Throughout the campaign, Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) Moldova partnered with key stakeholders, including local public authorities (LPAs), businesses, universities, and NGOs to create an inclusive platform for aspiring entrepreneurs and innovators. The week featured over 10 key events, ranging from technology forums to agricultural exhibitions, and each was designed to foster collaboration, inspire action, and empower individuals to drive Moldova’s future business growth.
Key Events and Awards:
1. Golden Innovator Award – Golden Jaggernaut Innotech Forum
This prestigious award recognized the most innovative technological breakthrough or business idea in the tech sector. Awarded to a startup or individual demonstrating cutting-edge solutions in AI, blockchain, or digital transformation, this year’s winner was celebrated for its groundbreaking innovation in artificial intelligence-driven process automation.
Number of participants: 800 (500 offline, 300 online)
Partners: Moldova State University
2. Agribusiness Excellence Award – AgriGala, Strășeni District
In recognition of outstanding agricultural innovations, the Agribusiness Excellence Award highlighted local agribusinesses and food producers who demonstrated potential for growth and sustainability. This award was aimed at recognizing innovation in food processing and modern farming practices.
Number of participants: 100
Partners:
Awardee: A local farm that introduced innovative, sustainable food processing techniques, boosting both product quality and community involvement.
3. Sustainable Growth Leadership Award – Excellence Gala of Agriculture Producers, Ungheni Region
The Sustainable Growth Leadership Award was given to an agricultural producer or business for their commitment to sustainability and resilience. This award underscores Moldova's need for eco-friendly farming practices and how these efforts contribute to a stable food supply and local economy.
Number of participants: 150
Partners: LPAs, local businesses, agricultural producers
Awardee: A farm that has implemented green farming techniques and demonstrated significant impact on both the environment and the community.
4. Rising Star Entrepreneur Award – The Entrepreneurship Idea Bank of Your Community
The Rising Star Entrepreneur Award recognized an aspiring entrepreneur who has shown exceptional promise in developing a business idea. This award celebrated those who took initiative and built meaningful connections to bring their business dreams to life.
Number of participants: 50
Partners: Local and international mentors, business leaders
Awardee: A young entrepreneur who developed a technology solution for the local agriculture sector, improving farming efficiency.
5. Social Impact Pioneer Award – Social Entrepreneurship and Financial Education for the New Generation
The Social Impact Pioneer Award was given to EduJoc, an organization focusing on financial education and social entrepreneurship. This award celebrates those who leverage their business initiatives to uplift and empower communities, especially the younger generation.
Number of participants: 20
Partners: EduJoc, local children, and adults
Awardee: EduJoc for its impactful toy-making workshops and financial literacy programs that teach children about social entrepreneurship.
6. Women Empowerment Leadership Award – Women Entrepreneurs in Moldova’s Regions
This award recognized outstanding women entrepreneurs, leaders, practitians who have empowered others while driving regional economic growth. Women continue to play a pivotal role in reshaping Moldova’s entrepreneurial landscape and this award acknowledged their leadership and resilience.
Number of participants: 30
Partners: Leading women entrepreneurs, government bodies
Awardee: A woman entrepreneur who has scaled her business and created multiple job opportunities for women in rural Moldova.
7. Youth Innovator Award – Youth Design Innovation
The Youth Innovator Award was presented to a young cofounders, that are pushing new smart solutions in inclusive housing. This award celebrated the role of young innovators in shaping the future of product and technology.
Number of participants: 50
Partners: Students from EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich
Awardee: During a special panel discussion on robotics, product design, and sustainability, Jean Rauber and Cristian Fortuna, both Master’s students in Robotics Engineering at EPF Lausanne and ETH Zurich, shared insights on the intersection of technology and sustainable design.
8. Agritourism Trailblazer Award – Cimișlia Agritourism
The Agritourism Trailblazer Award was presented to those who have successfully blended tourism with local agricultural practices, helping to attract tourists and generate new income streams for rural farmers.
Number of participants: 20
Partners: Local agritourism ventures, tourism sector experts
Awardee: A family-run agropension that offers authentic local experiences while promoting sustainable agriculture and cultural tourism.
9. Future Leader Award – Personal Branding Workshop
The Future Leader Award recognized an individual who has developed a strong personal brand and leveraged digital tools to further their career or business. In today’s competitive market, building a personal brand has become a cornerstone for success.
Number of participants: 20
Partners: Digital marketing professionals, personal branding experts
Awardee: A professional coach who uses social media to help entrepreneurs build their personal brands and expand their businesses.
10. Regional Impact Partnership Award – Partnership Agreements with LPAs
GEN Moldova also signed four key partnership agreements with LPAs (Local Public Authorities), promoting collaborative efforts to build a more dynamic entrepreneurial ecosystem across Moldova. This Regional Impact Partnership Award celebrated the public-private partnerships driving local economic development.
Number of participants: 1.500 participants
Partners: Local Public Authorities, GEN Moldova, partner businesses
Awardee: LPAs from Ungheni, Strășeni, Ștefan Vodă, and Cimișlia, for their commitment to supporting and developing the entrepreneurial sector.
Global Entrepreneurship Week Moldova 2024 marked a turning point in the country’s entrepreneurial landscape, bringing together thousands of entrepreneurs, innovators, and industry leaders in a celebration of creativity, resilience, and collaboration. Through engaging events, thought-provoking discussions, and a series of impactful awards, the week spotlighted Moldova’s growing entrepreneurial ecosystem and reinforced the importance of continued innovation, partnership, and sustainability.
GEN Moldova, together with its partners, remains committed to fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial community and supporting the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers across the country.