Moldova has taken a significant step toward modernizing its agri-food sector with the launch of Agrotek Arena, an incubator and pre-accelerator focused on digital agriculture, robotics, and food technology. The initiative, part of the Innovate Moldova Programme and funded by Sweden, aims to drive innovation and international collaboration in the country’s agricultural landscape.
A Memorandum of Understanding was signed on July 9, 2025, by key stakeholders, including the Ministry of Digitalization and Economic Development, the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the Innovate Moldova Programme, and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund. This collaboration underscores the commitment to fostering a culture of innovation and technological advancement in Moldova’s agricultural sector.
The Agrotek Arena will occupy 1,300 square meters across two refurbished floors and host up to 30 residents, including startups, student entrepreneurs, researchers, and agri-food companies. The facility is expected to benefit over 3,000 students, farmers, and food processors annually by providing access to prototyping labs, greenhouses, and innovation support programs.
Doina Nistor, deputy prime minister and minister of digitalization and economic development, emphasized the importance of the initiative: “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 $1 million project is financed through a shared funding model, with Innovate Moldova and the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund supporting the refurbishment of shared spaces, and UTM providing rent-free facilities and overseeing energy efficiency upgrades. Residents will contribute by equipping their own offices, ensuring a collaborative and sustainable approach to funding.
Agrotek Arena will also leverage international partnerships to accelerate Moldova’s agricultural transformation. Collaborations with European and North American technology providers, such as Davis Weather Stations for climate-smart farming, Biosfera’s GPS AgTech solutions for resource optimization, and SAS Cropio ERP systems for real-time farm data analytics, aim to create opportunities with partners in the EU, EFTA, and North Atlantic regions.
The incubator is based on UTM’s five-hectare Mircești campus in Chișinău and connects to an additional 570 hectares in the Criuleni region. It marks the first major milestone in the planned Agrotek Park, which will include high-tech farming sites, applied R&D centers, and repurposed infrastructure for labs and innovation hubs.
Sergiu Rabii, programme director at the Innovate Moldova Programme, highlighted the broader implications of the initiative: “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.”
The launch of Agrotek Arena represents a pivotal moment for Moldova’s agricultural sector. By integrating cutting-edge technology and fostering international collaboration, the initiative aims to position Moldova as a leader in sustainable agri-tech innovation, driving economic growth and creating new opportunities for farmers, entrepreneurs, and researchers alike.