A promising move for the development of agricultural sciences in the Republic of Moldova—the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), formerly WNISEF, led by Jaroslawa JOHNSON, along with USAID Moldova and the Future Technologies Project (Innovate Moldova), Dennis JOHNSON, Chairman of the Board of Directors of WNISEF, and Stela JEMNA, Country Representative for Moldova, recently visited the Technical University of Moldova. The main purpose of the visit was to explore Agrotek Arena, a complex dedicated to agricultural and forestry experiments for students of the UTM Faculty of Agricultural, Forestry, and Environmental Sciences.
The guests were warmly welcomed by UTM Rector Viorel BOSTAN and Vice-Rector Dinu ȚURCANU, who provided a detailed presentation of the Agrotek Arena facilities and ongoing projects, as well as a comprehensive tour of the greenhouses and experimental fields.
The visit also aimed to assess the potential for future investments in Agrotek Arena. Discussions focused on collaboration opportunities for developing agricultural startup projects. UMAEF representatives were keen to explore initiatives that could be implemented in partnership with UTM to promote innovation and entrepreneurship in the agricultural sector. This collaboration could open new opportunities for students and researchers, allowing them to transform their ideas into viable and sustainable businesses.
The Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), led by Jaroslawa JOHNSON, is one of the largest U.S. government investment funds in our country, supporting digital innovations, startups, and small and medium-sized enterprises for the past 29 years. Their intention is to contribute to the modernization and expansion of existing facilities.
During the discussions of this visit, UTM Rector Viorel Bostan reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to academic excellence and international collaboration, paving the way for new prospects in the future of agriculture in Moldova.
The visit of officials to the Technical University of Moldova marks an important step towards future partnerships that could bring significant benefits to agricultural education and research in the country.
Agrotek Arena represents a unique collaboration between digital technology providers, farmers, students, and professors to promote technological innovations in agriculture. The goal is to enhance productivity, efficiency, and sustainability in agriculture through the exchange of experience and knowledge.
It is worth noting that on April 12, 2024, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the Technical University of Moldova, the Ministry of Education and Research, the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF), and the Moldova Development Foundation. This memorandum includes the preparation of two study programs in IT and Veterinary Medicine at UTM, which will be adapted to meet international accreditation and recognition requirements. Additionally, there will be a strong emphasis on preparing staff to teach in English.
