Moldova, a small country in eastern Europe, is taking a decisive step toward the future of agriculture with the launch of a new incubator and pre-accelerator at Agrotek Arena Incubator, an innovation space dedicated to digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology.
The initiative is part of the Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden, and aims to modernize the country’s agri-food sector through innovation, research, and international collaboration.
On July 9, 2025, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Moldova’s Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development (MDED), the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), marking the start of this strategic partnership.
The incubator will span 1,300 square meters across two refurbished floors of Agrotek Arena and will host up to 30 residents – startups, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and agri-food businesses.
It is projected to benefit over 3,000 students, farmers, and food processors annually by providing access to cutting-edge technologies, prototyping labs, greenhouses, and innovation support programs.
Doina Nistor, deputy prime minister and minister of digitalization and economic development, says: “Agriculture remains a backbone of Moldova’s economy.
“Yet, without modern tools and forward-thinking infrastructure, its full potential cannot be realized, Agrotek Arena will serve as a launchpad for innovation, helping us bridge the gap between academia, industry, and global partners.”
The incubator is set to open its doors to residents by September 1st, with a structured acceleration program launching in October 2025.
Activities will focus on developing viable agri-tech solutions in areas such as precision agriculture, smart irrigation, and sustainable food processing.
Shared investment and global collaboration
The $1 million project is built on a shared funding model. Innovate Moldova Programme and UMAEF are supporting the refurbishment of common areas, while UTM is offering rent-free space and managing energy efficiency upgrades.
Residents will contribute by equipping their dedicated offices with air conditioning, furnishings, and technical installations.
Agrotek Arena will also establish strong linkages with European and North American technology providers. Strategic collaborations include:
- Davis Weather Stations for climate-smart farming
- Biosfera’s GPS AgTech Solutions for resource-optimized agriculture
- SAS Cropio ERP Systems for real-time farm data analytics
These partnerships not only bolster Moldova’s agricultural transformation but also create long-term business opportunities for EU, EFTA and North Atlantic region.
A foundation for Moldova’s agritech future
Located on UTM’s 5-hectare Mircești campus in capital Chișinău and linked to 570 hectares in Criuleni region, Agrotek Arena is the first major milestone in the broader Agrotek Park vision.
Future plans include the development of high-tech farming sites, applied R&D centers, and repurposed Soviet-era infrastructure into labs and innovation hubs.
Sergiu Rabii, programme director at the Innovate Moldova Programme, says: “This is more than a building – it’s the beginning of Moldova’s transformation into a regional hub for sustainable agri-tech.
“By fostering ties between startups, universities, and international partners, we are laying the groundwork for high-value job creation and export-ready technologies.”
Agrotek Arena will also support Moldova’s alignment with EU standards by integrating sustainable design, ESG practices, and inclusive economic development into its operational model.
