Launch of EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project

The European Union provides financial assistance of about 6.8 million EUR to strengthen the potential of the digital economy, increase local employment in the field of ICT, develop business based on innovation, but also increase the competitiveness and attractiveness of the Cahul region.

The funds are provided through Sweden, within the “EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul”, a project implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC). In the coming years, the project will encourage innovation partnerships between the private sector, public sector and educational institutions; STEM education will also be supported, by adapting and implementing educational programs for training and expanding skills, so that IT becomes more attractive for everyone, regardless of age or gender.

Supporting the development of entrepreneurship is also among the project’s priorities. Thus, several actions will be taken to facilitate the creation of local startups, strengthen their development capacity, and prepare for investment. Over the next 4 years, it is expected to provide assistance and support for at least 20 local startups, support over 15 non-IT initiatives, and over 2,600 people will benefit from entrepreneurship education programs.

The project also envisages the creation of EU4Innovation Centre – a centre that will develop more local services, programs and activities. It will be located at the “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” State University in Cahul and will offer several facilities: event rooms with up to 300 participants, equipped with audio-video systems, training rooms to host training and education courses, co-working spaces for local entrepreneurs, over 50 offices, etc.