The signing took place during the Sevan Startup Summit 2025, marking a historic moment for the event: for the first time, four Moldovan startups joined the summit, engaging with international mentors and peers from over 50 countries. Their presence set the tone for future collaboration, underscoring the importance of cross-border exchanges.
“We cannot build strong ecosystems in isolation. As Startup Moldova and Startup Armenia sign this memorandum today, we’re making a clear statement: connection means growth,” noted Olga Melniciuc, CEO of Startup Moldova. “Startups need access to more resources, regional investors and international know-how, and that only happens when ecosystems work together. This partnership is about opening doors, learning from each other, and building a region where innovation moves freely across borders.”
The agreement outlines a multi-dimensional partnership, with Startup Armenia and Startup Moldova committing to sustained bilateral collaboration. This includes co-hosting events and conferences, sharing speaker and mentor networks, coordinating knowledge exchange missions, and jointly promoting ecosystem initiatives across both countries.
“At Startup Armenia, we see regional collaboration as a catalyst for real impact,” shared Vahag Rapyan, CEO of Startup Armenia Foundation. “Sevan Startup Summit was a great occasion to initiate our collaboration with Startup Moldova and EU4Innovation East, and we’re proud to have turned that opportunity into a meaningful partnership. By welcoming Moldovan startups to the summit, we’re not just sharing a stage—we’re sharing networks, insights, and opportunities that can accelerate growth for everyone involved. This memorandum reflects our shared belief that when ecosystems connect, innovation becomes more inclusive, resilient, and far-reaching.”
The EU4Innovation East project has also joined the partnership, expressing its support for regional ecosystem-building efforts through targeted technical assistance, facilitation of cross-border missions, and strategic visibility efforts
”The signing of this memorandum symbolizes our project’s commitment to supporting startups from the EaP region by facilitating their access to vital resources, expert mentorship, and strategic guidance by leading ecosystem actors,” added Charles Mathiaux, Deputy Project Director at EU4Innovation East. “Moreover, it amplifies the EU4Innovation East project’s mission to foster cross-border collaboration among diverse innovation ecosystems, promoting the exchange of knowledge through constructive and impactful dialogue.”
The first initiative under the MoU was the active participation of Moldovan startups at the Sevan Startup Summit 2025, held in Armenia from 20 to 26 July.
Building on this foundation, additional joint activities are planned to sustain its momentum and deepen regional ties:
- TechVillage 2025 – From 5 to 7 September in Butuceni, Moldova, five Armenian startups will participate in this three-day event that blends startup pitches, mentorship sessions, and curated 1:1 investor meetings—all set against Moldova’s rich cultural backdrop.
- Digitec Armenia 2025 – From 10 to 12 October in Yerevan, five Moldovan startups, accompanied by a delegation of local ecosystem representatives, will attend the region’s largest tech expo, connecting with innovators, industry leaders, and peers from across Eastern Europe.
These events represent concrete milestones in shaping a more connected and resilient regional innovation landscape. By bringing startups into direct dialogue with peers, investors, and mentors from across borders, the collaboration actively cultivates dynamic knowledge exchange, entrepreneurial growth, and regional synergy.
Backed by the EU4Innovation East project, these initiatives reflect a broader commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive innovation ecosystem across the Eastern Partnership region. Through such activities, the project bridges institutional and geographic divides, fosters mutual trust, and empowers startups to scale through meaningful cross-border engagement.
