A New Chapter for Inotek – The Heart of the Digital Future in Southern Moldova
On June 17, 2025, the official opening of the new Inotek – EU Innovation Centre Cahul will take place. It is the largest innovation and excellence technology hub in southern Moldova. The centre was established with financial support from the European Union, in partnership with Sweden, the National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC), and the “Bogdan Petriceicu Hașdeu” State University in Cahul. Other partners include the UMAEF Fund, the Government of Switzerland, UN Women, the Liechtenstein Development Service (LED), and the Cahul City Hall.
The new Inotek marks the culmination of five years of dedicated work through the “EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul” project, which actively contributed to building the digital ecosystem in the region through investments in STEM education, entrepreneurship training, support for local businesses, and community events. The first phase of the centre, launched in 2021, laid the groundwork for an engaged community and showcased the region’s potential to become a true innovation hub.
Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to the Republic of Moldova:
“The European Union invests where others often don’t – filling gaps caused by market failures and unlocking the true potential of regions like Cahul. This is a place rich in talent, fertile land, and authentic cultural heritage, with hardworking people and promising economic prospects, including still-untapped tourism. The new EU Innovation Centre – Inotek – is a cornerstone of our efforts to connect local potential with European opportunities, supporting innovation, education, and entrepreneurship in southern Moldova. As Moldova progresses on its path to EU membership, strong local infrastructure for learning, innovation, and development is essential to ensure inclusion for all.”
Katarina Fried, Swedish Ambassador to Moldova:
“Inotek is being launched at exactly the right time – after five years of consistent efforts to prepare the local context, nurture a generation interested in IT, and foster entrepreneurial spirit in the region. While the digital transformation of southern Moldova is still in progress, the advancements made so far are promising. Inotek will play a key role as a catalyst, bringing together youth, entrepreneurs, and institutions in a space designed to explore new ideas, access modern tools, and develop future-ready skills. This is possible thanks to the joint efforts of the European Union and Sweden, working in the spirit of #TeamEurope. Inotek is now the 15th innovation centre launched in Moldova with Swedish support.”
Inotek will enhance the role of technology in regional development
Inotek aims to transform Cahul into a hub of innovation and digitalization by providing the necessary infrastructure, knowledge, and organizational culture to empower people to create, learn, and grow right where they live. Over the next two years, with support from development partners, more than 4,000 students will benefit from STEM programs, and over 1,000 adults and entrepreneurs will participate in training and community activities.
The centre will offer:
Local access to advanced technologies – providing modern equipment for hands-on learning, product development, and solution testing.
Relevant educational programs – offering quality STEM education for children and youth, and digital skills training for adults.
Support for local entrepreneurs – including coworking spaces, mentorship, partner networks, and business development support.
Regional digital transformation – by building digital skills and supporting institutions and entrepreneurs in adopting locally relevant tech solutions.
Inclusion and equity – with dedicated programs for women and girls to expand their participation in the digital economy.
Ana Chirița, Director of Strategic Projects at ATIC:
“Inotek will bring innovative technologies and solutions to support the region’s development needs, offering real opportunities for personal and professional growth for people of all ages and backgrounds. By connecting ideas, people, and institutions with the right resources and infrastructure, Cahul will become a dynamic environment for testing, launching, and scaling innovation, with long-lasting impact on the community.”
A nationally and internationally significant event
The official launch of the new Inotek will bring together representatives of the Government of the Republic of Moldova, the European Union, Sweden, development partners, local authorities, academia, the business community, and active members of the southern region.
The event will provide a broad platform for strategic dialogue and institutional cooperation, highlighting how innovation and technology can transform entire regions. The agenda includes guided tours of the centre, interactive demonstrations, thematic panels on digitalization, education, women’s leadership, and regional entrepreneurship. There will also be hands-on sessions and exhibitions showcasing the creativity of youth, startups, and community initiatives contributing to southern Moldova’s sustainable development.
Participation is free, with prior registration required. You are invited to join by completing the registration form.
About the “EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul” Project
Funded by the European Union in partnership with Sweden and implemented by ATIC, the “EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul” project aims to strengthen the digital economy in the southern region and increase its competitiveness and attractiveness for investment.
Notable results include impact in STEM education – involving over 20,000 students and 1,000 teachers, and the creation of 15 digital labs – as well as strong support for the entrepreneurial ecosystem: 38 SMEs received digital training, 22 business, public, and civil society entities accessed digitalization grants, and over 100 community events and initiatives were held, promoting business development, career guidance, and women’s participation in IT.
The creation and launch of the new Inotek consolidates these efforts and amplifies the results, providing the infrastructure and resources needed to advance the digital transformation and sustainable development of southern Moldova.
