Moldova: EU Innovation Centre officially opens in Cahul

On 17 June 2025, the new Inotek – EU Innovation Centre Cahul, the largest innovation, education and entrepreneurship centre in southern Moldova, was officially inaugurated in Cahul. 

The event brought together high-ranking officials, including Moldovan Prime Minister Dorin Recean, representatives of the European Union, Sweden, central and local public authorities, academia and business, development partners and active members of the community.

Inotek aims to transform Cahul into a hub of innovation and digitalisation by providing the necessary infrastructure, knowledge, and organisational 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 programmes, and over 1,000 adults and entrepreneurs will participate in training and community activities.

“We are investing in young people, including with European assistance – 15 such centres have been set up across the country, equipped with state-of-the-art laboratories and teamwork spaces,” Prime Minister Recean said at the opening ceremony.

“Young people in Cahul will be able to build networks, put their innovative ideas into practice and have a good place for professional development at home.” 

“The establishment of the INOTEK regional innovation centre in Cahul is one of the main results of the ‘Startup City Cahul’ project, worth €6.8 million. It represents a way to capitalise on development opportunities and enhance the competitiveness of the Cahul region and southern Moldova in general. The launch of the new INOTEK Centre is just the beginning. It is the seed that is ready to grow and flourish in the dynamic and vibrant regional and digital ecosystem of the EU,” said EU Ambassador to Moldova Jānis Mažeiks. “As Moldova moves forward on its path towards EU accession, a strong local infrastructure for learning, innovation and growth is vital to ensure that no one is left behind.”

The centre was established as part of the ‘EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul’ project, 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.

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Press release