-An on-site survey of 233 respondents was carried out during the Startup Moldova Summit on April 22nd, 2026, complemented by a multi-stakeholder learning session held on 13 May 2026 and a synthesis of post-event data analysis.
The summit more than doubled in scale. Participation grew from 1,100 in 2025 to 2,054 in 2026 — an 86.7% increase — while maintaining its core identity as a networking-first, peer-driven event
Networking was the #1 benefit — for every segment, for the second year running. Across all attendee groups — startups, investors, NGOs, government — networking topped the list with 64 qualitative mentions. The summit is establishing itself as the leading peer-to-peer platform for Moldova’s startup ecosystem
Founder-to-founder connections dominated. The most common connection type was other founders and startups confirming the summit’s role as a peer ecosystem event
The Networking App Drove Structured, High-Quality Meetings
Startups who planned meetings through the app held 3.6× more meetings than non-planners, and rated meeting quality 6.75/10 vs 4.40/10.
Ecosystem Coordination Made Scale Manageable
Coordinating 72 speakers, 52 investors, 2,054 participants, and 17 side events — before, during, and after the summit — required active collaboration across Moldova’s innovation ecosystem.
Partner organisations who contributed to the 2026 edition include: Dreamups, AI in Actiune, XY Partners, Sigmoid, Yep! Moldova, ATIC, MITP, Technovator, Glia Impact Hub, Agrotek Park, University of Technical Science, Traktor, Generation Moldova, Women Up, Moldovan Horizon Europe office, Inotek, and e-DIH DIH of Moldova
