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Economy
14 September, 2026 / 20:27
/ 6 hours ago

Grants worth over one million euros to develop Moldova’s innovation ecosystem with EU support

Six organizations from the Republic of Moldova will receive grants worth more than 1 million euros with the EU support. They will develop programs dedicated to startups and entrepreneurs, from the idea stage through scaling and access to investment.

The grants were awarded during an event organized through EU4Innovation East project, funded by the European Union, co-financed by the Government of France, and implemented by Expertise France. The six organizations were selected following a rigorous process.

The funded programs will be implemented in the coming period and will include hackathons, boot camps, mentoring sessions, incubation and acceleration programs, as well as initiatives connecting founders with investors and diaspora community.

Attending the event, State Secretary of the Ministry of Economic Development and Digitalization Natalia Selevestru emphasized that startups can become an important driver of Moldova’s economic transformation through the solutions they develop, the jobs they create, and the investments they attract.

Julda Kielyte, Head of the Inclusive and Competitive Growth Sector at the EU Delegation to the Republic of Moldova said “Europe needs innovators, and the Republic of Moldova has the talent and potential needed to contribute to this ecosystem.”

“European integration is not only about common institutions and standards, but also about connections between entrepreneurs, technologies and markets. Through EU4Innovation East project, we are turning this vision into concrete support for startups—from validating ideas to investment and internationalization. Our goal is for ideas developed in the Republic of Moldova to have every opportunity to grow and become competitive on the European market. Created in Moldova. Developed at a European scale,” the official said.

Moldova’s technology sector is experiencing remarkable growth and has been recognized as the fastest-growing ecosystem in Europe in the StartupBlink Global Startup Ecosystem Index (+91.9%). At present, the country has more than 300 active technology startups, while the sector’s viability is demonstrated by the international successes of companies founded in Moldova.