Startups in the Republic of Moldova are experiencing accelerated growth, supported by local organizations and development partners such as the EU, through the EU4Innovation East project, as well as by the local infrastructure built in recent years for founders and innovation teams. A key player in this evolution is the Startup Moldova Foundation, whose mission is to accelerate the growth of the country’s startup and digital innovation ecosystem through mentorship, a favorable framework, access to essential services, and international exposure.
Growth is also fueled by new funding opportunities — dedicated funds, grants, and development programs — which are helping consolidate a sector that will take center stage at Startup Moldova Summit 2026, the largest edition to date. In this context, more and more international and regional publications are following the evolution of Moldova’s startup ecosystem and the scale of the summit in Chișinău, themed “Born in Moldova. Built for the World.”
Currently, Moldova hosts over 300 tech startups, which in 2025 generated revenues of more than € 39.5 million, created over 1,200 jobs, and attracted € 15 million in investments — twice as much as the previous year.
This growth is supported by instruments that connect local founders to capital, expertise, and external markets. A major role is played by EU4Innovation East, the Lead partner of Startup Moldova Summit 2026. Funded by the European Union, co‑funded by the Government of France, and implemented by Expertise France, the project supports the development of startup ecosystems in Eastern Partnership countries by strengthening founders’ capacities, expanding access to finance, and connecting them to regional and European innovation networks. In Moldova, EU4Innovation East supports founders and aspiring entrepreneurs, strengthens local organizations that back startups, supports key ecosystem events, and opens doors to international exposure and EU innovation networks. In partnership with Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP), the project contributed to the creation of the Startup and Innovation Fund. It will also provide €1 million for incubation, acceleration, talent development, and preparing startups to attract investment. Through these efforts, Moldovan startups have the tools they need to grow, and the ecosystem is becoming increasingly competitive.
Against this backdrop, Moldova is gaining visibility in international media ahead of Startup Moldova Summit 2026.
Olga Melniciuc, Executive Director of Startup Moldova Foundation: “Startup Moldova Summit is a gateway to the country’s startup ecosystem, connecting founders with capital, expertise, international markets, and decision‑makers to help build a more competitive, innovation‑driven economy. In recent years, we have witnessed a clear transition from potential to performance. As Moldova advances on its path to European integration, the startup ecosystem is being strengthened through well‑targeted support mechanisms and better access to capital: from launching a Fund of Funds to attract investments in startups and high‑growth companies, to new co‑matching grant programs and the development of Moldova HiTech Park as a bridge between academia, startups, and companies.”
The theme of this year’s edition, “Born in Moldova. Built for the World,” reflects this evolution and emphasizes startups built in Moldova for global markets, at a time when the local ecosystem is increasingly connected to international networks, investments, and opportunities.
Charles Mathiaux, Deputy Director of EU4Innovation East: “The Republic of Moldova is evolving rapidly, with more and more emerging startups, a maturing ecosystem, and growing connections to international markets. Through the regional EU4Innovation East project, the European Union contributes to strengthening local capacities, expanding access to finance, and connecting Moldovan startups to broader regional and European innovation networks. We support Startup Moldova Summit because it brings together founders, investors, and ecosystem actors, creating opportunities for collaboration, learning, and international visibility. Our goal is to develop a resilient and competitive ecosystem that contributes to sustainable growth and closer integration into the European innovation community.”
Startup Moldova Summit 2026 will bring together in Chișinău over 2,000 participants, 150 startups, 60 speakers, and more than 50 investors, making it the largest edition of the event so far. The summit offers direct access to founders, investors, and international technology leaders, creating a framework for networking, knowledge exchange, learning, and connecting to concrete financing and growth opportunities.
For this year’s edition, organizers have prepared special conditions for Explorer tickets, including team options: three colleagues can attend for the price of two tickets, while teams of 10 benefit from access at the price of seven tickets. The offer is valid while tickets are available. More details can be found at SMS26.md.
About Startup Moldova
Startup Moldova is the foundation that builds and supports the entrepreneurial and innovation ecosystem in the Republic of Moldova. Through support programs for startups, access to funding, events, international partnerships, and public policy initiatives, Startup Moldova connects tech founders, investors, and corporations around a common goal: a Moldova where good ideas have resources and markets. Startup Moldova Summit is the ecosystem’s flagship event, organized annually to inspire, connect, and support a new generation of entrepreneurs building global companies from Moldova.
This material was produced with the financial support of the European Union. Its content is the sole responsibility of the project “EU4Innovation East: Support for Digital Innovations in the Eastern Partnership Region,” funded by the European Union. The content belongs to the authors and does not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.
