The overall objective of this call for project proposals is:
To strengthen Moldova’s entrepreneurial ecosystem by supporting the implementation of various programs aiming to cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, enhance technical and business skills, and provide structured support for startup growth, including incubation, pre-acceleration, and acceleration programmes, as well es events such as hackathons and bootcamps. Through collaboration between startup support organisations, academia, and the private sector, the approach seeks to foster innovation, tech and entrepreneurial talents’ pool growth, improve business sustainability, and accelerate the development of high-potential ventures, contributing to Moldova’s economic transformation and international competitiveness.
The specific objectives of this call for project proposals are:
- Incubation & Pre-Acceleration Support
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- Establish structured incubation and pre-acceleration programmes to help early-stage startups refine their business models, develop prototypes, and access mentorship.
- Provide access to resources, including coworking spaces, expert-led workshops, and funding opportunities.
- Acceleration & Growth-Oriented Initiatives
- Implement targeted acceleration programmes designed to support scaling startups in market entry, international expansion, and investment readiness.
- Facilitate networking opportunities by connecting founders with investors, advisors, and corporate partners.
- Entrepreneurial Mindset, Engineering Skills & Product Development
- Offer structured capacity building programs, training sessions, masterclasses, and technical workshops to improve engineering and product development capabilities.
- Promote entrepreneurial culture through startup events, and awareness campaigns.
- Hackathons, Meet-Ups & Ecosystem Engagement
- Organise hackathons and meet-ups to foster collaboration, encourage innovation, and connect emerging talent with experienced entrepreneurs and industry experts.
- Strengthen networking opportunities to build relationships and facilitate knowledge-sharing within the startup ecosystem.
- Investment Readiness & Fundraising Support
- Provide tailored investment readiness programmes to help startups refine financial strategies, prepare for investor pitches, and access funding opportunities.
- Engage stakeholders to create synergies between investors, accelerators, and ecosystem partners, strengthening Moldova’s startup financing landscape.
- Collaboration Between Key Stakeholders
- Strengthen ties between academia, the private sector, and startup support organisations to drive sustainable innovation.
- Encourage cross-sector partnerships and knowledge-sharing to improve programme effectiveness and align efforts with international best practices.
- Diaspora engagement
- Mobilize diaspora expertise and capital by establishing structured pathways for mentorship, early-stage funding, and strategic market intelligence, thereby accelerating the growth and internationalisation potential of Moldova’s innovation ecosystem.
Note: Proposed projects may address one or more of the specific objectives outlined in this call.
1.1 Total amount of financial support made available by Expertise France within this call
The indicative total amount made available under this call for project proposals is EUR 1,000,000. Expertise France reserves the right not to allocate all of the available funds.
Grant amounts
Any request for a grant under this call for project proposals must lay between the following minimum and maximum amounts:
- minimum amount: EUR 50,000
- maximum amount: EUR 250,000
Co-financing percentage
Any request for a grant under this call for project proposals must include co-financing. Applicants must ensure a minimum co-financing contribution of 20% of the total project budget (eligible costs), secured from own resources or other funding partners.
Note: The co-financing has to be funded by sources other than the European Union budget.
Application Procedure
The objective of this grant mechanism is to support locally anchored initiatives that contribute meaningfully to Moldova’s innovation ecosystem, in alignment with the broader goals of EU4Innovation East. To ensure quality, relevance, and impact, the call follows a two-stage application process designed to progressively refine project ideas.
Stage 1 – Concept Note submission: Applicants are required to submit a Concept Note outlining the core idea, strategic relevance, and expected outcomes of the proposed intervention. The deadline for Stage 1 submissions is 20 February 2026. Following a competitive evaluation, the most relevant proposals will be shortlisted.
Stage 2 – Full Application submission: Shortlisted applicants will be invited to submit a Full Application, providing detailed information on the implementation plan, partnership structure, budget, and sustainability strategy. Only proposals that successfully pass Stage 1 will be eligible to proceed to Stage 2.
The deadline for Concept Note submission is February 20, 2026.