Yesterday, on November 22nd, Dr. Dinu Țurcanu, the Vice-Rector for Digitalization at UTM, had a productive meeting with Sergiu Rabii, Future Technologies Sectors Director within Future Technologies Activity (FTA); Michelle Iliev, Education & Workforce Team Lead at FTA; Roman Neagu from FTA; and Gabriela Ojog, Executive Director of Moldovan Development Foundation and coordinator of the Google grant for the UTM Cybersecurity Academy. This event marks the beginning of a lasting collaboration and transformation in the field of cybersecurity at UTM.
Google will invest approximately $700,000 in advancing the Cybersecurity Academy, established through a Government Decision on September 13, 2023. During a collaborative session with the development partners, Mr. Țurcanu outlined the project’s goals, which include refining university curricula for both undergraduate and master’s programs in Cybersecurity. Additionally, academic staff will be trained and certified to be authorized instructors, courses in the field will be created, and training will be extended to local and central authorities, as well as private sector professionals. The project also includes international training and certification for students and master’s students, along with competitions, workshops, thematic conferences, and more.
The creation of the Cybersecurity Academy at UTM was made possible by the United States Agency for International Development and driven by the Future Technologies Project, funded by USAID, Sweden, and the United Kingdom. The new facility will cover more than 1,000 square meters, offering technologically advanced spaces, training rooms, state-of-the-art laboratories simulating various cybersecurity scenarios, themed rooms, and an event hall with a capacity of over 400 people.
The collaboration between Moldova and Google marks a significant step in our country’s digital progress, where UTM plays a key role in nationwide cybersecurity education. This is achieved through the implementation of training and enhancement programs, cybersecurity drills, research and innovation initiatives, security guidelines, and best practices. Additionally, establishing partnerships with organizations in the cybersecurity domain contributes to the evolution of the field in the country.
Over the past few years, thanks to our development partners, UTM has undergone some notable changes. These changes have had a major impact on shaping graduates in essential sectors, such as Wine and Viticulture, Light Industry, Information and Communication Technology, Precision Engineering, and Technologized Agriculture. And now, we’re excited about the recent addition of the Cybersecurity Academy at UTM, bringing a new dimension to our educational offerings.
The continued investment in key areas of the economy, with emphasis on Digitalization, Creativity, and Innovation, is a breath of fresh air for us. We’re enthusiastic about the positive effects these improvements will have on our students and the industries they’ll contribute to.
A big thank you to our donors and development partners for the implemented projects and their ongoing support in new initiatives. It is through strategic partnerships that we will grow stronger!
Because UTM Creates the Future!
