On 21 October, the Inotek Centre welcomed Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova, and Petra Lärke, Ambassador of Sweden. The two diplomats spoke with young people from Cahul about education, career choices and opportunities in the region, and learned about the activities through which the centre supports the development of digital skills and local initiatives.

A dialogue about the younger generation’s choices and prospects

The meeting focused on issues that matter to young people as they build their future: learning opportunities, career guidance, leadership and the prospects the region offers. The discussion took place in an informal setting, with participants putting their questions directly to the ambassadors.

The dialogue gave young people an opportunity to share their aspirations and engage with representatives of the partners supporting their community’s development. For those just starting out, such meetings can offer fresh perspectives on how to put their skills to use and play an active role in the region.

“It was a pleasure to visit Inotek for the first time during our trip to Cahul. I was impressed by the enthusiasm of the young people and the opportunities this centre can offer for learning, innovation and entrepreneurship. The European Union is pleased to support initiatives that help local talent gain the skills and confidence to shape the future of their community,” said Iwona Piórko, Ambassador of the European Union to the Republic of Moldova.

Learning in action

The visit also included a tour of the centre, introducing its spaces and the programmes hosted there. Alongside the tour, robotics workshops for children, online safety workshops for teenagers and activities organised by the Cahul Young Makers Club were taking place.

These activities illustrated how technology becomes part of learning: children discover how a robot works, test ideas and look for solutions, while teenagers learn to recognise online risks and navigate the digital world more carefully.

For children and young people in the region, access to such activities means being able to discover their interests close to home, with guidance and in an environment where they can experiment alongside other participants. Over time, the skills developed here can provide a starting point for choosing a course of study or a profession, or for developing a project of their own.

“During our first visit to Cahul, I was delighted to visit Inotek, a space full of energy, ideas and opportunities. It is wonderful to see how young people can explore technology, develop new skills and turn their curiosity into something meaningful. Sweden is pleased to support initiatives that help young people fulfil their potential and create new opportunities in southern Moldova,” said Petra Lärke, Ambassador of Sweden to the Republic of Moldova.

Skills that can open new paths

The Inotek Centre’s role is to connect education, technology and entrepreneurship with the region’s needs. Its programmes aim to develop digital skills, support entrepreneurial initiatives and encourage collaboration between businesses, public institutions and educational institutions. For the community, this means access to knowledge, guidance and settings in which an idea can be tested and developed.

“Inotek is more than an innovation and technology centre — it is a space where investment in education, digital skills and entrepreneurship translates into real opportunities for children, young people, women, professionals and businesses. The continued support of the European Union and Sweden demonstrates that, through strong partnerships and a shared vision, we can build a competitive, inclusive regional innovation ecosystem connected to European opportunities. We want Inotek to remain a driving force for digital transformation and economic development in southern Moldova, giving every talented individual the chance to grow and build their future here, at home,” said Nicolae Mocanu, Administrator of the Inotek Centre.

A visit encompassing several projects in Cahul

The meeting at the Inotek Centre was part of a wider visit to Cahul. The ambassadors also visited the square outside the Nicolae Botgros Palace of Culture, the Cahul Oenological Centre and Grigore Vieru Central Park, all of which have benefited from financial support from the European Union.

INOTEK – EU Innovation Centre Cahul is an innovation and technology centre in southern Moldova, managed by the INOTEK Foundation, established in November 2023. The centre promotes the digital economy in southern Moldova and strengthens ties between the private sector, public institutions and educational institutions to encourage innovation and entrepreneurship. INOTEK supports startups by providing access to resources, mentoring programmes and networking opportunities, helping them become investment-ready. The centre also supports STEM education and narrows the gap between labour market requirements and available skills.