TechVillage is an international event for early-stage startups and investors interested in technology and artificial intelligence startups. The 2026 event focused on startups that already have traction, a clear plan for growth, and specific goals for raising money. Unlike large conferences, TechVillage brings together a small group of founders and investors. This gives them time and space to get to know each other beyond pitches and formal presentations, and to talk openly about products, markets, challenges, ambitions, and ways to work together.
“This is my second time at Tech Village. Last year I was here, so I was having in my dream bucket list that I want to come again. I came again to meet more startups, and to see how the region is evolving, what new ideas are coming from Moldova, what are developments in the agricultural sector, AI, HealthTech.” said Olga Lustsik, investor from Estonia.
“For the first time ever, I pitched in the middle of a village, in the middle of nowhere, over 1,400 miles from home. And the energy’s been amazing. So many great founders here, so many great investors, the feedback has been absolutely fantastic. Ever since I pitched, people have been coming to me, we’ve been having some amazing conversations, and the energy at Tech Village has just been absolutely amazing.”, mentioned Nasa Dadkoush, one of the founders attending TechVillage.
After meeting the local startup community in Chisinau, participants continued the program in Orheiul Vechi. There, presentations and investment discussions were combined with shared activities and local experiences. Founders presented their products, market entry plans, and growth goals. Investors asked questions and shared feedback about what they look for in startups and the steps needed for them to grow. This format created many chances for direct conversations, both during and outside the sessions.
“We are back in Butuceni for the second year, where we are supporting Tech Village, an activity which fits within the objectives of our EU4Innovation East program. Tech Village is about bringing together startups and investors. It is therefore the perfect activity in order to develop the startup ecosystem in Moldova and to make sure that these startups will be developing very good deals”, mentioned Charles Mathiaux, Project Deputy Director at EU4Innovation East.
Holding the event in Orheiul Vechi also allowed international participants to discover the Republic of Moldova beyond its startup scene. Local food, scenery, and hospitality became part of the experience and helped create a more personal setup for professional relationships.
“Radical honesty is essential in startups and investing. You are entering a partnership that can last one year or five, and it only works if both sides are honest from the start,” said Stella Jemna, Country Representative for Moldova at UMAEF.
Through its international participants and regional setup, TechVillage helps place the Republic of Moldova as a bridge between startup communities in Europe. The event gives founders access to international investors and expertise, while allowing investors to discover promising startups and teams.
“As we look to Europe, as we look to the UK, there are businesses that want to partner with Moldovan startups. There are investors who are looking for the best opportunities. The key is building the bridges between them, making those linkages. And that’s what Innovate Moldova is doing, that’s what it’s been so good at, that’s what it will continue to be good at.”, mentioned Lloyd Cameron, Regional Economic Adviser, South Caucasus and Moldova.
“I already know there are some very good leads in between the startups and some investors, so I’m looking forward to the final results. Congrats on working for the entire two days.”, said Cristian Cerneanu, Startup Ecosystem Manager at Innovate Moldova Programme.
TechVillage 2026 ended with new connections, discussions that will continue after the event, and potential partnerships that are just starting.
“This year, the focus is on artificial intelligence, and this is particularly timely. Artificial intelligence is transforming businesses and is creating new opportunities. But turning good into successful companies requires more than technology. It also requires access to markets, investment, expertise, and international networks. This is where such initiatives as TechVillage can make a real difference.”, underlined Richard Kohli, Director of Cooperation, Swiss Cooperation Office in the Republic of Moldova.
“This is the third edition of TechVillage, and each year its community expands and creates new opportunities for entrepreneurs. Through the OPTIM Project, we support businesses in becoming more competitive by strengthening their access to knowledge, networks, markets and investment. TechVillage reflects this approach by bringing entrepreneurs closer to investors, partners and international expertise. Moldova has a dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem, and initiatives like this help translate its ambition into lasting partnerships and sustainable growth,” says Bojan Kolundzija, OPTIM Team Leader at Helvetas Moldova.
TechVillage 2026 is organised by XY Partners and Business Angels Moldova, with the strategic support of EU4Innovation East funded by the European Union, co-funded by the French Government and implemented by Expertise France; in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF); The Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden and the United Kingdom; and the support of the Swiss Cooperation Office in Moldova and Helvetas Moldova, through the OPTIM Project.
