first place), trash2can (second place), hack2O (thirdplace) and hopon (fourth place), along with two representatives of ICTSlab participated in a meeting that was organized by Tirana concerning the implementation of project.
Each group had an opportunity to again present their ideas and voice their concerns about the development of these projects. Clean City, and hack2O attracted most attention. There was also a scheduled meeting with other stakeholders. Hack2O will meet Tirana Waterworks and Sewerage UKT to implement their product into the water supply system, which is currently being upgraded to improve its supply.
The meeting was attended by Mrs. Anuela, Deputy Mayor of Tirana and two other leaders: Mr. Genc Kojdheli, General Director of Strategic Projects and Foreign Investments, and Mrs. Julinda Dahame, General Director for Environment and Sustainable Development. They welcomed the winners with the desire to develop and integrate their ideas to address the current challenges facing Tirana.
Clean City and Tirana’s contractors for waste management have been invited to meet and discuss ways to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Trash2Can representatives from Tirana supported the project in its entirety. However, it is currently difficult to implement the project because their strategic plan is not in accordance with the project’s vision. All that said, they will be able to receive funding from companies or donors if there is agreement between them.
HopOn is aware that there is a legal hurdle that prohibits drivers without licenses from earning income. The government must amend some laws in Albania to bring this idea into reality. The Municipality of Tirana can help by allowing them to change their business model.