On June 17, the new EU Innovation Center Inotek will open in Cahul - the largest center for technological innovation and excellence in the south of Moldova.
As noted in the EU materials, the center was created with the financial support of the European Union in partnership with Sweden, the National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC) and the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State University (Cahul). The partnership was also joined by the UMAEF Foundation, the Government of Switzerland, UN Women, the Liechtenstein Development Fund (LED) and the Cahul City Hall. The opening of the new Inotek is the result of 5 years of work by the EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project, which actively contributed to the development of the digital ecosystem of the region through investments in STEM education, entrepreneurial training, support for local businesses and public events. The first phase of the center, opened in 2021, laid the foundation for an active community and demonstrated the potential of the region to become a true epicenter of innovation. The EU Ambassador to Moldova, Jānis Mažeiks, noted that the EU invests in sectors that others often do not take risks in – filling the gaps caused by market failures and unlocking the real potential of regions like Cahul. “The new EU Innovation Hub – Inotek – is a cornerstone of our efforts to connect local potential with European opportunities, supporting innovation, education and entrepreneurship in the south of Moldova. As Moldova moves towards EU membership, a strong local infrastructure for training, innovation and development is key to ensuring inclusiveness,” said Jānis Mažeiks. In turn, the Swedish Ambassador to Moldova, Katarina Fried, noted that Inotek is opening at the right time – after 5 years of targeted efforts to shape the local context, educate a generation interested in IT and promote entrepreneurial spirit in the region. According to her, although the digital transformation of the south of Moldova is still ongoing, the progress achieved is encouraging. "Inotek will play an important role as a catalyst – bringing together young people, entrepreneurs and institutions in a space created to develop ideas, access modern tools and develop skills that will be in demand in the future. This has become possible thanks to the joint efforts of the EU and Sweden in the spirit of Team Europe. Inotek is already the 15th innovation center opened in Moldova with the support of Sweden," the diplomat said.Inotek's goal is to transform Cahul into a hub for innovation and digitalization by providing the infrastructure, knowledge, and collaborative culture that will enable people to create, learn, and grow where they live. Over the course of two years, with the support of partners, more than 4,000 schoolchildren will complete STEM programs, and over 1,000 adults and entrepreneurs will participate in trainings and events. Inotek offers the following opportunities: access to modern technologies - modern equipment for applied learning, product creation, and solution testing; relevant educational programs - STEM education for children and youth, digital skills for adults; support for entrepreneurs - co-working, mentoring, access to partnerships and knowledge; digital transformation of the region - digitalization support for authorities, institutions, and entrepreneurs; inclusivity and equality - programs aimed at the participation of women and girls in the digital economy. ATIC Strategic Projects Director Ana Chirița noted that Inotek will bring innovative technologies and solutions for the development of the region, offering people of all ages opportunities for personal and professional growth. “By connecting ideas, people and organizations with the right resources, Cahul will become an active platform for testing, launching and scaling innovations with a sustainable impact on the local community,” she emphasized. The official opening ceremony of the new Inotek will bring together representatives of the Moldovan government, the European Union, Sweden, development partners, local authorities, as well as leaders of the academic and business environment and active members of the southern community. The event will become a platform for strategic dialogue and institutional cooperation, demonstrating how innovation and technology can transform regions. The program includes: tours of the center, interactive demonstrations, thematic panels on digitalization, education, women's leadership and regional entrepreneurship. There will also be exhibitions and sessions presenting creative initiatives of youth, startups and communities. The EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project, implemented with EU funding in partnership with Sweden and with the support of ATIC, aims to strengthen the potential of the digital economy in the south of Moldova and increase the investment attractiveness of the region. The project’s achievements include the involvement of over 20,000 students and 1,000 teachers in STEM education, the creation of 15 digital laboratories, digital training of 38 SMEs. 22 organizations received grants for digitalization, 100 events were held, career development initiatives, women’s involvement in IT and other active actions were implemented. The creation of the new Inotek consolidates these results and provides new resources for further digital transformation and sustainable development of the south of Moldova. // 09.06.2025 - InfoMarket
