Supported by the EU4Innovation East project, the delegation – comprising AIchat (Agintify), Gems Around, EatingAI, and OneSyncs – joined hundreds of entrepreneurs, investors, and mentors in one of the most vibrant startup gatherings in the region.
Beyond showcasing Moldova’s rising tech talent, the Sevan Startup Summit 2025 offered an exceptional opportunity for Moldovan startups to gain mentorship from world-class experts and seasoned entrepreneurs with multiple successful exits—while also laying the groundwork for meaningful collaboration with Armenia’s vibrant innovation ecosystem.
Expanding Horizons and Gaining Market Insights
Throughout the week-long summit, the Moldovan startups participated in a series of thoughtfully curated programs designed to nurture innovation and accelerate growth. The agenda featured a Micro-Acceleration Program, Incubation Program, workshop/panel discussions, tailored one-on-one mentoring sessions, and the summit’s signature Campfire Talks – interactive, informal gatherings that encouraged open dialogue and shared learning.
“We had a rare opportunity to receive direct mentorship from a top-tier expert behind one of the most successful products in our market niche. Their strategic insights were highly impactful for refining our approach and strengthening our product-market fit,” shared Ion Olari, CEO, OneSyncs.
“Receiving guidance from experts with multiple successful ventures and connected with global clients provided invaluable perspective on marketing and product positioning. We’re now more confident about refining our branding and expanding to international markets,” mentioned Mark Melnic, Co-founder and CTO, EatingAI.
Fueling Startup Growth: From Insight to Meaningful Progress
With its unique energy, the summit blended impactful mentorship, learning and networking with outdoor activities, fostering an atmosphere that encouraged creativity and innovation, and facilitated stronger connections among the startups. This immersive environment offered more than just technical insight; it provided founders with the chance to step outside their local context and engage in conversations that challenge assumptions, stimulate new thinking, and refine business strategies.
“The experience helped us validate our new business strategy, especially our pivot to B2B. The mentors provided tailored advice, offered to introduce us to potential clients, and created a supportive space for exchange with other founders,” noted Victor Nicoara, Product Manager/PR, GemsAround.
“I was highly impressed by the Moldovan startups’ unwavering dedication to innovation and their persistent pursuit of knowledge and skill development. Their proactive approach to overcoming challenges and eagerness to refine their entrepreneurial capabilities underscore their potential for significant impact within the industry,” stated Nejdeh Hovanessian, mentor within the Sevan Startup Summit and Country Coordinator for Armenia, EU4Innovation East project.
Agintify Earns Regional Recognition with a Top-Tier Finish
Among the standout moments for the Moldovan delegation was the success of AIchat / Agintify, an ambitious startup specializing in AI-driven customer engagement tools. The team secured second place in the prestigious Booster Final Battle, earning a $6,000 award and valuable exposure to investors and partners across the region.
“The mentorship sessions offered deep insights into product development and market strategy. The pitch training was incredibly practical and contributed to our success in the startup competition—we were genuinely surprised and thrilled by the recognition,” highlighted Oleg Chetrean, co-founder of Agentify (AIchat).
Their product – a smart, multilingual virtual assistant designed for seamless business-customer interaction – impressed the jury with its versatility and ease of integration. With features tailored for small and medium-sized businesses, the platform enables faster, more professional, and more efficient communication across multiple digital channels.
A Broader Vision for Moldova’s Innovation Ecosystem
The participation of Moldovan startups in the Sevan Startup Summit marks a strategic move to strengthen ties between the Moldovan and Armenian tech ecosystems, with Armenia offering valuable mentorship and inspiration. Supported by EU4Innovation East, this initiative fosters regional connectivity and entrepreneurial exchange, positioning Moldova as an emerging contributor to the regional innovation landscape. By engaging with founders, investors, and ecosystem enablers, Moldovan startups accessed mentorship, peer learning, and market insights—advancing EU4Innovation East’s goal of promoting cross-border innovation and ecosystem interoperability.
The participation of Moldova’s delegation was supported by the EU4Innovation East project, funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French Government, and implemented by Expertise France.
EU4Innovation East also supported and co-developed the Talent Generation Track – a unique initiative designed specifically for students and recent graduates – within the framework of the Sevan Startup Summit, organized by the Startup Armenia Scientific & Educational Foundation in partnership with the Government of Armenia, Ministry of High‑Tech Industry.
