The Inotek Center organized the fifth edition of the Cahul Business Summit, bringing together leaders from the public and private sectors, entrepreneurs, and innovators to explore the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) into the local economy. The summit facilitated dialogue on increasing productivity, sustainability, and competitiveness in key sectors such as agriculture, tourism, and entrepreneurship.

Accessible AI Solutions for Local Companies

One of the main objectives achieved was connecting the local business community with experts in Artificial Intelligence. Accessible AI solutions for small and medium-sized enterprises were presented through practical demonstrations of process automation and data analysis.

“Artificial intelligence plays an important role in business development, and Inotek firmly believes that Cahul is home to entrepreneurs, active young people, and individuals eager to contribute to economic development. Inotek will support the region through both its programs and its support for startups.”

Nicolae Mocanu, Administrator of the Inotek Center

Innovation in the Region’s Strategic Sectors

Promoting innovation in the region’s strategic sectors was another central focus, sparking discussions on agriculture, the personalization of tourism experiences, and startup scaling. Particular emphasis was also placed on encouraging women’s entrepreneurship by presenting successful role models and AI tools that can accelerate the growth of women-led businesses.

Support for the Economic Development of the Southern Region

“Sweden sees genuine potential in Cahul and in the southern region of the Republic of Moldova. A country’s sustainable development means balanced development across all regions, not only in the capital. When we support local innovation and entrepreneurship initiatives, we help create tangible opportunities for young people, small businesses, and the community as a whole. Investments in entrepreneurship education, digitalization, and innovation ecosystems have a direct impact: they create jobs, strengthen regional competitiveness, and give people the confidence that they can build their future at home. For Sweden, this support represents a long-term partnership based on shared values such as inclusion, transparency, and sustainable development.”

Thomas Alveteg, First Secretary and Deputy Head of the Development Cooperation Section at the Embassy of Sweden in the Republic of Moldova

Six Practical Sessions and an Exhibition Area

The summit included six parallel sessions focused on the practical application of AI, an AI & Digital Expo area where technology companies presented innovative digital solutions, and networking sessions that facilitated numerous professional connections.

“I am pleased to see a young generation of entrepreneurs who want to develop businesses and operate in the Cahul region. Usually, where there are problems, there are also significant business opportunities. In places where everything is already well established, it is more difficult to stand out.”

Nicolae Dandiș, Mayor of Cahul Municipality

Direct Dialogue With Entrepreneurs From the Region

Representatives of the private sector also appreciated the opportunity provided by the summit to engage directly with entrepreneurs from the region and identify concrete digital transformation solutions.

“Our participation in the fifth edition of the Cahul Business Summit 2026 was a valuable and inspiring experience. The Cahul Business Summit gave us the opportunity to interact directly with entrepreneurs from the southern region, discuss business challenges, and work together to identify concrete solutions.”

Alexandru Pescar, Software Developer / Manager at HorecaSystems

A Strategic Platform for the Development of Southern Moldova

The event reaffirmed its role as a strategic platform for the economic development of southern Moldova, building on the success of previous editions, which brought together more than 700 participants in total. By focusing on the integration of artificial intelligence, the summit provided entrepreneurs from Cahul with the tools and knowledge needed to accelerate digitalization and narrow the competitiveness gap with other regions of the country.

Organizers and Partners

The fifth edition of the Cahul Business Summit was organized by the Inotek Center with the financial support of Sweden, in partnership with the “Bogdan Petriceicu Hasdeu” State University of Cahul, Cahul Municipality, Innovate Moldova, the Cahul Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Cahul Business Incubator, Agora, Diez, Tuk, and ziuadeazi.