Engineering Innovation by building bridges between Academia, Industry, and Diaspora – Highlights from #ICME25 Congress in Prishtinë

On September 10–11, 2025, the International Congress of Mechanical Engineering (ICME25) took place at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering, University of Prishtina – co-organized by AES, the University of Prishtina (UP), and the Universiteti Politeknik i Tiranës (UPT).

The congress addressed not only a wide range of academic topics, but also pressing industrial and infrastructural challenges, closely linked to both international and local developments.

Key fields included production and industrial engineering, mechatronics, renewable energy, traffic and transport, and design engineering. A particular focus was given to the railway sector, with presentations on the fundamentals of ETCS railway signaling systems as part of the broader ERTMS framework, a crucial step for the modernization and electrification of railways in the region. AES brought a wealth of expertise in crucial areas for a fast developing country like Kosova with immediate applicability such as recycling technologies who protect the environment and railway planning which allows internal and external mobility in a sustainable way.

Our association was proudly represented by Mentor Ilazi and Rexhep Gashi in renewable energy and the creation of a circular economic HUB model for Energy, Enver Alilaj, Fisnik Muhaxheri and Kushtrim Ajvazi in traffic and transport, Endri Rama, PhD in mechatronics and artificial intelligence, while Edmond Sula played a central role in the organization and coordination of the congress. Other members Endrit Dodaj, Butrint Selmonaj, Bernet Selmonaj and Arafat Sahiti also actively contributed to the success of our participation.

We were also delighted to host external guests on behalf of AES:
🔹 Duga Hoti (Flux Mobility AG) who presented the future of electric vehicles
🔹 Carlos Maturana (Compas Engineering) who shared insights into the BIM technology as a key success factor for more efficient construction planning and development
➡️ Both contributions showcased how innovation and practical application come together to create sustainable solutions for industry and society.

ICME25 was a milestone in strengthening collaboration between academia, industry, and diaspora, and in building sustainable bridges for science, technology, and innovation between Switzerland, Kosovo, and Albania. 🤝🚀

At the conclusion of ICME25 we had the privilege to sign a Memorandum of Understanding with the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering which paves the way for future collaborative projects.

ICME2025 #AlbanianEngineers #AES #Engineering #KnowledgeExchange #DiasporaEngagement #RailwayDevelopment