Skip to main content
Whistleblowing Contact Branches ATM's

Innovation Programs

Our Innovation Department is a dynamic hub that empowers employees to turn ideas into impact through innovation programs and collaborative initiatives. By fostering a culture of creativity and continuous improvement, we drive transformative change and help shape the future of banking. 

Join our programs Back to Innovation

AI & Data programs

From Albania's first AI event to hackathons and an internal AI Transformation program.

  • Smells Like AI Spirit

    On March 26, Tirana became the meeting point for innovation, hosting the first event in Albania fully dedicated to Artificial Intelligence. With 500+ participants, onsite and online, Raiffeisen Bank Albania brought together the AI community for a full-day experience of learning, collaboration, and challenge.

  • AI Hackathon 2024

    As part of the ongoing AI transformation at our bank and in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, the AI Hackathon brought together the talents of Raiffeisen Bank and the TechSpace community to deliver advanced solutions in AI.

    AI Hackathon 2024

    With the energy of the challenges and a strong commitment to innovation, we successfully concluded the AI Hackathon!

    As part of the ongoing AI transformation at our bank and in collaboration with Amazon Web Services, the AI Hackathon brought together the talents of Raiffeisen Bank and the TechSpace community to deliver advanced solutions in AI. The mentorship provided by experts from AWS and Raiffeisen Bank, along with the dedication of the participants, reflects our commitment to introducing new solutions in the advanced technologies we use as a bank, creating value for our clients.

    From intensive AI challenges to the final presentations, this day marked an important step toward the digital future. Congratulations to all participants for their hard work and inspiring ideas!

  • AI Ambassador Bootcamp

    A few months ago, at Raiffeisen Bank, we launched our newest program, "AI Transformation", as a unique opportunity to stimulate internal innovation and increase the way of shaping the bank of the future.

    AI Ambassador Bootcamp

    As part of it on October 1-2 we successfully organized "AI Ambassador Bootcamp."

    This event brought together 45 colleague-ambassadors from all departments of the bank, where the main focus was the exploration of Artificial Intelligence and the latest applications in our daily processes.
  • A large group of people gather closely together at an outdoor event beneath beige canopy structures. Many attendees are engaged in conversation, holding drinks and facing different directions. Black and yellow balloons decorate the space, adding a festive touch to the scene. Sunlight filters through the canopy, creating a bright and lively atmosphere.

    Innovation Fair

    At the Innovation Fair six teams showcased AI-powered solutions that originated through our innovation programs. What started as ideas and everyday challenges has evolved into projects that are already delivering value or are actively being developed into future solutions.


    Innovation Fair

    Colleagues, Board Members, and our CEO had the opportunity to explore the projects, experience live demonstrations, and connect with the teams behind them. But beyond the technology, what stood out most was the energy in the room, the curiosity, the meaningful conversations, and the exchange of ideas across the organization.

    The event was a powerful reminder that innovation doesn’t end when a program concludes. It continues when ideas are nurtured, supported, and given the opportunity to grow through collaboration and experimentation.

Cybersecurity programs

Building a secure digital future with national partners.

  • Hack or Treat — Cyber Security Hackathon 2025

    In an increasingly connected digital world, security and innovation must go hand in hand. At Raiffeisen Bank Albania, building a secure and sustainable digital environment is a core part of our long-term strategy.

    This vision came to life at the “Hack or Treat - Cyber Security Hackathon 2025”, organized together with Tech Space as part of Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Participants tackled real-life cyber scenarios, testing their skills, creativity, and speed under pressure. In his opening remarks, Erion Serti highlighted the strategic importance of cybersecurity, while special thanks go to Igli Tafa and AKSK for their support.

  • CyberFrontiers Hackathon

    Filled with excitement from the competition and expert-led cybersecurity sessions, the CyberFrontiers Hackathon concluded with great success.

    This event was organized in October, the month dedicated to cybersecurity awareness, in collaboration with the National Cybersecurity Authority, the Innovation Center for Security and Defense, and the startup Cyber Morfosis, reflecting our commitment to investing in systems, people, and culture. Our aim is to always stay one step ahead, providing security and trust for our clients.

    The competition was intense, with challenges that tested the skills and expertise of participants in the field of cybersecurity. Raiffeisen Bank CEO Mr. Christian Canacaris and Board Member, CIO/COO Mr. Erion Serti, emphasized the importance and commitment of Raiffeisen Bank in this critical field.

Talent & youth programs

From Key Academy to teens — nurturing the next generation of innovators.

  • A large group of adults sits at round tables in a conference room, applauding and smiling. The setting appears to be a professional seminar or corporate meeting with notepads and drinks on the tables. A decorated Christmas tree is visible in the background, suggesting a holiday season event. Warm lighting and neutral decor create a welcoming, collaborative atmosphere.

    Key Academy 8

    What if a small opportunity today could change your entire professional journey tomorrow? This is Key Academy, the 8th edition at Raiffeisen Bank - an experience that goes beyond training and connects people, ideas, and professional ambitions.

    Key Academy 8

    Out of 400 applications, 30 students were selected to go through 17 intensive days of learning, collaboration, and challenges, guided by 40 experts from our bank and concluded with a bootcamp designed especially for Gen Z.
    With Design Thinking at its core, they worked in teams, were heard, challenged, and brought forward new ideas - ideas driven by their authenticity and unique perspectives.

    As stated by Ms. Valbona Zeneli, Chief People Officer - Raiffeisen Bank Albania: 
    “It is essential that you preserve your authenticity, because that is what makes the difference in our bank. We strongly believe in the power of youth and the impact it has on other generations as well. The combination of our staff’s expertise built over the years with the energy and perspective you bring enables us to build a more innovative future.”

    Today, these students become our newest colleagues.

    Welcome to the team. We are happy to have you with us!

  • Key Academy 7

    After a month full of challenges and engagement, we came to the final of the Academy, an inspiring Bootcamp, where students used the Design Thinking methodology to develop concrete ideas, using the potential of Artificial Intelligence.

    Key Academy 7

    After a month full of challenges and engagement, we came to the final of the Academy, an inspiring Bootcamp, where students used the Design Thinking methodology to develop concrete ideas, using the potential of Artificial Intelligence.

    The final was another testament to the fantastic potential of young people and their creativity. This is Key Academy – more than training, it is a step towards the future!
  • A group of people sit around a table engaged in an interactive workshop discussion. The setting is a modern conference room with large windows, curtains, and a chandelier overhead. Yellow papers, cards, and materials are spread across the table, suggesting collaborative activities or brainstorming. In the background, a projector screen and flip chart are visible, indicating a formal training or seminar environment.

    Key Academy 6

    With a mini-Innovation Bootcamp, we successfully concluded the 6th edition of Key Academy, a program dedicated to enthusiastic technology students with technical profiles. 

    Key Academy 6

    During these intensive 6 weeks, they had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and develop new skills in some of the key areas of technology, including important topics such as Agile Project Management, Modern Software Architecture, Digital Financial Products, Data, Cloud, and DevOps Engineering.

    Special thanks go to all the students who were part of this edition. You are making a difference in the world of technology, and we are proud to have had the chance to be part of your wonderful journey.

    We also thank our colleagues for their excellent contribution, making this edition a true success. 
  • A large group of young people pose together in a bright indoor event space, raising their hands in celebration. The backdrop features colorful graphics and the phrase "make it happen" prominently displayed. Participants wear casual clothing in various vibrant colors and some hold papers or certificates. The wooden wall and polished floor create a warm atmosphere, suggesting a workshop, seminar, or youth program gathering.

    FinSnap Teens Bootcamp

    How do young people see the bank? What do they want, and how do they imagine a smarter, more creative, and more inclusive financial world? We searched for the answers where every valuable idea is born - with the youth.

    FinSnap Teens Bootcamp

    60 teenagers - the children of our staff - took part in the “FinSnap Teens Bootcamp”, a unique experience on financial education and innovative thinking. Through the Design Thinking methodology, they not only learned, but also proposed ideas, collaborated, and created their own vision for the bank of tomorrow. Every moment of this bootcamp was proof that when we listen to young people, we give a voice to the future.

    A big thank you to our dedicated coaches, the Innovation team, and especially to our CEO, Mr. Christian Canacaris, who opened the event with an inspiring message: "Learn, create, collaborate, and have fun. Whatever path you choose in the future, it is important to be well-informed and make the right financial decisions."

    Thank you to our young participants who inspired us with their energy and ideas!

Cloud & technology

Scaling innovation with AWS and the RBI network.

  • Cloud Connect 2024

    Raiffeisen Bank Albania successfully organized the fourth Cloud Connect 2024 conference from May 22-24, 2024. Over 400+ colleagues from 13 countries of our network banks; featuring representatives from Amazon Web Services; 9 keynote speakers; 18 breakout sessions on diverse topics;  200+ on-site participants joined us in Tirana for this fabulous 3-day event focused on business, technology and the future, and even gaming. 

    Cloud Connect 2024

    In this 20-year journey, Raiffeisen Bank once again proved to be at the forefront of every development, redefining the standards of technology and information in the banking sector in Albania.

    We extend our gratitude to the organizers, the RBI and RBAL Cloud team, the RBAL Innovation Team, and AWS for making this event possible. Special thanks to the entire RBAL Management Board for their support, especially Erion Serti, our CIO/COO, Elisabeth Geyer-Schall, Head of RBI Group Core IT, Data & Platforms, and Cord Hoppe, Unit Head Cloud & On-Prem Platforms.

  • Cloudification

    At Raiffeisen Bank Albania we are passionate about nurturing talents and providing an environment where everyone can learn and grow. With this aim together with Raiffeisen Bank International, teamed up with Amazon Web Service we hosted another fantastic event on October 25th.



  • Let’s Get Cloud

    Our values guide every aspect of our organization, shaping our culture and defining how we operate as a team. 

    Raiffeisen Bank has selected Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its first public cloud provider in the way to develop its banking platform, which continuously supports its ambition to create and provide digital products that are customer focused.

Internal innovation

Rituals that turn colleagues' ideas into reality.

  • A large audience sits in a conference room listening to a speaker on stage. The presenter stands in front of a big yellow screen displaying the text "Fridays for Innovation" with colorful graphics. Attendees are seated in rows of chairs, facing the stage and paying attention to the talk. The setting appears professional and modern, with ceiling lights and presentation equipment visible.

    Fridays for Innovation

    The final event of Fridays for Innovation was a true celebration of creativity and innovation. Hundreds of colleagues joined to cheer on the teams who had spent 10 intensive weeks validating their innovative projects. 


    Fridays for Innovation

    Raiffeisen Bank, we drive internal innovation through various initiatives, providing our colleagues with the space, tools, and support to turn ideas into reality. 

    As Mr. Christian Canacaris, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Albania, highlighted in his welcoming speech: "Each of you has embraced this mindset; experimenting, challenging the impossible, and turning ideas into actionable solutions. That’s the magic of innovation." 

    Across the journey, 6 teams and 40+ colleagues, including organizers, participants, and coaches, came together with one mission: to bring the magic of creativity, imagination, and innovation to life.

  • Innovation Day

    Over the years, Raiffeisen Bank Albania has proudly participated in Innovation Day, RBI Group’s flagship innovation event, connecting with colleagues from across the network to share ideas, showcase innovative solutions, and learn from industry trends and innovation leaders. 

    Innovation Day

    Through this Group-wide initiative, we have been part of a larger innovation community that fosters collaboration, knowledge sharing, and continuous improvement, helping turn ideas into impactful solutions across the organization and the wider RBI network.
  • A large group of adults gathers in a spacious indoor conference room, smiling and waving toward the camera. They are seated and standing in several rows on a wooden floor, suggesting a workshop or team event. The room is warmly lit with ceiling lights, and a large artwork or screen is visible at the back wall. Tables, chairs, and presentation boards appear around the edges, reinforcing a collaborative, professional setting.

    Innovation School 2024

    Innovation School 2024 is organized for the first time in Albania, in cooperation with Raiffeisen Bank International (RBI), which brought together for 4 days over 100 colleagues from the central offices and 10 banks of the Raiffeisen network.

    Innovation School 2024

    Under the guidance of the most experienced mentors, such as Franziska Hecht from The Ventury, Christoph Broggiato as well as together with 16 innovation experts from the entire RBI Group, the participants were trained in several areas such as "Design Thinking" methodology "Agile" as well as the latest news in the field of innovation.

    In his welcoming speech Mr. Christian Canacaris, CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Albania emphasized, among other things: "Through this international learning ecosystem, we invest in the potential of our people". But, Innovation school does not end here, as the participants will meet again online in two weeks, to complete their journey as well as discuss the application of the knowledge gained to real-life challenges.

    A heartfelt thanks goes to all the participants, coaches and especially the organizers, Jonathan Fernandez, Anila Hoxha, Nadja Jevtic, Lorisa Vojka, Artemida Alltari, Gerison Hoxha, Franziska Hecht, and Christoph Broggiato, as well as Elona Llaci and Hans-Jörg, you made this event a success.

Frequently asked questions

Albania's first event fully dedicated to Artificial Intelligence, hosted by Raiffeisen Bank Albania with 500+ participants — a full day of masterclasses, collaboration and an AI Battle Royale.

Key Academy runs in editions. Applications open ahead of each edition; selected students go through an intensive Design Thinking bootcamp, and many become Raiffeisen colleagues.

Part of our internal AI Transformation program, it brings together ambassadors from every department to explore AI and apply it to daily processes.

We run AI Hackathons (with AWS & TechSpace) and cybersecurity hackathons such as Hack or Treat and CyberFrontiers, often with national partners like AKSK.

A bootcamp on financial education and innovative thinking for teenagers — the children of our staff — using the Design Thinking methodology.

Many programs run with ecosystem partners — startups, universities, AWS and public institutions. Explore Collaboration with the Ecosystem to learn more.

Continue exploring Innovation

This Programs page is one of four Innovation pillars. Discover the rest.

  • About Innovation

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

  • 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.