IT Ecosystem and ICT Innovation Centres Network

The Government of the Republic of Moldova places particular emphasis on strengthening the growth of the IT industry and expanding its potential. The given vector is clearly outlined in strategic documents such as the Information Technology Industry and Digital Innovation Ecosystem Development Strategy, which sets out priorities and interventions in this regard.

Recognising the close link between the IT industry and innovation, a holistic assessment through critical stakeholder objectives has been undertaken to further unlock and strengthen economic and social opportunities.

To this end, a clear vision of the challenges and opportunities currently facing the IT industry has been generated with the support of international expertise through country assessmenton the „National Framework for Digital Innovation” by experts from the International Telecommunication Union, and the the study developed by the consulting company „Avasant”.

These specific recommendations on policies, programmes and projects in the sector serve as a reference tool to support IT innovation and as a result will facilitate Moldova’s transformation into a potential hub for emerging technologies based on the digital innovation ecosystem.

Tekwill Centre. To develop the human capital needed to fuel the growth of the IT industry, with the support of development partners, the Tekwill Centre of Excellence in Information Technology officially launched in 2017. The Tekwill Centre was created through a public-private partnership project within the Technical University of Moldova, with financial support from USAID, the Swedish Government Programme (SIDA), as well as renowned multinational companies such as IBM, Microsoft and others. The involvement and contribution of the National Association of Private ICT Companies (ATIC) to this project is important.

Tekwill’s dedicated space is 3400 m2. Tekwill offers access to 150 co-working spaces, 12 meeting and conference rooms, 10 office spaces, entrepreneurial and community events, local networking opportunities.

With the development of professional skills within the Tekwill Centre of Excellence, the prospects and opportunities for employment of IT graduates, continuing education of IT professionals, as well as the possibilities for launching and developing new IT businesses increase significantly.

Centre „EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul” aims to become a point of attraction for all citizens of the southern region of the country, through community events dedicated to networking, exchange of experience, best practices and expertise between specialists in various fields. It will host shared spaces for relaxation, sports, mini-café and even accommodation, in line with the global concepts of „co-living” and „co-working” – amenities needed for managing startup programs and hosting conference participants.

By developing the centre, the project aims to contribute to increasing the attractiveness of the Cahul region, economic development through innovation and creating more opportunities for the inhabitants of the Cahul district. It also aims to help raise the wage level (average wage in the region) by at least 15% over the next few years and to help the local IT sector grow to at least 5% of the national sector over the next 3 years.

„EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul” – an innovative project developed by the National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC) with financial assistance from the European Union in partnership with Sweden.