Rector Hajrizi Presents the UBT 5S Model for the Future of Energy Education

04/09/2026

UBT President and Founder, Prof. Dr. Edmond Hajrizi, was invited to the 3rd International Conference on Renewable Energy and Smart Technologies – REST 2026 in Tirana, where he presented the UBT 5S model and how this concept responds to the emerging needs of education, industry, and the energy sector.

In the panel “Future-Ready or Falling Behind? Building the Energy Workforce Through Education, Industry and Brain Gain,” Rector Hajrizi presented UBT’s vision for building an integrated model that connects education, research, technology, industry, and sustainable development.

Within this framework, UBT has developed the UBT 5S concept, which has also been implemented within UBT Smart City, creating an ecosystem where education, innovation, technology, and sustainable solutions are applied in practice. UBT functions as a Living Lab, where new technologies and models can be tested in real-life conditions, including the use of Digital Twin technologies for the simulation and optimization of systems and processes.

An important part of this vision is also the engagement of the diaspora in academic and professional development. Through collaboration and networking with professionals and experts abroad, UBT has created opportunities for knowledge exchange, participation in projects, research, and stronger connections between the diaspora and the development of the country.

This model is also supported by UBT’s academic programs, particularly Energy Engineering, as well as specialized laboratories for solar energy, wind energy, smart grids, heat pumps, geothermal energy, biomass, IoT, and testing and auditing technologies.

Industry engagement is an integral part of this model, through internships, projects, and collaboration with institutions and companies in the energy sector, enabling students to address real market needs and prepare for the professions of the future.

REST 2026, co-organized in cooperation with UBT, brought together international researchers, engineers, and professionals to discuss the future of renewable energy, smart technologies, energy storage, artificial intelligence, IoT, and energy efficiency.