Press releases

Chisinau, 4.4.2024 — The managers of 20 companies from various economic sectors have today signed financing contracts under the Digital Innovation and Start-up Support Programme. Winners of the Programme implemented by the Organisation for Entrepreneurship Development (ODA) will receive grants totalling lei 8.7 million and will invest around lei 18.7 million in the country’s economy. Most winning companies operate in the field of Information and Communications.

At the beginning of the event, the Vice Prime Minister, Minister for Economic Development and Digitalisation Dumitru Alaiba stressed the importance of supporting entrepreneurs by the Moldovan government and development partners through various programmes promoting digital, technological and sustainable production.

‘I am happy to know that more and more companies are modernising their production processes, and can be part of improving operational efficiency, because we can only achieve more competitiveness on the market. The government is committed to supporting these initiatives to promote the development of digital industry and technologies. Joint efforts will strengthen Moldova’s position in the international innovation and technology landscape“said Dumitru Alaiba

The interim Director of the Organisation for the Development of Entrepreneurship, Gheorghe Iudin also emphasised the essential role of entrepreneurs in creating a sustainable economic future for Moldova.

‘Launching an innovative business usually involves an agile approach aimed at solving the problems. Successful companies will from now on be better prepared to cope with changes in the market and quickly adapt to new consumer conditions and requirements. Developing an innovation culture will encourage employees to find creative solutions for challenges and will be more flexible to changes in the business environment, which can strengthen the company’s position in the long term”, said Gheorghe Iudin.

The interim Head of Mission USAID in Moldova,William Trigg, said in his speech that the USAID has always supported government innovation initiatives to help Moldova meet economic priorities and develop a friendly environment for doing business.

‘USAID has always been a supporter of the Moldovan government’s priorities in the field of IT, education and innovation in many sectors of the economy. Finding innovative solutions to the challenges facing Moldova’s start-ups and working closely with the Ministry of Economy, ODA and Western NIS Enterprise Fund is a top priority for the USAID ”, said William Trigg.

The country representative of the Western NIS Enterprise Fund for Moldova (WNISEF), Stela Jemna, highlighted the commitment of the Fund to support Moldova through non-repayable funding.

‘In a digitally evolving world, every contract signed today is a decisive step towards business transformation and innovation. — Western NIS Enterprise Fund for Moldova – thus laying the foundations for a modern and competitive economy, supporting innovative ideas to embrace life and create value. Today, we sign not only contracts, but also commitments for a thriving and connected digital future for Moldova“”, said Stela Jemna.

The First Secretary of the Swedish Ambassady, Thomas Alveteg, noted that investments are geared towards particular innovations, which will boost the country’s economic growth and contribute to Moldova’s sustainable transformation.

‘When we bring together complementary resources, experiences and visions, we create an enabling environment for entrepreneurs to thrive and bring about significant changes in society. Without funding, innovative ideas could not become a reality, why it is important to support such initiatives”, mention Thomas Alveteg, First Secretary of the Swedish Ambassad

Molgan Mihai is one of the 20 winners of the Programme and has obtained a grant amounting to lei 271 thousand, while the total value of the investment amounts to RON 360 thousand. The young founder of Solar Guard opted in the description of the investment project submitted to ODA for the launch of an AI-implemented SaaS platform. The platform provides innovative energy solutions to minimise the energy and financial losses of photovoltaic parks.

‘We expect project implementation to bring greater accuracy and generate improved operational efficiency for energy producers“, said the entrepreneur

Through the Digital Innovation and Start-up Support Programme, 14 companies were designated in 2023 which are already in the process of implementing innovative ideas in various areas. This edition of the programme saw 110 investment projects, of which 57 were identified as semi-finalistic ones in terms of the innovative component. Under the Programme, financial support amounting to RON 500000 is envisaged for Small and Medium Enterprises.

The programme is carried out with the financial support of the Western NIS Enterprise Fund and the Vorker’s Technology Project, funded by the USAID, Sweden and the United Kingdom.