Methodology and Mentorship Services in Vibecoding (Hackathon)

1. Background and context

INOTEK is an innovation and entrepreneurship centre based in Cahul, Southern Moldova, with the mission to strengthen local capacities, support entrepreneurship, foster innovation, and contribute to the sustainable development of the region.Within the framework of its entrepreneurship and innovation support activities, INOTEK is implementing the “Vibehack South Moldova” project in the southern region of Moldova. The program aims to stimulate innovation, entrepreneurial thinking, and rapid prototyping by supporting teams in transforming validated ideas into functional digital solutions.Within this context, INOTEK will be responsible for outreach, communication, participant selection, and event logistics, while seeking to contract a qualified organization or expert to provide the hackathon methodology, conceptual framework, and mentoring services throughout the event.The program is implemented by the INOTEK Foundation, with the financial support of UMAEF and Sweden, in partnership with the Startup Moldova Foundation.  

2. Objective of the ToR
The objective of this Terms of Reference is to select a Contractor to design and deliver the Vibehack methodology and mentorship program, ensuring structured guidance for teams to develop functional MVPs using AI and no-code tools during a three-day, in-person hackathon hosted by INOTEK. 

3. Scope of services
The selected Contractor will be responsible for the following services:

• Development and provision of the Vibehack hackathon methodology and conceptual framework
• Design of the hackathon learning flow and milestone-based progression
• Identification, onboarding, and coordination of qualified mentors
• Delivery of continuous mentoring and expert guidance during the hackathon
• Support for MVP development using AI and no-code tools
• Facilitation of milestone checkpoints and feedback sessions
• Contribution to demo day structure and pitch evaluation 

INOTEK will be responsible for all outreach, participant management, venue arrangements, and event logistics.

4. Hackathon structure
The Contractor shall implement the methodology according to the following indicative structure:

Day 1: Team formation and solution design

• Team formation and role allocation
• Problem refinement and validation
• Solution ideation and MVP architecture

Day 2: MVP development and testing

• MVP development using AI and no-code tools
• Testing, iteration, and mentor feedback
• Milestone review sessions

Day 3: MVP finalization and pitching

• MVP finalization
• Pitch preparation and storytelling
• Demo day and final presentations

Mentoring, milestone checkpoints, and peer feedback shall be embedded throughout all three days. 

5. Target group

The Vibecoding hackathon targets young people aged 18–35 from southern Moldova with an interest in entrepreneurship and technology, as well as early-stage entrepreneurs and startup teams from Cahul and neighboring districts. The program is also open to non-technical professionals who hold business-oriented or community-driven ideas and wish to transform them into viable digital solutions. In addition, the target group includes students, freelancers, and professionals seeking to upskill and strengthen their competencies in digital innovation, AI-enabled tools, and no-code product development.

6. Key tasks and responsibilities

Contractor responsibilities:

• Provide the Vibehack methodology and implementation framework
• Identify and mobilize mentors with relevant expertise
• Deliver structured mentoring and coaching during the hackathon
• Guide teams through MVP development and validation
• Support pitch preparation and demo readiness
• Coordinate mentors and ensure quality of mentoring delivery

INOTEK responsibilities:

• Outreach, promotion, and participant recruitment
• Participant selection and communication
• Venue, equipment, and logistical arrangements
• On-site coordination and event support 

7. Deliverables

Deliverables include:

• Vibehack methodology and mentoring framework
• List and CVs of mentors engaged
• Facilitation of mentoring sessions and milestone reviews
• Short final report on mentoring outcomes and team progress

8. Duration and location

• Duration: 3 consecutive days
• Format: In-person
• Location: INOTEK Centre, Cahul, Republic of Moldova

9. Eligibility and qualification requirements

Applicants must demonstrate:

• Proven experience in designing hackathon or accelerator methodologies
• Experience in mentoring startup teams or early-stage entrepreneurs
• Hands-on experience with AI-enabled and no-code product development
• Ability to mobilize qualified mentors across relevant domains
• Experience with innovation hubs or donor-funded programs is an asset 

10. Evaluation criteria

Applications will be evaluated based on:

• Quality and relevance of the proposed methodology
• Experience and qualifications of the applicant and mentors
• Practical applicability of the mentoring approach
• Cost-effectiveness of the financial proposal

11. Financial proposal
The financial offer shall include a detailed cost breakdown covering the following components:

·        Mentors and facilitators – unit cost per mentor/facilitator and the total amount
Program design – hourly rate and total amount, for up to a maximum of 8 hours
 Evaluation, reporting, and feedback for future editions – hourly rate and total amount, for up to a maximum of 7 hours
All costs shall be indicated in USD and/or MDL and exclusive of VAT (if applicable). 

12. Application procedure
Interested applicants are invited to submit:

• Technical proposal describing the approach and methodology
• Company profile
• Financial offer

Applications shall be submitted electronically to nmocanu@inotek.md and rnegru@inotek.md by February 13, 2026, 4 pm.
              The extended deadline for submitting bids is: February 18, 2026 3:00 PM local time.

13. Contracting and timeline
The selected Contractor will sign a service contract with INOTEK. The services shall be delivered according to the agreed schedule and in close coordination with the INOTEK team. 

14. Additional information
Submission of an application does not guarantee contract award. All materials developed under this assignment shall become the property of INOTEK. The Contractor may use the materials for portfolio purposes only, with prior written consent of INOTEK.