StarLabs celebrates six years of innovation and growth in the tech industry
StarLabs celebrates six years of innovation and growth in the tech industry It’s a special day at StarLabs as we celebrate our sixth anniversary. Over the past six years, StarLabs has been at the forefront of delivering creative tech solutions to our clients. With a dedicated team of over 200 engineers, we have established ourselves as a leading provider of software develop ment, software testing, customer support, and technical support services in Kosovo. Today, we take a moment to reflect on our journey and the accomplishments that have shaped us into the company we are today. Established in 2017 in Prishtina, the capital city of Kosovo, StarLabs was founded by two technology and business management experts with a wealth of experience in ICT outsourcing services. Since our inception, we have been committed to delivering exceptional software experiences and building teams that thrive on innovation. Our central location in Prishtina, occupying 1700 square meters, provides us with a strong operational base to serve our clients effectively. One of our greatest advantages is our affiliation with Digital School, the largest programming school for youth in the country and a franchise in over 50 locations worldwide. This partnership allows us to tap into a vast pool of talented individuals, ensuring that we have access to the best minds in the industry. With this extensive network, we continually expand our capabilities and offer cutting-edge solutions to our clients. As we celebrate this milestone, we are grateful for the support and dedication of our incredible team. Their passion and commitment have been instrumental in our success. Let’s hear from some of our staff members on what StarLabs means to them: Kujtim Neziraj, the Chief Operating Officer, expresses his admiration for the company’s dedication to supporting innovative work on large-scale projects worldwide “Since its beginning, I have always seen StarLabs as a place full of endless possibilities. Even after six years, it still demonstrates its dedication to supporting innovative work on large-scale projects around the world.” The technical director, Njazi Shehu reflects on the past six years with pride, emphasizing how his journey with StarLabs has transformed him both professionally and personally. “Six years of dedication, growth, and resilience have shaped my journey here. I’ve transformed, made an impact, and become the best version of myself. Here’s to the limitless possibilities ahead.” Ramadan Durguti, one of our team leaders, expresses his excitement: “I’ve spent over five years here, and right from the start, it felt like our home, where we bring magic to life every single day! Wishing StarLabs a very happy birthday – a place where innovation knows no limits!” One of our first employees and our quality assurance, Flaka Neziri, shares her unique perspective on the company’s growth. “As one of the first employees, I witnessed the early stages of the company, its growth, and its success. Amidst the demanding nature of the industry, StarLabs fostered a vibrant and lighthearted atmosphere, resulting in numerous entertaining experiences that created lasting memories.” Arbër Demhasaj, another team leader, expresses gratitude for the profound personal development and transformative growth he has experienced during his time at StarLabs. He regards the company as a constant source of happiness and inspiration, highlighting its positive impact on his life. “Throughout an expansive span of over five remarkable years, StarLabs has served as an authentic and unceasing wellspring of immeasurable happiness, profound personal development, and transformative growth in the very essence of my being.” In just six short years, StarLabs has emerged as a trailblazer in the tech industry. Our commitment to delivering creative tech solutions and our focus on building talented teams have propelled us to the forefront of the market. Also, our founders, Hana Qerimi and Darsej Rizaj, extend their heartfelt gratitude to every single team member who has contributed to this journey. “Six years ago, we began our journey with vision, dedication, and the will to do something big for the tech industry and for our country. Today, we stand as the largest software development company in the market due to the hard work, persistence, and brilliant minds that power StarLabs. Let’s take pride in how far we’ve come and look ahead to the limitless potential we can achieve together. Cheers to the best team.” Looking ahead, we are excited about the future possibilities that lie ahead for StarLabs. With our experienced team, dedication to quality, and commitment to delivering creative tech solutions, we are confident in our ability to tackle even the most complex challenges. On this special day, we extend our gratitude to our clients, partners, and team members who have been an integral part of our journey. Together, we will continue to push boundaries, drive innovation, and shape the future of creative tech solutions. Here’s to many more years of success and growth! 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Exploring the potential of IT: Lumir Abdixhiku visits StarLabs and Digital School
Exploring the potential of IT: Lumir Abdixhiku visits StarLabs and Digital School The president of the Democratic League of Kosovo, Lumir Abdixhiku, received a warm welcome during his visit to the premises of the Digital School and StarLabs. Hana Qerimi and Darsej Rizaj, the co-founders and leaders of both companies, gave a presentation on their journey from humble beginnings to achieving international success. As part of the visit, the leaders of the Digital School and StarLabs discussed their extensive experience in training children and early adults between the ages of 8 and 18 in programming courses. Additionally, they highlighted their efforts in preparing new technology professionals, providing employment opportunities, and fostering career advancement. During the discussion, much emphasis was placed on the immense potential of the IT sector in Kosovo and, specifically, on how to integrate it throughout the country’s educational system using our school model. The integration of coding into the curriculum starting from the early grades was a major focus of the conversation. The leaders also conveyed their willingness to collaborate with public institutions, stating their commitment to the common objective of nurturing and empowering young individuals. They emphasized their continual openness towards such partnerships. Furthermore, it was emphasized that we need to keep pace with the current technological advancements, as the IT sector as a whole provides solutions for the future of our younger generation. Ardit Xhaferi, a former Digital School student and now full stack web developer at StarLabs, also introduced Abdixhiku to the first Albanian programming language made in StarLabs. This language can teach younger generations programming without any prior knowledge of English, which will be helpful for implementing the programming curriculum in elementary schools. Related Articles The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development highlights the success of StarLabs and Digital School The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development highlights the success of StarLabs and Digital School Hana Qerimi, co-founder and CEO of StarLabs and Digital School, has been recognized as one of… Read More The international success of the StarLabs and Digital School, part of President Osmani’s inspiring speech at the European Parliament The international success of the StarLabs and Digital School, part of President Osmani’s inspiring speech at the European Parliament The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Vjosa Osmani, during… Read More Introducing AveHR: Your Avenue to Employee Excellence Introducing AveHR: Your Avenue to Employee Excellence At StarLabs, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our latest platform – AveHR! Designed to revolutionize the way businesses manage… Read More
StarLabs hosted 53 companies from Germany
StarLabs hosted 53 companies from Germany A delegation of 53 businesses from Germany, visited Kosovo during April, for a three-day visit. StarLabs, was honored to host the companies and organize a one day visit at the Company’s premises and also at the Digital School, on April 30th, 2022. This event was organized in cooperation with the German Chamber of Commerce in Kosovo, which chose StarLabs as a success story. Our CEO, Hana Qerimi and Co-Founder Darsej Rizaj, had the opportunity to share our story, and the successful relationships that StarLabs has in particular with clients and companies from the German market. The Ambassador of the Republic of Kosovo in Germany, Faruk Ajeti, recently has stated in the media that economic diplomacy remains undoubtedly one of the priorities of the foreign policy of Kosovo’s Government. “Together with the Consul of the Republic of Kosovo in Stuttgart, Besnik Miftaraj, we will accompany them through various meetings and visits”, concluded Ajeti, transmitted to Albinfo.com. StarLabs is currently the second largest employer in the field of Information and Communication Technology in Kosovo. Our company was established in 2015 in Prishtina, the Capital City of Kosovo in south-eastern Europe Located in 1700 square meters in the center of Prishtina, we operate with 200 engineering teams. Our biggest advantage is that we have access to the biggest pool of talents through our access in Digital School – The sister company, which is the biggest programming school for youth in the country as well as a franchise in over 50 locations worldwide. Related Articles OUTSOURCING AS A GROWTH STRATEGY OUTSOURCING AS A GROWTH STRATEGY StarLabs can become one of the MAIN DRIVERS in your company’s growth. Managers in developed countries are increasingly interested in outsourcing as a potential source… Read More StarLabs at Pirate Summit: Hana Qerimi shared our success story at Europe’s most unique startup conference StarLabs at Pirate Summit: Hana Qerimi shared our success story at Europe’s most unique startup conference Hana Qerimi, the CEO of StarLabs and Digital School, shared the successful journey of… Read More StarLabs: The Largest Software Development Company in Kosovo StarLabs: The Largest Software Development Company in Kosovo StarLabs stands as the largest software development company in Kosovo, a testament to its commitment to technological innovation and… Read More
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani visited StarLabs and Digital School
Kosovo President Vjosa Osmani visited StarLabs and Digital School World Creativity and Innovation Day was marked with senior state level visits to our companies. Prishtina, April 21, 2022 – The President of the Republic of Kosovo, Mrs. Vjosa Osmani–Sadriu, chose our companies – StarLabs and Digital School – on The World Creativity and Innovation Day. Her visit was welcomed by the co-founders of the two companies, Hana Qerimi and Darsej Rizaj, who informed the President of the country around the history behind the founding of the companies, their growth and development, as well as the extraordinary potential that Kosovo has with its young people in the field of information and computer technology. “We’ve only been two people, and now we’re over 200. We had no support or donations. Everything we’ve achieved is thanks to a lot of work, and today I can say that we’re leaders in the region, and beyond,” StarLabs CEO Hana Qerimi said, while presenting the President with the staff, the offices of two companies, and the work both companies are doing regarding skills and employment of youth in the field of technology. These efforts were highly regarded by the President. “The inspiring success of Digital School and StarLabs is an incentive to continue empowering the skills of our boys and girls. It is our country’s goal to support the field of technology and innovation to ensure that the growth and development of this sector in Kosovo continues,” President Osmani said, emphasizing the need to institutionalize programming and coding curriculum in public schools. Digital School and StarLabs started as small companies in Prishtina, introducing a new methodology of teaching young people based on game logics. Now, this concept is present to Slovenia, Germany, the United States, Mexico and many other countries around the world. During the President’s visit, the two digital school students, Erika Arllati and Shpat Muriqi, introduced the products they designed as a result of their studies at this school. Both were congratulated by the President, who praised the work of young people that is being done in the two companies. StarLabs is the second largest employer in Kosovo in the field of information and computer technology, and it has direct access to the most distinguished talents of this field in Kosovo through its sister company – Digital School. Related Articles StarLabs celebrates six years of innovation and growth in the tech industry StarLabs celebrates six years of innovation and growth in the tech industry It’s a special day at StarLabs as we celebrate our sixth anniversary. Over the past six years, StarLabs has been at… Read More StarLabs hosted 53 companies from Germany StarLabs hosted 53 companies from Germany A delegation of 53 businesses from Germany, visited Kosovo during April, for a three-day visit. StarLabs, was honored to host the companies and organize a one… Read More OUR APPROACH TO HELP YOU SUCCEED OUR APPROACH TO HELP YOU SUCCEED Many organizations around the world have reduced costs, improved service delivery and enabled innovation and growth by engaging with StarLabs as their strategic… Read More
OUR APPROACH TO HELP YOU SUCCEED
OUR APPROACH TO HELP YOU SUCCEED Many organizations around the world have reduced costs, improved service delivery and enabled innovation and growth by engaging with StarLabs as their strategic outsourcing partner. While their reasons vary as much as their businesses, most see outsourcing as a more predictable, scalable, and reliable way to move their business forward. As an outsourcing partner we will assure that you will be able to: Improve service delivery quality: Take full advantage of standardization, automation, and global integration to deliver consistent, reliable IT services that support business objectives. Leverage StarLabs`s global industry and technology expertise: Gain access to skills you could not develop in-house or afford to recruit Become more adaptable and flexible: Scale technology infrastructure up or down to meet changing business needs. Pursue transformation projects that can deliver continual, iterative returns on investment. To ensure a successful cooperation with our clients we recommend a number of key activities to be carried out before entering into the outsourcing agreement: Secure commitment and support from senior management Define a strategy including goals and objectives Define areas that set the scope and limitations for offshoring – Core (business critical) & Non-Core (non-business critical) Define and establish KPI’s both for transition and steady state ᐧ Related Articles The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development highlights the success of StarLabs and Digital School The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development highlights the success of StarLabs and Digital School Hana Qerimi, co-founder and CEO of StarLabs and Digital School, has been recognized as one of… Read More The development and journey of StarLabs and Digital School at Startup Ecosystem Experts Insights, in Tirana The development and journey of StarLabs and Digital School at Startup Ecosystem Experts Insights, in Tirana Hana Qerimi was part of the panel along with Kamen Bankovski, a partner at Vitosha Venture… Read More StarLabs Success Story and the Impact of EBRD’s Youth in Business Programme in the Western Balkans StarLabs Success Story and the Impact of EBRD’s Youth in Business Programme in the Western Balkans StarLabs Success Story and the Impact of EBRD’s Youth in Business Programme in the Western… Read More
OUTSOURCING AS A GROWTH STRATEGY
OUTSOURCING AS A GROWTH STRATEGY StarLabs can become one of the MAIN DRIVERS in your company’s growth. Managers in developed countries are increasingly interested in outsourcing as a potential source of competitiveness and value creation When first discussing outsourcing at a company strategy session, saving costs is the main topic of conversation. However, if the outsourcing initiative is thoughtfully pursued, cost savings won’t be the main benefit from outsourcing. Many of our customers have found that using StarLabs`s outsourcing capabilities has become a serious strategy for sustained company growth. Outsourcing today is considered as a way to expand even in (and after) recession. It’s cheaper and more efficient than adding staff, buying equipment and paying for new space to do it yourself. There are many benefits related to outsourcing IT services or even the entire IT department. However, the main benefit is known to be Cost advantages. The most obvious and visible benefit relates to the cost savings that outsourcing brings about. There is a cost savings of around 60% by outsourcing your work to StarLabs in Kosovo. Plus, the quality of the services provided is high thereby ensuring that low-cost does not mean low-quality. Moreover, the time zone location of StarLabs is a big advantage comparing to many other countries who are known for outsourcing services. Being positioned in South Eastern Europe, the locations time zone eases the logistics over scheduling meetings and training also avoiding excessive costs by running teams on a night shift. When used properly, outsourcing is one of the most effective strategies to business growth on today’s age as it is seen to be the most effective way to reduce expenses, and can even provide a business with a competitive advantage over rivals. In addition to cost savings, companies can employ an outsourcing strategy to better focus on core aspects of the business. Related Articles Swiss business leaders visit StarLabs and Digital School Swiss business leaders visit StarLabs and Digital School A distinguished delegation of Swiss business executives, including Avni Orllati, CEO of Groupe Orllati, Sebastien Lamuniere, CEO of Edipresse… Read More StarLabs is GROWING again, and you can be part of it! StarLabs is GROWING again, and you can be part of it! Prishtina, 1st of December 2022- From new colleagues to the first coding language in Albanian, the year 2022 has undoubtedly been a gallant one… Read More Meet Ardit Xhaferi, the programmer who created the first programming language in the Albanian! Meet Ardit Xhaferi, the programmer who created the first programming language in the Albanian! We are pleased to announce that our programmer Ardit Xhafer, has created the first programming language… Read More
THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT STARLABS, A TECH LAB IN KOSOVO
THE INTERNSHIP PROGRAM AT STARLABS, A TECH LAB IN KOSOVO In addition to contributing to the technology market, with the services it provides, StarLabs has opened its doors to young people who want to work in this field, enabling them to prepare for the labor market. Prishtina, February 2022 – It’s a normal day of work at StarLabs. And Emini, a 23-year-old from Gjilan, is sitting at his desk. His big headphones are on his shoulders. You never know when he’ll need them. The 23-year-old from Gjilan has been part of the StarLabs team of programmers since 2020. It was the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the lockdown period, the time when And decided to apply for a program he had heard of online, which StarLabs was offering to students and new graduates of the Faculty of Computer Science and beyond. “I saw the application and to be honest it was very accessible,” And says. “It was the beginning of the pandemic, and in the application, it stated that we could get into an online internship program. Another thing, that distinguishes this application from others I have seen, is that it was an advantage for us, the newly graduates since it required very little or no experience at all,” explains And enthusiastically.He had successfully completed the first phase of the StarLabs internship program, which started in March 2020. The co-founder and the CTO of Starlabs, Darsej Rizaj, explains that the internship program was first born as a need of the company to recruit talents, but also as a contribution that StarLabs has decided to make to the technology community and young people in Kosovo, providing vocational training. “We’ve been building a community, it’s an investment and it’s important to understand that it’s very easy to hire employees, but at some point, we exhaust the market, as was the case. So it’s good to have some sort of Corporate Responsibility and to create resources, and the second thing is that we are building a community for these people, these young talents who want to work in the field of technology,” says Rizaj. Darsej Rizaj, co-founder and CTO of StarLabs. Photo: Kushtrim Tërnava/Q&A Media for StarLabs The access to a community that shares common values and visions – as Erina Gashi, the backend and the beneficiary of the internship program at Starlabs explains – is a must, especially for young people who are introduced to this profession. “I’ve perhaps had an advantage compared to others because I grew up in a family of programmers, and I got to know how to talk about technology. But we also definitely need a society and a community outside the family and here at StarLabs, I’ve found it. We know each other, we have very good relations and we understand each other well,” says Erina, 20, from Prishtina. Erina is in the third year of her studies at the Faculty of Computer Sciences, and among other things she says that the StarLabs internship program, which she started in August last year, has helped her enormously to understand the concepts that she had learned in theory, to now practice them, but also to expand this knowledge. “Certainly, both of them matter, you must have a basis to be able to get a job and start well. It’s good to know the theoretical fundamentals of programming to know how to access it, the things you learn at the university, but it’s still not enough. It’s somewhat vague, it’s like you’re not dealing with something concrete, we have had some projects at the faculty that were shorter, etc. While at work it’s different, you have more information, you have more time, etc.,” says Erina. Erinë Gashi, 20, from Prishtina, grew up in a family of programmers, but in StarLabs she found her community. Photo: Kushtrim Tërnava/Q&A Media for StarLabs “There were cases when – in the middle or at the end of the program – out of the 50 candidates we had, 10 got employed at StarLabs, while up to 10 or 5 others were immediately employed in other companies,” Neziraj points out, stressing that through this program, which is completely free for those selected, they are recruiting professionals for the entire technology market in Kosovo. Since 2020 to date, StarLabs has delivered 6 internship programs. The last one started in February this year. Kujtim Neziraj, technical director at StarLabs, explained that the programs are implemented quarterly, and sometimes more often, depending on the space and the needs. Neziraj added that there are over 100 applications for each program. “We have had up to 400 applications in several programs, and usually we filter applications and reach groups of 50 to 100 people for one internship program,” he said. Neziraj also says that each participant in the internship program, who is subject to a certain, routine task of developing a profile of his/her own, becomes part of a team and is monitored and mentored by a leader, who is a StarLabs employee. The entire internship program process lasts 6 months, with three opportunities for the invitation to a paid internship at the company. The first is through an interview if the candidates are considered to be able to start immediately with the paid internship and the work with clients of the company; the other two possibilities are with demos where the candidates have space to introduce themselves and the work they have done during the program. Kujtim Neziraj, Technical Director at StarLabs. Photo: Kushtrim Tërnava/Q&A Media for StarLabs St: A Technology Lab The internship program, in addition to being a good opportunity for StarLabs but also for the technology market to benefit professionals and talents, provides tremendous opportunities for skill-building, disciplining, creating a working culture, networking, and leadership opportunities for both young people and their mentors. Darsej Rizaj, the co-founder of StarLabs, explains how.”The other side of the coin is that the program is an opportunity for everyone, not just the young people who are developing but also