In 2024, Dreamups - a company fostering startup growth to turn meaningful ideas into globally impactful companies - organised the 10th edition of its Upcelerator programme, designed to support early-stage tech startups.The programme was conducted entirely online and free of charge from March to June 2024 and aimed at aspiring entrepreneurs in Moldova and beyond.
This year, Dreamups received 180 applications from 12 Central and Eastern European countries. Out of these, 90 startups were selected, covering sectors such as medical, cybersecurity, agriculture, entertainment, fintech, and education. Participants received guidance from over 35 mentors worldwide, helping them refine their business models, validate products, and develop Minimum Viable Products (MVPs).
The programme culminated in a graduation event, where 33 active teams presented their refined business ideas. Several standout startups emerged: e.g. FoodCop, which focuses on helping small farmers improve the efficiency of agricultural production and sales; Deeplastify, an AI-powered app that promotes sustainable living by helping users adopt eco-friendly habits; LaterCut, an app designed to create short films with AI templates, streamlining content creation for social media; HYGEIA, a digital platform that offers programmes for managing chronic diseases caused by lifestyle factors.
As part of the programme’s success, three startups were selected by Mozaic, a key programme partner, to join its Traction Accelerator, where they will receive 25,000 EUR in investment to further develop their businesses. This marks an important step in their journey towards becoming globally scalable products.
By providing access to an international network of mentors and partners, Upcelerator fosters collaboration and knowledge-sharing within the tech ecosystem in Eastern Europe.
For more info: lombardo@cei.int