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Elevator Lab

A leading fintech accelerator powered by Raiffeisen Bank International — one of the largest in Central and Eastern Europe. In Albania, the Elevator Lab Challenge invites startups and fintechs to turn bold ideas into real banking solutions and pilot them with Raiffeisen Bank Albania.

See how it works

Turning Bold Ideas into Real Banking Solutions

Elevator Lab is a competition-format fintech accelerator that brings the local innovation ecosystem together with startups and fintechs — to develop and renew the banking business model of the future. Participants can scale their products and services across the regional network of countries where Raiffeisen Bank operates.

From Idea to Pilot in Four Steps

Every year the program publishes its areas of interest, so startups and fintechs can identify where they fit and apply.

1. Apply

Open to startups and fintechs at any stage — an idea, a prototype, or a developed product. No limit on applicants.

2. Evaluation

Experts in banking and the program review every idea and application, and shortlist the strongest.

3. Pitch to the Jury

Shortlisted teams present to a jury of Raiffeisen Bank Albania experts and specialists from other Raiffeisen markets.

4. Pilot / Proof of Concept

Selected participants collaborate with the bank to run a pilot (PoC) of their solution.

Benefits for Startups & Fintechs

Elevator Lab is more than a competition — it's a launchpad into the RBI network.

  • Pilot with a real bank

    Build a Proof of Concept with Raiffeisen and validate your solution with real customers.

  • Regional scale

    Access the RBI network across Central and Eastern Europe — not just one market.

  • Expert mentorship

    Guidance from banking and program experts throughout the journey.

  • Win & collaborate

    Compete for prizes and the opportunity to collaborate with Raiffeisen Bank Albania and other Raiffeisen banks.

  • Investment pathway

    Strong solutions can attract follow-on interest via Elevator Ventures, RBI's venture arm.


Our Evaluation Criteria

Four things our experts and jury assess in every application.

Innovation

Open to startups and fintechs at any stage — an idea, a prototype, or a developed product. No limit on applicants.

Scalability

Experts in banking and the program review every idea and application, and shortlist the strongest.

Business Model

Shortlisted teams present to a jury of Raiffeisen Bank Albania experts and specialists from other Raiffeisen markets.

Team

Selected participants collaborate with the bank to run a pilot (PoC) of their solution.

Where We're Looking for Innovation

Each edition targets specific areas of interest. Recent themes across the RBI group have included:

  • ESG & Sustainability

    Solutions that drive sustainable finance and measurable impact.

  • Payments

    Next-generation payment experiences and infrastructure.

  • Data & AI

    Smarter banking through data, analytics and artificial intelligence.

  • Isometric illustration shows a central bank building icon connected to multiple digital devices. A smartphone, a computer screen with charts, a storefront terminal, and a contactless card reader are linked by glowing data channels. The scene uses a clean yellow, black, and green color palette on a neutral background. It visually represents modern fintech, online payments, and integrated financial services.

    Bank-as-a-Platform

    Open, API-driven banking and embedded finance.

  • Isometric illustration shows a woman moving through a customer journey from a smartphone app to video chat and then an in-person desk. The scene features a large mobile phone interface, a seated video call with a professional on a screen, and a reception counter with an attendant. Bright yellow pathways connect each step, with modern furniture and potted plants adding visual interest. The overall style is clean, minimal, and business-focused, emphasizing omnichannel customer support.

    Customer Experience

    Seamless, human-centred digital journeys.

Powered by Raiffeisen Bank International

Elevator Lab is one of the largest corporate fintech accelerators in Central and Eastern Europe. Winning solutions can scale across the RBI network of markets, with a potential investment pathway through Elevator Ventures, RBI's venture arm.

Discover RBI Elevator Lab

Part of Albania's Innovation Ecosystem

Elevator Lab is one of several ways Raiffeisen Bank Albania supports innovation. Explore our broader work.

  • Innovation at RBAL

    Meet Rinno and discover how we make innovation part of the bank's DNA.

  • Innovation Programs

    Bootcamps, hackathons and academies that turn ideas into real banking solutions.

  • Collaboration with the Ecosystem

    Co-creating with startups, universities and public partners across Albania.

  • Fintech Partnerships

    Partnering with fintechs to bring innovative solutions to market.

Frequently asked questions

A fintech accelerator and partnership program by Raiffeisen, connecting startups and fintechs with the bank to build and scale solutions.

Startups and fintechs at any stage — from an idea to a developed product or service. There is no limit on applicants.

Applications open each edition via the Elevator Lab Challenge; submit through the application link. ⚠️ [confirm link & deadline for the current edition]

In clear steps: application → expert evaluation → pitch to the jury → pilot / Proof of Concept.

Innovation, Scalability, Business Model, and Team.

Prizes plus the opportunity to run a pilot (PoC) and collaborate with Raiffeisen across CEE.

The RBI network across Central and Eastern European markets.

Potential ongoing collaboration and follow-on interest via Elevator Ventures, RBI's venture arm.

Ready to apply?

Turn your idea into a real banking solution. Apply to the Elevator Lab Challenge and pitch your fintech to Raiffeisen.

Learn more on elevator-lab.com