FinTech 2021: Find Out What Domain Development Projects Are Implemented In Moldova

Technological development has led Moldovan Fintech startups to place technological innovation at the heart of their business. In order to promote the new industry and propel digital solutions directly in financial companies in our country, Startup Moldova with the support of general partners Moldova Agroindbank and Mastercard, but also USAID and Sweden partners launched within the TEKWILL project – “Vertical FinTech 2021”. We are talking about an extensive program that connects different actors in the industry and creates collaborations for the rise of innovations in the field of FinTech in Moldova.

Adam Amberg, Head of the Development Cooperation Section, Swedish Embassy: “Moldova’s IT industry has grown rapidly in recent years and has become one of the most dynamic and competitive sectors of the Moldovan economy. As part of supporting digital transformation and the Moldovan IT sector, Sweden supports the FinTech industry. We are convinced that Moldovan financial and IT startups and companies are crucial parts to bring benefits to the whole society. We believe that the sector will become stronger and that many well-paid jobs will be created, thus providing a more attractive future for young people in Moldova. ”

Brian Wittnebel, Deputy Director, USAID Moldova: “One of the areas with great potential for development in the Republic of Moldova is financial technology. This is because IT accelerates processes and changes paradigms, and startups and IT specialists can become more involved and contribute to the process of digitizing services in the financial-banking sphere. The FinTech 2021 vertical aims to help this sector collaborate and find connections, on the one hand, in detecting the problems faced by banking companies in the country and, on the other hand, in providing relevant IT solutions to change the way that these services are provided by companies. ”

The program brings several benefits, including the development of the local market, the growth of FinTech entrepreneurship, the attraction of new opportunities for financial resources and the increase of international competitiveness. It is designed to help startups develop innovative financial solutions focused on technology and accessibility.

Ana Chirita, Strategic Projects Director, ATIC: “FinTech represents a vertical perspective for TEKWILL. Although we tried to bring the community together several times, this year we managed to offer some concrete programs, such as the FinTech Accelerator, the FinTech Hackathon and a conference, planned for the fall. Moreover, we want the opening of a FinTech Hub in 2021 in another location in the city center, at ASEM, in order to develop and give a new breath to the industry. ”

Program participants were encouraged to access resources, create FinTech products, and present them. They were guided by experts, mentors and trackers to capitalize on their potential as effectively as possible and expand into both the local and international markets.

Tatiana Doroschevici, CEO Keen Payments: “Our startup is designed to connect customers with sellers. We help those who open an online store and want to receive payments from different cards. We implement this option much easier than Moldovan banks. We believe that accelerators are a huge help for those new to the field. Why? First of all, it offers a lot of information from mentors and trackers who guide you, teach you and help you put your idea into practice to get a final result ”.

Maxim Grosul, AutoPiata representative: “I believe that every startup must participate in the Fintech Accelerator, in order to learn many new things and work with trendy technologies. I specialize more on the technical side and I didn’t have much knowledge in marketing, business, clients, that’s why the mentors helped me build my business more efficiently and directed me in solving problems. “

Daniel Hangan, PayA representative: “The Fintech Accelerator has guided us in certain areas where we were not so experienced, it has given us access to experts and experienced people who can help us. At Accelerator the process happens much faster. I believe that more ideas and more experience give you more perspectives for business development. ”

“Vertical FinTech 2021” included a 2-day Hackathon in which 11 teams with the most practical ideas for the financial industry were selected. Subsequently, the teams participated in an Accelerator for the development and application of digital financial solutions. The most innovative solutions had the possibility to be integrated within Moldova Agroindbank. The program will end in the fall with a conference attended by experts, startups and all those associated with the financial industry.

The FinTech Moldova 2021 program is organized with the support of Moldova Agroindbank and Mastercard, by Startup Moldova, with the support of USAID and Sweden within the Tekwill project.

Renewable Energy and Innovative Solutions: PowerTech Vertical Developed With Tekwill

The Tekwill project is committed to promoting the use and application of trans-industrial technologies based on the potential and strategic areas of Moldova such as FinTech, AgTech, PowerTech and MedTech. As a result, PowerTech Vertical was launched – an extensive program dedicated to entrepreneurs who develop solutions for the field of renewable energy. It is a platform that connects different players in the industry and creates bridges for the development of research and innovation. The vertical includes several programs designed to ensure the integration of technologies in the field of sustainable energy, including a laboratory created at the Technical University of Moldova, with the support of the TEKWILL project, supported by USAID and Sweden.

John Riordan, Deputy Head of the USAID Moldova Mission: “Renewable energy and energy efficiency are two of the development objectives of the Republic of Moldova, and we at USAID believe that through the efficient use of renewable energy we will ensure accelerated development of the country. USAID encourages private sector partnerships to choose and promote environmentally friendly technologies and thus develop new business practices and make investments that will mitigate risks. The Technical University of Moldova together with Tekwill created the PowerTech Laboratory – a vertical that supports a group of companies with activities focused on the tech and energy sectors. The laboratory’s work will focus on modernizing curricula and educational materials, studying the latest digital trends in global IT and creating opportunities for IT and non-IT development. ”

Madelene Eichhorn, Program Manager, Swedish Embassy in Moldova: “Sustainable development and the use of renewable energy are strategic objectives of Sweden. Sweden is involved and dedicated to sustainable transformation and is ready to share its national expertise. The use of renewable energy can bring excellent results in all sectors of the country, whether we are talking about a circular economy, innovative and sustainable technologies or a sustainable environment. The merger of the IT sector with the energy sector will create significant potential for the country’s further development. We are happy to be part of this digital development project and to provide training and technological equipment to support teachers, students and other beneficiaries directly involved. ”

PowerTech Lab

“PowerTech Lab” is a laboratory designed to provide an environment conducive to the development of unique and innovative products in this field. It is located at the Technical University of Moldova (78 31 august 1989 Street, Block 2). “Power Tech Lab” reproduces, to a lesser extent, the environment within the Tekwill Center, stimulating the promotion of research and exploration of ICT opportunities, giving participants the opportunity to develop their own concepts. The laboratory is equipped with advanced equipment, which allows both startups and students training and testing in the field of sustainable energy. The laboratory aims to capitalize on the most important soft or hard assets of the university, thus contributing to the modernization of the curriculum and to the increase of the qualification of the targeted departments.

Ana Chirita, director of the TEKWILL project / ATIC Strategic Projects Director: “In the coming years, the skills deficit will increase in parallel with the development of the industry, and education must be aligned, in order to cope with these developments. To achieve this goal, we set out to support universities in developing the capacity to apply the technologies of the future. This laboratory offers several necessary opportunities for innovation, business development and the generation of useful solutions, both nationally and, why not, internationally. Its establishment will help expose students to global best practices and the latest technologies. A great advantage is the fact that the laboratory is located within the university, which creates a technical environment and offers students the opportunity to develop products, along with incubation and acceleration programs.

Viorel Bostan, rector of the Technical University of Moldova: “Of course we have had projects related to sustainable energy so far, but this time, we will bring new materials, modern equipment and, directly, skills and knowledge that will add value to the content and opportunities offered by TUM. The launch of such projects as PowerTech Lab, in which we have the freedom to create and innovate in the education system, brings a dose of motivation and desire for knowledge and development. PowerTech Lab is the place to learn, fail and try again and build ideas that will change the world. ”

Moldova Power Accelerator

Within the vertical “Power Tech” is organized a dedicated accelerator – “Moldova Power Accelerator”, in which 6 local startups in the field of environmental technologies will develop their services and products. For 10 weeks, the newly launched businesses will have expertise, mentoring and guidance from international experts from the DEX Innovation Center in the Czech Republic, but also from experts from the Republic of Moldova, to scale their business.

“Academy of Design”, “Phoenix Technologies”, “Uniqa Wall Systems”, “Scandinavian Smart House”, “Olegnegru” and “Vertical Wind Turbines” – are the startups that participate in the accelerator, developing innovative products, services and solutions, such as:

  • developing a sustainable design for green buildings, offering more energy efficiency and reducing carbon emissions;
  • consolidation of renewable energy;
  • construction of prefabricated houses, energy efficient, with solar panels, which are assembled in no more than a week, with zero waste;
  • construction of ecological houses, from project – to turnkey;
  • solar energy generation solutions;
  • solutions for building vertical turbines, in order to maximize the efficiency of the natural wind, thus generating more energy.

About TEKWILL

With the support of USAID and Sweden, “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. Aiming to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!”
The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country, by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of educational institutions, in line with the demand in the IT market.

TEKWILL – the Business Card of the ICT Sector in Moldova. High-ranking officials from Germany visited the Innovation Hub today.

The “Tekwill” ICT Excellence Center and the visit to the innovation hub was on the agenda of German officials, who accompanied the delegation of President Frank-Walter Steinmeier to the Republic of Moldova.

The foreign guests who participated in the presentation tour of the most important hub for the technological community in the country – “Tekwill”, got acquainted with the ecosystem of startups in Moldova, the successes and perspectives of business entrepreneurs based on innovation, educational programs for training IT workforce and others. Representatives of successful local startups also attended the official visit.  

The German delegation that visited Tekwill included:

  • State Secretary ate of the Federal Ministry of Economy and Energy, Ulrich Nussbaum;
  • Andreas Neumann, Head of the Eastern Europe Department of the Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy;
  • Officer within the Economic Affairs Department of the Office of the Federal President, Katharina Diel-Gligor;
  • Deputy Head of the Mission of the Federal Republic of Germany to the Republic of Moldova, Ullrich Kinne. 

The Tekwill team communicated to German guests about the country’s ICT industry, as well as the initiatives it is developing to significantly enhance the sector’s prospects and progress. Officials appreciated the programs implemented by Tekwill in the development of businesses based on innovation, but also the fact that the Republic of Moldova aligns with international trends, implementing initiatives dedicated to growing and supporting business ideas through infrastructure, consulting, mentoring, development opportunities and international experience. 

Ana Chirita, Strategic Project Director, ATIC; Director of the TEKWILL Project: “Germany is a champion in the field of innovation and has always stood out for its exceptional process of transforming ideas into products. Today’s visit was very relevant for us, but also extremely encouraging. One of our priorities, within TEKWILL, is to support the creation of an ecosystem favorable to innovation, to the development of new products with potential. From 2017 until now, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden, we have provided training in the field of entrepreneurship to over 44,159 people, and startups and teams supported by TEKWILL have managed to attract investments of over 14 million dollars. This demonstrates the transformative capacity of the Project and our team. We intend to place our country on the regional map of technological innovation and we are very happy that TEKWILL is becoming the business card of the ICT sector. Everything we do is appreciated according to international practices, and the present delegation that accompanied the German President in the Republic of Moldova, comes to reconfirm this ”.

The TEKWILL project, implemented in the Republic of Moldova with the support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden, has become an important player in creating an ecosystem conducive to the development of tech startups and innovation, by implementing programs to develop excellence in ICT, workforce and entrepreneurship. For 4 years, the TEKWILL project has attracted more than 13 million dollars in funding, conducted more than 865,000 hours of training, more than 400,000 people have benefited from its programs, and more than 43% of them have been girls and women.

Moldova Power Accelerator: 6 Local Startups Develop Solutions In The Field Of Ecological Technologies To Expand On The International Market

Six local startups in the field of environmental technologies will develop their services and products, in order to expand abroad, within the Moldova Power Accelerator acceleration program. For 10 weeks, the newly launched businesses will have the expertise, mentoring and guidance of international experts from the DEX Innovation Center in the Czech Republic, but also in the Republic of Moldova, to scale their business. Moldova Power Accelerator is organized by Startup Moldova, with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Sweden in the Tekwill project, implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies (ATIC).

Ana Chirita, TEKWILL Director: “Startup Moldova contributes to the development of the ecosystem through innovation and knowledge of the technology industry with other related fields. Integrating these technologies into different spheres of life can provide multiple opportunities for business development and growth. Moldova Power Accelerator is the key for startups and innovators at the forefront of the green industry. We want to develop innovative products and services, with potential for other industries and that are tangible, including abroad.”

The teams will have access to the expertise of the mentors’ group at the DEX Innovation Center in the Czech Republic, an institution that contributes to accelerating sustainable energy innovation in Europe and supporting startups in this field, to find their business model and to achieve performance. The aim of the program is to help local initiatives increase their sales and significantly improve their value in the international market. At the end of the online acceleration program, startups will be able to present their services and products to investors in order to obtain financing.

The 6 startups participating in Moldova Power Accelerator are:

Oleg Negru, Founder of “NGR Green Power”: “Through our startup, we aim to build medium-sized solar power stations, which will be as an alternative to renewable energy for local agriculture. Our main goal is that the final products of the startup NGR Green Power to effectively replace local irrigation systems so as to grow the green economy”.

Ilie Cebotari, Founder of “Design Academy”: “Our startup, “Design Academy “, is positioned as a consulting company for the construction of architectural and green design buildings. Our primary goal is to promote the efficiency of natural resources, to reduce pollution and to continuously look for solutions to improve and perform in the proposed activity. We will also strengthen a group of companies under the auspices of “Green Building Design”, to further promote care for the environment and renewable energies in any sector of activity.”

After completing the acceleration program, startups will participate in a Bootcamp, where they will learn to prepare their pitches for presenting business ideas to investors abroad, will develop their voice and presence skills, benefiting from individual consultations from communication and marketing specialists.

And at the end of December, the six startups will participate in Demo Day, where they will present their services and products to investors, in order to obtain financial resources. Moldova Power Accelerator is implemented by DEX Innovation Center (Czech Republic).

The TEKWILL project – The revolution begins!

The Tekwill project is implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden. “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. Aiming to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!” The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country, by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of educational institutions, in line with the demand in the IT market.

More Opportunities for the FinTech Field! A New Hub Will Be Created In Chisinau

In order to impel the development of technologies in the financial field, to ensure quality FinTech education and to stimulate the emergence of technological startups, a specialized hub will be created within the Academy of Economic Studies of Moldova (ASEM). In this regard, the representatives of the National Association of ICT Companies signed on Wednesday, August 11, a Cooperation Agreement with the representatives of ASEM. The action is part of the commitment to support the FinTech field within the TEKWILL project, implemented with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and Sweden.

The main purpose of the agreement is to integrate this hub into the overall context of national development strategies and programs, enhancing the entrepreneurial and educational capacity, as well as the research and development potential of higher education institutions in line with industry needs.

Ana Chirita, Strategic Projects Director of ATIC: “FinTech is a growing field, as evidenced by the involvement of financial companies, but also startups in the field within Vertical FinTech 2021 program. Therefore, we want to offer more and more opportunities to the community, by creating a modern space where the scientific research in the field, education and innovation shall be improved. Thus, we will contribute to the growth of digital solutions for the accessibility and efficiency of the financial industry in Moldova. ”

FinTech Hub will be a platform for stimulating digital creativity, technological innovation and growth in the ICT sector, enhanced by involving all stakeholders in the public, academic, business and development sectors. As part of the TEKWILL project, the center will help increase FinTech’s attractiveness in the regional context by creating high-quality, well-paid jobs and discouraging the emigration of talented young people.

By creating this hub, ATIC and ASEM join forces to strengthen collaborations between IT and financial companies, develop connections between higher education institutions with those in the banking-financial and IT sector and promote the alignment of ICT education with labor market requirements.

Grigore Belostecinic, rector of ASEM:“Finteh Hub will complete the current elements of educational infrastructure in the field of IT and business, already existing in ASEM, such as the IT4BA Incubator, ASEM Business Incubator, ASEM Business Center, etc. and will be made available to both ASEM students and teachers as well as to the representatives of environmental businesses, public institutions, the general public, interested in this important field of activity in a society increasingly based on information and knowledge, which is constantly changing. I am convinced that it will please those interested in the activities that will take place within the Center, and the initiation of this collaboration with the National Association of ICT Companies will be a good start for the joint promotion of other equally interesting projects. ”

The priority objectives of the partnership include: encouraging and supporting technological events, creating favorable investment tools, affiliating with international hubs, enabling girls and women to participate in FinTech educational programs, creating an innovative infrastructure and supporting companies that develop new applications and digital products for the financial industry.

The students, teachers, FinTech and ICT companies, but also companies from other areas of the private sector shall be among the main beneficiaries of the project. They will benefit from training, mentoring and entrepreneurship programs. They will also be able to obtain free or reduced certifications and support in creating technology startups. At the same time, they will disseminate information, FinTech products and will have various growth opportunities in the field.

About TEKWILL

Tekwill has been created in 2017 as the Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main goal of aligning the field with the requirements of the 21st century. o continue to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center has expanded the current fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level. The basic objective of the Tekwill Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society members, but also the research and development potential of higher education institutions, in line with the demand on the IT market.

THE FIRST ACCELERATOR IN THE WINE INDUSTRY, CREATED IN MOLDOVA

Starting with November 5, 2021 and until February 3, 2022, XY Partners company in partnership with Tekwill and Startup Moldova will organize the first accelerator in the wine industry. The acceleration program is created exclusively for people interested in developing technological products and services in the wine industry. 

Benefits of participating in the program:

  • The opportunity to test and implement the idea together with the largest wineries in Moldova;
  • Access to mentoring sessions with experts in both the wine industry and entrepreneurship and product development;
  • Knowledge in launching the business in the wine industry from scratch;
  • Creating relationships with potential partners or customers for your business.

The program will last 3 months and will take place in an online format, which will encourage the participation in the program of people from any corner of the world.

Only 30 participants will be selected in the accelerator, who will be guided by experts from over 12 wineries in Moldova. Participants will also benefit from mentoring sessions with over 15 international experts in the wine industry and over 20 entrepreneurship trainings.

In addition to participants from Moldova, interested people from different countries are expected. Participation in the program is absolutely free of charge. If you have a technological idea in the wine industry, you are invited to fill in the registration form by November 1, 2021.

More details about the program can be found on the event’s Facebook page.

For any questions or ambiguities, you can leave a message at the e-mail address traian@xy.md.

Wine Accelerator is implemented by XY is carried out with the support of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) and the Government of Sweden, with the support of Tekwil and Startup Moldova in the Project “Development of the Center of Excellence in ICT”.

INVESTORS FROM ABROAD, INTERESTED IN FINANCIAL STARTUPS AT FINTECH DEMO DAY

Closer to scaling their business and getting financial resources from investors! These are six local tech startups in the financial field, which presented their products at Startup Moldova Demo Day, Fintech edition. Previously, companies participated in an acceleration program, where they validated their ideas and benefited from all the resources to strengthen their startup, but also to obtain financial support. The initiative is part of the vertical Fintech 2021 – a program dedicated to tech startups that develop solutions for financial services, launched by Startup Moldova, which is carried out in partnership with MAIB and Mastercard, with the support of USAID and Sweden, within the TEKWILL project.

The newly established fintech business presented its innovative ideas to foreign investors, but also to representatives of financial companies in the country, which are increasingly involved in promoting and developing the industry. All in order to attract financial funds, but also to establish connections with potential customers and community members. The teams that are looking for financial resources to scale their fintech business are:

  • PayA – a smart solution that aims to facilitate financial transactions in any corner of the world, fast and cheap;
  • AutoPiața – a one-stop shop for buying / selling a car. The platform can calculate the leasing amounts, the annual maintenance of the vehicle, but also other necessary costs for cars;
  • MyID – a solution equivalent to the digital passport, which facilitates obtaining different types of documents from state institutions;
  • Scoring4business – an efficient scoring system for the B2B market;
  • BillHeap – fast processing of invoices, after data entry, with the help of artificial intelligence;
  • DOMO – a tax support platform in the real estate industry;

Ana Chirita, Director of Strategic Projects, ATIC: “In the digital age, IT companies are increasingly open to developing technological solutions that facilitate access to services and products in various fields. We are aware that Fintech is an industry with great development potential, and the startups from Demo Day confirm this. We want to obtain financial resources and thus move the business to another stage of development, including abroad. Thanks to the support provided by our partners, MAIB and Mastercard, we have successfully implemented the stages of mentoring, piloting and testing these digital products. ”

Valeriy Kardash, Manager, Business Development, Mastercard Ukraine and Moldova:“It is a pleasure to be part of this atmosphere that abounds in innovation, where ideas and solutions are born that will benefit society. I wish success to the participants who bring new ideas and added value to the financial industry. It is a pleasure to support these initiatives and to share my experience with the new generation of entrepreneurs. ”

Giorgi Shagidze, CEO, MAIB: „We see that the visions and development projects regarding the banking sphere are being expanded, digital elements are being added and the physical processes are being improved. Along with my team, I can’t wait to see what interesting and special stories and startups the participants have prepared, so that we can go to the next level together, for which I thank them in advance. ”

Investors interested in Fintech startups

Fintech Demo Day gathered investors both from the country and from abroad. Companies interested in getting to know local startups, developers of IT financial solutions, participated in the event, asked questions to get to know better the new companies created, business development prospects, but also plans to improve products and services created.

Levan Kavtaradze, Investment Director, TMT Investments PLC:“TMT Investments is an investment company that, over the course of 10 years, has provided financial support to about 80 companies around the world. Now is the time to increase investments in the Republic of Moldova as well. Therefore, I am delighted to take part in this event and to know the innovative solutions proposed by local entrepreneurs. My team and I will definitely discover interesting startups and we will have a lot to discuss after the presentations. ”

Jakub Stracina, investor, KAYA VC:“I want to thank the organizers for this wonderful idea, to bring together talented, creative and persevering people, who will share the most innovative ideas and solutions for the financial field. I appreciate the effort of the participants to prepare captivating presentations and convincing speeches in order to attract the necessary investments. I am participating in such an event for the second time and I am glad to see that the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Moldova is expanding and registering successes and I hope to create partnerships with many of the participants of the event. ”

The FinTech 2021 Vertical Program, supported by MAIB and Mastercard, will end in October, when the Fintech Moldova Conference 2021 will take place, with the participation of experts, startups and all those associated with the financial industry. The event will discuss industry challenges, consumer needs and the potential of fintech solutions to build new business models through which banks, financial services companies and other market players could provide the best services to customers and business partners. 

SMEs Conquer the Digital Market! Get to know Some Businesses That Have Implemented IT Solutions To Power Business

SMEs in the Republic of Moldova are firmly moving towards digitalization. We are talking about a series of companies in fields such as: finance, agriculture, education, leisure and justice, which have benefited from all the necessary resources to implement, within the businesses they manage, digital transformation solutions, which will propel them towards another level of development. Their support was possible thanks to “Digital Upgrade” – a program dedicated to startups and private sector companies, which want to automate services and business processes, to be as competitive and closer to customers.

“Digital Upgrade” is part of the National Startup Moldova Program, developed by the Tekwill project, implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of USAID and Sweden.

Digital solutions for small and medium businesses

One of the beneficiaries of the project is the tourist cluster “Serpentina Nistrului”. The digital solution to be implemented is a booking platform, which will allow you to perform online all the operations necessary to buy a travel route.

Rodica Russu, a beneficiary of the project “Digital Upgrade”, the cluster “Serpentina Nistrului: “I turned to the program, because I felt the need to develop a booking site for the tourist cluster” Serpentina Nistrului “- a complex tourist route, which includes 7 localities, of which 5 riparian. The platform will help us to promote around 20 locations: wineries, restaurants, architectural monuments, mansions, farmhouses, etc., which are included in the travel offer. Visitors will be able to make an online reservation, will be able to choose their tourist route, the places to stop, the dishes to taste, but also other benefits offered by the cluster.”

Another digital solution is the CRM system, implemented within the company “Ju Bijoux”. The system will facilitate the recording and storage of customer data, data used by the company in the sales process, with the ability to open customer accounts, add notes and comments.

Olga Nedbailo, a beneficiary of the “Digital Upgrade” program, “Ju Bijoux” SRL: “After 13 years on the market in the Republic of Moldova, it was just the right time to move to digitization systems to help us streamline work with customers, but also e-commerce. Because we have different products, we promote ourselves on 6 pages of Facebook and Instagram, and thanks to the new CRM system implemented, communication with customers and potential customers is integrated into a single software, to have access to all interaction with them. We want this digital solution to help us achieve a 30 per cent increase in sales in the coming years.”

And the company “Agro-Vet Consulting” is to implement a special application, which works based on weather forecasts, in order to protect crops from pests, but also to increase production.

Ion Tasca, a beneficiary of the program “Digital Upgrade”, “Agro-Vet Consulting”: “We used the resources of the project to purchase a special software created for the climatic conditions in the Republic of Moldova. “Digital Upgrade” has given us the opportunity to move to another, more digital level, because without this segment, the business cannot thrive. We expect the implemented digital solution to help us save about 10% of the time and have an added value of up to 5%.

Support and expertise for SMEs

During the program, for a year, participants learned about the importance of online business presence, had expertise in detecting the problems they face, but also consulting and guidance in choosing the most viable solution to propel their business.

Ana Chirita, Tekwill Project Director: “In order for small and medium enterprises to continue their activity and be competitive, switching to online is one of the emerging implementation solutions. These companies, however, need support in their digitalization path. We set out to offer them the support and expertise we have, because we want a technological company, connected to the latest trends, in which processes are simplified, and solutions-integrated to increase demand for products and services. The “Digital Upgrade” program also involves strengthening intersectoral relations. On the one hand, IT companies find out what the difficulties are facing the industries, and on the other hand – the industries can choose those solutions that are closer to the specifics of the business problems. ”

“Digital UPGRADE” is part of the “Startup Moldova” National Program and is developed within the TEKWILL project, with the support of USAID and Sweden’s development partners.

Madelene Eichhorn, Program Manager, Swedish Embassy in Moldova: “Digital transformation is one of the goals that Sweden supports globally. Companies face various obstacles in their development, especially in terms of business scaling and online presence. For this reason, we invest in digital education, capacity building, mentoring and consulting, promoting digitalization and IT solutions as important components of change and inclusion. We aim to offer opportunities and possibilities for business development, in order to grow, in general, the country’s economy, to provide better living conditions and for a new perspective.”

Scott Hocklander, Head of the USAID Mission to Moldova: “In order to stand out and be known, services and products need to be promoted. In this context, at this stage, digitalisation has become a component that we need to focus on and continue to develop. “Digital Upgrade” is a public-private collaboration initiative, which we support, in order to move to another stage of business evolution in the Republic of Moldova. IT solutions can develop the world, offering other opportunities. The time has come to implement them widely in all areas. “

Startup Moldova – we grow ideas that change the world!

“Startup Moldova” is a platform for generating, piloting and implementing new ideas for both the local and global market. The program will map all the actors involved in this field, and information technologies will be connected to all areas of public and private interest, on local and global markets. The program is part of the TEKWILL Project, implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden. “Tekwil” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. Aiming to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!” The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country, by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of educational institutions, in line with the demand in the IT market More details on https://startupmoldova.digital.

THE FIRST DIGITAL AGRICULTURAL LIBRARY IN THE REPUBLIC OF MOLDOVA

The first digital agricultural library was launched in the Republic of Moldova. The platform is intended for all representatives of the agricultural sector: farmers, young people studying specialities in agriculture, academia and members of the diaspora, who are interested in developing a business in agriculture in the country. With the help of the virtual library, interested parties will have access to reliable sources of information on innovative technologies in this field – guides, manuals developed by some of the best specialists in the country and abroad, publications and other valuable agricultural topics. The information sources available on the platform will help people in the field to acquire new skills, aligned with the needs of the sector. Agrobiznes created the first digital agricultural library in Moldova in partnership with the USAID APM project, as part of the call of the national program “Startup Moldova – Digital IMPACT “of the Tekwill project, funded by USAID and Sweden.

“By informing ourselves correctly and constantly learning, we evolve in any field. This is especially necessary in the agricultural sector, where any mistake costs significant time and resources for the producer. The Agrobiznes Library is a platform accessible to all in which valuable sources will be integrated – guides and manuals developed by some of the best specialists in the country and abroad. Each user will be able to download the necessary information and find similar publications depending on the chosen topic “, mentioned Luminita Crivoi, Agrobiznes Development Director.

“Even though the digitalisation of the agricultural sector brings many benefits, and a number of actions and tools are already being implemented, there are still many barriers to exploiting its full potential. One of these is the lack of expertise. Starting from the premises meant to bring together technologies and efficient agriculture, the ICT sector aligns with the needs of the agricultural sector. Thus, this library is an information and education platform for those who practice agriculture. The TEKWILL project will continue to get involved and support the strategic sectors of the country, to create new jobs, strengthen expertise in the field, but also to open doors to other related fields “, said Ana Chirita, director of the TEKWILL project.

The platform is a solid technological base, and other ways of presenting information will soon be available. According to official statistics, over 850,000 Moldovans work in agriculture, the sector generating about 13% of the country’s GDP. That’s why Agrobiznes, USAID APM and Tekwill funded by USAID-Sweden, support the digitization of agriculture and free online communication, as well as the exchange of knowledge, as the most effective way to ensure widespread access to research, study, experiment and of economic and sectoral activity.

About Digital IMPACT

Startup Moldova’s national program “Digital IMPACT” provides research and identification of problems in strategic sectors of the national economy and aims to provide real IT solutions for their development, which could subsequently have a major impact on independent business. These are solutions for process automation, improving business tools, facilitating the use of e-commerce and sales tools, etc., to be managed by industry associations. The program is part of the TEKWILL Project, implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden. “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. In order to continue to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center has expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at a national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!”. The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of education, in line with the demand in the IT market.

The library can be found on this link: https://biblioteca.agrobiznes.md/

A Mobile Application Will Promote Brands „Din Inima” Abroad

The light industry is increasingly oriented towards business digitalization and online commerce. Within the “Digital IMPACT” program, the Employers’ Association of Light Industry (APIUS), which includes a number of local companies in the field of light industry, benefited from support and assistance in developing a new version of the site www.dininima. md, but also the development of the DININIMA mobile application. As a result, customers will have access to all products of local brands, but also a direct link to the online stores of these brands. All in order for local producers to improve their business development tools and facilitate the use of e-commerce and sales tools. “Digital IMPACT” is part of the “Startup Moldova” National Program and is developed within the TEKWILL project, with the support of USAID and Sweden’s development partners.

Digital solutions for the light industry

With the support of the “Digital IMPACT” program, the new version of the site is to be made in accordance with the latest technological and design trends, to include complete information about all local brands under the DININIMA umbrella. The site will be accessible to both local and foreign consumers. And the mobile application will offer buyers the opportunity to be up to date with the latest collections, recommended products, but also permanent discounts and loyalty programs.

Marcela Lozovanu, executive director of APIUS: “Previously, the site was much too loaded and did not have a well-defined structure. We thought of simplifying it, so that it becomes a business card for all companies. In addition, last year we developed an e-commerce acceleration program and we want to integrate the actual brands, which have functional sites. Through the program, we aim to make local businesses as visible and accessible as possible. We will also implement an extension (www.dininima.com), which we will promote on the European market because there is increased interest from those countries. The IMPACT Digital program has helped us with expertise and financial support in the transition to digitalization, and we, together with our partners, will promote the light industry both in the country and abroad. ”

Under the Digital IMPACT program, businesses in traditional sectors benefit from digital solutions to develop their services and products. In partnership with representatives of the IT sector and experts in the field, the problems faced by the strategic areas of the national economy are analyzed and researched, and subsequently – transformation solutions are offered, which could have a major impact on business scaling.

Ana Chirita, TEKWILL project director: “Facilitating the transition to the digitalization of business continues to be one of the priorities that the Tekwill project supports, and innovations have shown that they have the capacity to transform companies, becoming more competitive in the market and more prepared to move at another level of development. Light industry is no exception, and the challenges of the pandemic have once again confirmed that technology is an absolute necessity for society as a whole. ”

The digitalization of business in the Republic of Moldova is also supported by external development partners.

Scott Hocklander, Head of the USAID Mission to Moldova: “The challenges we face demonstrate the value of digital tools to lead companies, enable digital education, secure revenue and jobs, and keep savings afloat while maintaining at the same time the physical distance. For this reason, USAID is working closely with several partners to develop digital and e-commerce solutions. Since 2005, we have helped Moldovan manufacturing companies to create new jobs, open new stores and access new markets. And now USAID is proud to highlight the DinInimă brands in relaunching the website and launching a new mobile application. This Digital IMPACT initiative, implemented by Tekwill with USAID support, will facilitate sales and continue to benefit Moldovan companies and the country as a result of the rapid growth of the digital economy.

Adam Amberg, Adviser, Head of Development Cooperation, Swedish Embassy in Moldova: “Sweden will continue to promote the digitization of the non-IT sectors and support e-commerce as an opportunity for businesses on their way to evolution. We will also contribute to the development of the IT sector, facilitating the access of all entrepreneurs, regardless of gender, to the best practices and knowledge in the field. We want a society that progresses, competitive jobs, and we are convinced that digitalisation and innovation lead to increased transparency, prosperity and well-being.”

The Tekwill project – The revolution begins!

The Tekwill project is implemented by the National Association of ICT Companies, with the financial support of the United States Agency for International Development and Sweden. “Tekwill” was created in 2017 as a Center of Excellence of the ICT sector in Moldova, with the main purpose of aligning the field with current market requirements. Aiming to contribute to increasing the competitiveness of the IT industry and other strategic sectors of the economy, the center expanded its fields of activity, becoming in 2019 a complex project at national level, with the slogan “The revolution begins!” The basic objective of the TEKWILL Project, as a platform dedicated to the progress of the IT sector, is to ensure a major impact on the economic development of the country, by improving the entrepreneurial and educational capacities of society, but also by increasing the research and development potential of educational institutions, in line with the demand in the IT market.