A regional project, EU4Innovation East, with a total budget of 22 million euros was launched within the framework of the Eastern Partnership for 5 countries: Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, Moldova and Ukraine
The main goal of the initiative is to strengthen local startup ecosystems and connect them with the dynamic innovation market of the European Union. The project aims to create concrete opportunities for entrepreneurs by September 2028 through active funding, support for incubators and gas pedals, increased international visibility and strategic links to the European innovation ecosystem. “Our project aims to strengthen the Eastern Partnership startup ecosystem, increase competitiveness and create real opportunities for entrepreneurs. Although we take a regional approach, it takes into account the specificities of each country, complementing existing efforts. To ensure long-term impact, we will support startup support organizations and government programs, creating high added value that develops the startup community, inspires talent and promotes progress,” said EU4Innovation East Project Director Julien Schmitt. The initiative will play a key role in the development of the innovation ecosystem in Moldova through close cooperation with local authorities, startup support organizations, accelerators, incubators, universities, and the private sector. Through strategic partnerships, the project will contribute to the development and strengthening of an ecosystem that has experienced rapid development in recent years. The project strategy includes early-stage startup funding programs, as well as capacity building initiatives for the different actors in the ecosystem. In addition, Moldovan startups will be supported to participate in the most important events in Europe, and local events will receive organizational support to stimulate the exchange of ideas and facilitate networking. In addition, success stories of Moldovan startups will be promoted, increasing their visibility. Currently, Moldova's innovation ecosystem has more than 250 startups. According to Thibault Charlet, Program Manager for Economic and Digital Development, European Commission Directorate General for Neighborhood and Enlargement Negotiations, EU4Innovation East is the flagship project to support digital innovation in the Eastern Partnership region. “This regional reach is a significant advantage as it gives us the opportunity to learn from each other while having a customized approach for each local ecosystem” he said. For her part, French Ambassador to Moldova Dominique Waag said that France reiterates its strong commitment to supporting the Moldovan startup ecosystem, strengthening its ties with France and enhancing cooperation within the European technology community. EU4Innovation East is an EU-funded project co-financed by the French government and implemented by Expertise France. //18.04.2025 - InfoMarket.
