At the Technical University of Moldova, innovation is not an abstract ideal but a reality shaped by people, ideas and decisive action. The launch of the third edition of the interactive Entrepreneurship course, inspired by the renowned UC Berkeley methodology and opened on January 26, 2026, marks a significant step forward in preparing a new generation of young people ready to turn challenges into opportunities.
The timing was ideal: our students’ determination met the expertise of top international and local specialists. By blending academic rigor with hands-on practice and emphasizing critical thinking, teamwork, creativity and applied innovation, participants managed to turn bold ideas into the foundations of future successful startups.
The success of this educational journey is the result of a dedicated team that passionately guides young innovators. Under the coordination of associate professors Dr. Nina Puțuntean and Dr. Rina Țurcan, the program benefits from the strategic vision of Rick Rasmussen, expert and industry fellow at UC Berkeley. Alongside them, course assistants Ruxanda Vovc and Alex Alcaz, together with a network of 12 mentors and graduates of previous editions, create a genuine support ecosystem for the 23 interdisciplinary teams made up of more than 120 students, who bring real startup experience into the classroom. This has resulted in a true laboratory of ideas, where theory quickly transforms into concrete solutions.
A crucial role in the development of this program is played by the rector, Professor Dr. Viorel Bostan, who personally supports the initiative and is actively involved in its organizational coordination, the recruitment of mentors, and the engagement of international speakers. His conviction is clear:
“We firmly believe that UTM students deserve access to the best global resources. Our direct involvement is a promise that the academic environment remains the most fertile ground for Moldova’s future entrepreneurs.”
Week 1: The art of understanding the problem, or Problem to Solve & Startup Interviews
The first week was an immersion into market reality. Identifying real market problems and validating them through interviews with potential customers is an essential exercise for any startup seeking to create genuine value.
Students were introduced to the entrepreneurial methodology and culture inspired by UC Berkeley:
A winning mindset: Rick Rasmussen and Tanmay Vijaywargiya (Strategy Consultant, Accenture) set the pace with intense collaboration, rapid adaptation, strategic thinking, and accountability — all key competencies in the entrepreneurial world.
Learning through play: Exercises such as the Marshmallow Challenge and the Trade-up Game brought smiles, but also valuable lessons on prototyping, communication, and teamwork.
The voice of experience: Interventions from professionals within the real business ecosystem offered authentic insights:
- Veronica Covali (Stilio) shared behind-the-scenes lessons on launching a startup, common mistakes, and how informed decisions can prevent them;
- George Teodorescu (Mixbook) addressed scaling a company, maintaining focus, consistency, understanding the customer, and learning fast;
- Tatiana Cotliuba (Simpals) taught effective customer interview techniques, guiding students in asking the right questions, listening actively, and interpreting feedback;
- Traian Chivriga (XY Partners) highlighted discipline, execution, and vision as the engines that turn ideas into real results;
- Boris Galcenco (Monsato) explained the art of a clear, convincing pitch, presenting the problem, solution, and differentiators to attract mentors, partners, and investors.
Week 2: Building the bridge toward a solution, or Solution & Problem-Solution Fit
The second week raised the bar even higher, focusing on defining the value of each proposal and transforming ideas into solutions relevant to the market. Core concepts such as Value Creation, Customer Journey, Problem-Solution Fit, and Go-To-Market Strategies were applied directly to the teams’ projects, while the first intermediate evaluation (GATE 1 – Problem Identification) gave participants the opportunity to present their vision to mentors and learn to treat critical feedback as a development tool.
Teams benefited from strategic perspectives and practical expertise through sessions with:
Marina Bzovii (Moldova Innovation Technology Park) on how companies operate within MITP, collaborating with freelancers, and building flexible teams;
Eugen Boico (Publicis Moldova) on Value Creation strategies and communicating value effectively in a competitive market;
Serghey Tkachenko (Datalinie SRL) on competitive analysis and market sizing (TAM/SAM/SOM);
Gigi Wang (UC Berkeley) on business model innovation and optimizing processes for creating, delivering, and capturing value;
Diana Memeț (Casa din Pădure) on Go-To-Market strategies, testing, adjusting, and launching solutions with discipline and courage.
Looking ahead: Demo Day 2026
Our journey does not end here. Two intense weeks of refining solutions and rigorous testing are still ahead. Everything will culminate on February 24, 2026, with Demo Day — the moment when teams will present their projects before the university community and potential investors.
More than just a course, this program has become a true launchpad for impactful ideas, proving that entrepreneurship at UTM means courage, innovation, and building the future. We invite you to join us in celebrating creativity and supporting the generation that will write the next chapter in Moldova’s economy.
