On May 5, 2025, at Tekwill in the Imaginarium Hall, the official opening of ICEBERG Bootcamp 2025 took place—an event dedicated to students of the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) who dream of turning their innovative ideas into real businesses. The bootcamp, held from May 5 to 8, brings together ambitious young people, top mentors, international experts, and valuable opportunities for networking and entrepreneurial development.
The event was opened by UTM Rector, Professor Viorel Bostan, who emphasized the importance of this initiative in shaping Moldova’s next generation of entrepreneurs:
“I’m especially pleased to open ICEBERG Bootcamp today—a landmark project for our students. The partnership with the prestigious University of California, Berkeley, once again demonstrates UTM’s commitment to offering modern education aligned with international standards. Activities like this not only inspire but also prepare students for the realities of the market and the global entrepreneurial environment. I encourage all participants to take full advantage of this unique opportunity.”
ICEBERG Bootcamp is organized in partnership with the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF) and UC Berkeley, a global leader in entrepreneurship education, giving participants access to top-tier mentorship, interactive workshops, and opportunities to collaborate with entrepreneurs, investors, and experts from around the world.
Nina Puțuntean, head of UTM’s International Relations Office and project coordinator of ICEBERG Bootcamp, shared a message with the participating students and beyond. She highlighted the importance of encouraging entrepreneurship among young people:
“At ICEBERG Bootcamp, ideas come to life and turn into projects with real impact. I encourage you to dream big and act with determination.”
During the opening, Dr. Rina Țurcan, head of the Department of Economics and Management within FIEB-UTM, also addressed the students:
“ICEBERG Bootcamp is a catalyst for our students’ entrepreneurial spirit. Through their involvement in this program, participants gain essential skills and learn to think strategically. We’re proud to see so many motivated young people ready to become agents of change.”
The event is held in partnership with UMAEF and the University of California, Berkeley, a global authority in entrepreneurial education. Representing the main partner, UMAEF Director Stella Jemna spoke at the event:
“We are confident in investing in entrepreneurial education in Moldova because we see real potential here. ICEBERG Bootcamp is a model of best practices, where innovation and passion meet international expertise. We are pleased to be working alongside UTM and UC Berkeley to build bridges to the region’s economic future.”
A special moment during the opening was the presence of Rick Rasmussen from the Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology at UC Berkeley, the guest of honor, who traveled to Moldova to engage directly with participants and share his extensive experience in startups and innovation.
Key benefits of the bootcamp include:
• mentorship from internationally experienced experts;
• training on idea validation, business planning, launching, and scaling;
• networking opportunities and strategic connections for participants’ future careers;
• significant prizes, including the chance for the winning team to attend an international bootcamp at UC Berkeley in the USA.
The event continues through May 8, with intensive work sessions and entrepreneurial challenges for the 75 available spots. It’s a launchpad for those dreaming of building their own startup and paving the way to success.
Want to join the next edition? Stay tuned for updates from UTM—your entrepreneurial journey starts here!
