Ideation Hackathon – February 6-7, 2025
On February 6-7, 2025, the Inotek Center in Cahul will host an event dedicated to developing at least 10 innovative start-up ideas. The best ideas will receive vouchers worth 7,000 – 11,000 MDL.
During the two-day hackathon, participants will work in teams to generate start-up ideas, develop concepts, and validate solutions for community problems.
Who Can Participate?
- High school students, university students, and young entrepreneurs
- IT, technology, and engineering specialists
- Anyone with an innovative idea and a willingness to learn
Minimum age to participate: 14 years old.
Event Goal
The goal of the event is to develop start-up ideas to the level of MVP (Minimum Viable Product) construction, build solutions based on user needs, and validate both the potential of the idea and its financial plan, including financial requirements, expenses, revenues, and estimated profit over 12 months.
Topics Covered
💡 Smart Cities & Sustainable Communities – solutions for infrastructure, transportation, energy efficiency, and waste management.
🏥 Health & Well-being – ideas for accessible medical services, mental health, and healthy lifestyles.
🎉 Event Promotion & Networking – platforms for organizing and promoting events.
📈 Work Process Optimization – digital solutions for businesses and organizations.
📚 Useful Learning Resources – apps for exams, educational games, and AI-based learning tools.
What Will Be Achieved?
✔️ Development of at least 10 innovative start-up ideas
✔️ Problem and solution validation through market research and feedback
✔️ Prototype construction of the proposed solutions
✔️ Creation of a sustainable financial plan for each idea
Benefits for Participants
🚀 Development of innovative and entrepreneurial thinking
👨🏫 Access to mentors and experts who provide personalized feedback
🤝 Networking opportunities with other participants and specialists
🏆 Attractive prizes for the best ideas:
- 11,000 MDL voucher for technology equipment
- 9,000 MDL voucher
- 7,000 MDL voucher
When and Where?
📅 February 6-7, 2025
🕘 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
📍 Inotek Center, Cahul, Room C
Participation Details
✅ Free participation
✅ Teams must consist of 3-5 participants
✅ Registration deadline: February 4 – sign up through this [link]
For more details, visit Inotek’s Facebook or Instagram pages.
Testimonials from Past Editions
🎤 Bulat Bogdan, a 9th-grade student at “M. Eminescu” Theoretical High School in Cahul and a winner of Ideation Hackathon (Edition 1), participated with an idea related to second-hand computers:
"Thanks to the mentorship we received, we can develop our project further by adding new functionalities such as cloud gaming."
🎤 Tatiana Bejan, Entrepreneurship and Community Manager at Inotek Foundation, highlights that Inotek aims to accelerate digital economy growth in southern Moldova by fostering innovation and entrepreneurship through strategic partnerships with the private sector, public institutions, and educational organizations.
"By promoting technology, STEM education, and creative solutions, Inotek supports the establishment and growth of start-ups, enhancing their capabilities and preparing them for investment attraction."
About Ideation Hackathon
Ideation Hackathon is more than just an event—it's a unique opportunity to learn, innovate, and collaborate with like-minded individuals passionate about change. Over two intense days, participants work in teams to develop start-up concepts, validate real-world problems, and create sustainable implementation plans.
Organizers & Supporters
🏢 Organized by: Inotek Center
💰 Financial support from: Sweden, within the Inotek4Cahul project
The Inotek Center, managed by the Inotek Foundation, was founded in November 2023 and promotes digital economy growth in southern Moldova. It supports innovation and entrepreneurship by connecting the private sector, public institutions, and education providers.
Through resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, Inotek helps start-ups develop and attract investment. The foundation also supports STEM education, bridging the gap between labor market demands and workforce skills, while encouraging digital skills inclusion for women and girls.
Established with support from the EU and Sweden, through the EU4Moldova: Startup City Cahul project, implemented by ATIC, the center contributes to job creation and economic prosperity in southern Moldova.
