TechStep Sweden – a market entry programme for IT companies from Moldova

Is Sweden your next market? Gain valuable insights, business opportunities and network into the Swedish IT market with TechStep Sweden, a programme for IT companies from the Republic of Moldova, developed by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) in partnership with Invest Moldova Agency. Deadline 1 December 2024.

The programme is implemented in cooperation with key stakeholders in the Swedish IT ecosystem and aims to accelerate the journey of selected Moldovan companies towards the Swedish market.

This is a comprehensive (15-months long) programme that is suitable for companies that are keen to enter the Swedish market and are prepared to invest time into achieving this goal under the close guidance of experienced Swedish market consultants and business coaches.

TechStep Sweden helps participants who actively participate in the programme to:

  •       identify relevant business opportunities in Sweden;
  •       develop and implement a business export strategy for the Swedish market;
  •       develop a business network in Sweden; and 
  •       enter and/or scale operations in the Swedish market.

The programme is presented in full in the annex. The programme is flexible, and additional activities may be added to address participants' specific needs.

Who can apply?

Small and medium size enterprises (up to 250 employees) experienced in selling IT products/services internationally (for example: SaaS, gaming, logistics, energy-tech, fintech, health-tech, ed-tech). The company must be based in the Republic of Moldova with at least 51 percent local ownership.

Companies that participated in the Export to Sweden programme (2023-2024) are also allowed to apply.

Application process

Apply by submitting the online application form

Deadline: 1 December 2024

Available Seats: 10 for the 2025 cohort

Gender-balanced participation is encouraged

Selection criteria

Applicants that pass the formal requirements will be interviewed. Companies that are selected will be offered to sign a commitment contract outlining goals and expectations for participation.

Final candidates will be selected based on the following criteria:

Market Fit (score 1-10)

  • Product/service fit for the Swedish market
  • Demand for the product/service

Capabilities (score 1-10)

  • Adequate export resources (staff and sales)
  • Financial stability
  • Export experience
  • Fluency in English

Ambition (score 1-10)

  • Commitment from 1-2 staff members to complete phase 2-5
  • Eventually current Go-To-Market activities towards the Swedish market.

What is the cost?

The programme is free of charge. A cost-share approach is used for travel expenses related to trips to Sweden to participate in the activities included in the programme. The organisers of the programme will cover all costs related to organising different activities in the programme, as well as accommodations for business-related trips to Sweden.

Airfares, costs related to local transport, visa fees and personal expenses will be covered by the participants of the programme.

Organisers

This programme is created, planned and implemented by Open Trade Gate Sweden in partnership with Invest Moldova Agency. The programme is funded by the National Board of Trade Sweden through its development cooperation budget.

About Invest Moldova Agency

Invest Moldova Agency is a governmental organisation that serves as Moldova’s primary resource for investors and exporters. The agency provides comprehensive support in investment facilitation and export promotion, ensuring that investors have streamlined access to Moldova’s market and  exporters to international markets.

About OTGS

Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) is a part of the National Board of Trade Sweden. OTGS promotes imports from developing countries to Sweden and the EU. OTGS works in cooperation with business support organisations in partner countries to support local companies and strengthen their capacity to do business in the Swedish and EU market. Selected companies can benefit from activities including training, coaching, study visits and participation in trade fairs.

Questions or additional information?

For additional information or questions, please contact:

Luminița-Dorina Gudima
E-mail: luminita-dorina.gudima@invest.gov.md
Phone: +373 68 939 171

Anamaria Deliu
E-mail: anamaria.deliu@kommerskollegium.se
Phone: +46 73 424 4913