Largest innovation centre to be established in southern Moldova with EU and Swedish support

On 8 October, renovation work began on the building that will host the largest innovation and IT excellence centre in southern Moldova – the Inotek – EU Innovation Centre Cahul. 

This initiative is being implemented as part of ‘EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul’, a five-year project funded by the European Union in partnership with Sweden and the National Association of ICT Companies. The initiative is also supported by the Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu State University and the Cahul City Hall. 

The Inotek Centre, a new four-storey building, with over 1,600 square metres of space, will open its doors in spring 2025.

The future centre will offer a modern, multifunctional space for children, youth, adults, entrepreneurs, and professionals, and will serve as a comprehensive platform for innovation, access to advanced technologies, digital solutions, and training programmes.

The launch of the construction of the new centre marks an important step towards a digitalised and competitive future for southern Moldova, said Jānis Mažeiks, EU Ambassador to Moldova: “The ‘EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul’ project is a clear example of how strategic investments in innovation and education can create tangible opportunities for local communities and transform entire regions. We are proud to support this project, which will bring concrete benefits to young people, entrepreneurs, and society as a whole,” the Ambassador said.

The Inotek Centre will focus on developing and enhancing ICT skills among youth in the region. In the first two years after its opening, more than 4,000 students will benefit from STEM programmes offered or supported by Inotek.

Over 60% of the total participants involved in the initiatives and actions carried out by the centre will be girls and women.

Supported by the European Union and Sweden, the ‘EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul’ project aims to leverage and strengthen the potential of the digital economy in the southern region, and increase its competitiveness and attractiveness for investment. 

Find out more

Press release