Welcome to Signal #8. This week’s edition looks at the blurred line between science fiction and reality, from living brain cells powering experimental data centres, to new tools reshaping how we build AI agents. We also take a look at how regional ecosystems are evolving, from Albania’s growing tech scene to upcoming AI and startup events in Macedonia. It’s a mix of tech, practical tools, and ecosystem momentum, all happening right now.

I read a piece this week that felt straight out of science fiction, except it’s happening right now. Scientists are literally growing tiny human brains and hooking them up to electrodes to see if they can function like mini computers.

The work is happening at FinalSpark in Switzerland, where they’re experimenting with “wetware”, living neurons grown from human skin cells, developed into clusters called organoids, and then connected to electrodes. Once they’re wired up, researchers can send simple electrical signals through them and record the responses on a regular computer. It’s like pressing a key and watching a tiny lab-grown brain react.

Their vision is simple: Imagine future data centres powered by living servers that learn and adapt like a brain but consume only a fraction of the energy of today’s AI systems. The science is still early, but it’s real. They’ve managed to keep these “brains” alive for up to four months, and the goal is to train them to perform basic tasks, the same way we train neural networks, but with actual neurons.

There’s something both fascinating and unsettling about this. On one hand, it could open the door to a completely new kind of computing. On the other, when a biocomputer “dies,” it literally dies. The team has even observed bursts of activity in the final seconds, similar to what happens in human brains near the end of life.

Most experts see it as complementary, a niche technology with applications in areas like AI training and neurological research. Still, the idea of living servers in future data centres is wild. Kinda reminds you of The Matrix movie right?

OpenAI just introduced AgentKit, a set of tools for building, deploying, and improving agents. Until now, setting up agentic workflows meant stitching together fragmented tools, custom code, and manual evaluation pipelines. AgentKit brings this into one place with three core components: Agent Builder (a visual canvas for creating and versioning workflows), Connector Registry (a central hub for managing data and integrations), and ChatKit (a toolkit for embedding chat-based agent experiences directly into products).

It’s designed for developers and enterprises that want to move from experiments to production faster. Agent Builder makes it possible to design multi-agent flows visually and iterate quickly. Connector Registry helps larger teams control how data moves across systems. ChatKit simplifies building chat interfaces that feel native without weeks of frontend work. Evaluation tools have also been expanded to include datasets, trace grading, automated prompt optimization, and support for third-party models, making it easier to track and improve performance.

Since launching the Responses API and Agents SDK earlier this year, companies like Klarna, Clay, and LY Corporation have already built production agents for support, sales, and research. AgentKit builds on that foundation, offering a more structured way to design, deploy, and refine agents at scale.

The third edition of Future2Tech closed on October 3, and once again it proved why it’s the biggest tech, innovation, and education event in Albania. For two days, the Palace of Congresses turned into a hub of ideas, breakthroughs, and discussions shaping the country’s digital future.

With over 120 exhibitors, more than 5,000 visitors, and dozens of national and international speakers, the energy in the halls was incredible. Future2Tech was quite focused this year on brining together startups, established businesses, academia, and public institutions under one roof.

What stood out to me most was the clear focus on connecting generations and ideas. The discussions spanned AI, fintech, marketing, education, and sustainability, showing that innovation isn’t just a buzzword, it’s a real, actionable path for the country. Startup founders had the chance to pitch, get mentorship, and connect with investors, making it also like a launchpad for real projects and opportunities.

The Gaming Zone, supported by the Istituto Italiano di Cultura, combined culture, education, and entertainment in a way that felt fresh and engaging. And the Tan Mezini Award, honoring legendary Albanian entrepreneur, went to Eco Charger for their innovative green energy solutions, a reminder that the next big ideas often start small but can make a meaningful impact.

Lately one can see clearly that Albania is no longer just observing the digital revolution but it’s stepping confidently into it. The ecosystem is growing, the ideas are bold, and the people behind them are ready to make an impact locally and internationally. Not to long ago, Albania was the first country in the world to introduce an AI Minister.

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I’ve been keeping an eye on how smaller countries are building their startup ecosystems, in order to give some perspective into Kosovo as well and Azerbaijan’s recent growth caught my attention.

The country now has 139 startups, which makes up about 1% of all startups in Eastern Europe or roughly 2 startups per 100,000 people. Over the past year, the ecosystem grew by +24.5%, which is impressive considering its size.

In the Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025, Azerbaijan ranked #74 worldwide, climbing 6 spots since last year. Regionally, it’s now 18th in Eastern Europe, just behind Georgia and ahead of North Macedonia.

What’s interesting is the strategic push behind this growth. The government is actively trying to diversify away from oil by backing innovation in AI, blockchain, and IoT. They’ve set up an AI Research Center and partnered with companies like Microsoft and Huawei to build R&D capacity. Their MyGov portal already offers over 450 e-services, signaling a serious digital transformation effort.

The Innovation and Digital Development Agency (IDDA) plays a central role in this. Beyond funding and tech parks, they’ve been smart about giving local startups international exposure, including a presence at global events like Expand North Star. On top of that, private initiatives like INNOLAND, SABAH.lab, and SUP VC, plus emerging local VC funds such as Caucasus Ventures and INMerge Ventures, are starting to build the financial backbone of the ecosystem.

Marketing & Sales is currently the top tech industry in Azerbaijan (#55 globally), followed by Transportation and Social & Leisure. But the real story here is momentum. For a country with just over 10 million people, Azerbaijan is clearly trying to carve out a spot on the global innovation map — and the trajectory looks solid.

Download the full Global Startup Ecosystem Index 2025

Every startup ecosystem has its moment. For Albania, Tirana Slush’d is that moment. Backed by Slush, this community-driven event has quickly become the biggest startup gathering in the country and this year, it’s shaping up to be even bigger. On October 30th 2025, founders, investors, students, and ecosystem builders will meet at the Pyramid of Tirana for a day built around one mission: connecting Albanian startups with the world.

If you’re a founder, this is the stage to announce breakthroughs, pitch to investors, and meet potential partners and customers. For investors, it’s the best place to discover the next Balkan success story before everyone else does. Students get the chance to explore the ecosystem up close, learn from experienced founders, and maybe even find their co-founder. And for partners and sponsors, it’s a rare chance to plug directly into a growing innovation hub in Southeast Europe.

What I like about Slush’D is that it isn’t a top-down conference. It’s built by local teams, driven by community, and designed to catalyze ecosystems. The fact that Albania is hosting this for the second year, with international speakers, VC funds, and startups from across the region, says a lot about the momentum that’s building here.

Tickets are live — early bird prices end soon..

I love seeing opportunities like this pop up in our region. PITCH50 at Tirana Slush’D is officially open, and it’s a serious chance for early-stage founders from Albania and across Europe to step into the spotlight. Ten startups will be selected to pitch live on stage in front of international investors, competing for up to €300,000 in funding, powered by Fil Rouge Capital.

The winner won’t just walk away with funding — they’ll go on to represent Albania at Slush 2025 in Helsinki, the world’s biggest VC gathering with $4 trillion AUM. Last year’s finalists didn’t just pitch; they raised capital. This year, it could be you. If you’re building something ambitious, don’t miss this.

Apply now

From November 27–30, Skopje will host StartupRevolution.ai, a regional summit focused on AI and startups. The event brings together founders, investors, companies, and ecosystem leaders for four days of discussions, collaboration, and practical insights.

A group of local organizers is driving this forward, including Ana Sekulovska, Sasho Jovanovski, Bisera Loteska, StartUp Club Skopje, and Startup Macedonia, aligning with this year’s Global Entrepreneurship Week in North Macedonia theme: TOGETHER WE BUILD.

For corporate leaders, innovation managers, and decision-makers, the summit offers a chance to discover regional AI solutions ready to scale, build partnerships with startups and tech innovators, and join curated 1:1 meetings with founders and ecosystem leaders.

Get your ticket

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