Invitation to TechStep Sweden – a market entry programme for tech companies from Moldova

Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS), in partnership with Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) and Invest Moldova, invites Moldovan tech companies to apply for TechStep Sweden 2027/2028.

Application deadline: 24 August 2026

Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS), in partnership with Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) and Invest Moldova, invites Moldovan tech companies to apply for TechStep Sweden 2027/2028.

TechStep Sweden is a structured market entry programme designed to help companies offering IT products and services explore, validate and pursue business opportunities in Sweden. Through training, mentoring, market research and business visits, participants gain the knowledge, contacts and support needed to assess the Swedish market and prepare for international growth.
The programme is implemented in collaboration with stakeholders from the Swedish technology ecosystem and combines expert guidance with practical market-entry support.

What will participating companies gain?

Companies that actively participate in the programme will:

• Understand the Swedish business environment, customer expectations and opportunities in the IT sector.
• Assess and validate the market potential of their products and services in Sweden.
• Strengthen their business development and market-entry skills.
  Develop a realistic go-to-market plan for Sweden.
• Build a relevant professional network and establish business contacts in Sweden.

Programme structure

The programme consists of three phases. Progression between phases is not automatic and is based on participation, commitment, demonstrated market potential and the outcome of the selection process. The objective is to help companies establish a strong foundation for long-term business development in Sweden.

TechStep consists of three phases

Phase 1: Introduction to the Swedish Market
7 September–19 October 2026

Participants will complete online learning modules and take part in an interactive workshop with Swedish experts. The objective is to provide a practical introduction to the Swedish business environment, customer expectations and market dynamics within the technology sector. The estimated time to accomplish this phase is about 14 hours, including the live session. 

At the end of the phase, companies decide whether they wish to continue exploring the Swedish market through the more in-depth activities offered in Phase 2.

Phase 2: Deep Dive into the Swedish Market
15 November 2026–15 June 2027

Participants receive tailored support to assess their market potential in Sweden through training, mentoring, market validation activities and two business visits to Sweden.

The phase focuses on:

• Market research and customer validation
• Pitch and communication training
• Building a professional network in Sweden
• Testing products and services with potential customers and partners

By the end of Phase 2, participating companies should have sufficient market knowledge and evidence to determine whether Sweden represents a commercially viable opportunity.

Phase 3: Market Entry Support
1 July 2027–31 March 2028

Participants receive hands-on support to implement their market-entry plans, including:

• Individual mentorship
• Business matchmaking
• Introductions to relevant stakeholders
• Additional business visits to Sweden
• Tailored business development support

Who can apply?

The programme is open to small and medium-sized enterprises (up to 250 employees), The company must be based in the Republic of Moldova with at least 51 per cent local ownership. Applicants must not be subject to EU sanctions against Russia or Belarus.

Companies with innovative digital products and services, strong technical expertise and international business experience are invited to apply.

For participation in Phases 2 and 3, companies must also demonstrate sufficient financial capacity to co-finance participation-related costs.

Selection process

Admission to Phase 1

All companies that fulfil the formal eligibility requirements will be admitted.

Selection for Phase 2

Companies that complete Phase 1 and wish to continue will be considered for Phase 2. Selection for Phase 2 is competitive and consists of an assessment of the application and an interview with the company. Up to ten companies will be selected to continue to Phase 2.

Selection will be based on:

Market fit

• Relevance of the product or service for the Swedish market
• Level of innovation

 Capabilities

• Demonstrated expertise in the company's field
• Resources allocated to international business development
• Financial stability
• International business experience

English language proficiencyAmbition and commitment

• Commitment from at least two employees to participate actively
• Interest in developing business opportunities in Sweden

Selection for Phase 3

Companies that successfully complete Phase 2 and demonstrate strong commercial potential in Sweden may be invited to continue to the final phase.

The selection will be based on the market assessment conducted during Phase 2, the commercial opportunities identified and the company's level of engagement throughout the programme.

Selected companies for Phases 2 and 3 will be required to sign a commitment letter outlining programme expectations and participation requirements.

Testimonial from a participating company

“One of the most impressive things about the Swedish game industry is its focus on building connections. Through initiatives like Tech Step Sweden, industry events, and community-driven networking, studios are given opportunities to meet, exchange ideas, and learn directly from experienced professionals.

Our experience has shown that face-to-face meetings still matter. Pitching your project, discussing challenges, sharing insights, and hearing honest feedback often create opportunities that simply wouldn't emerge through online communication alone. Just as importantly, entering a new market is much easier when there are people willing to make introductions and bring the right partners together. Community builders like our mentor Thomas play a key role in making those connections happen.”

Vladimir Luta, CEO, CGI Lab Games

What is the cost?

Participation in the programme is free of charge.

For companies participating in Phases 2 and 3, programme organisers will cover the costs of training activities and accommodation during business visits to Sweden.

Participating companies are responsible for:

• Airfare
• Local transportation
• Visa fees
• Personal expenses

Companies are encouraged to appoint a dedicated programme representative to ensure active participation throughout the programme.

How to apply

Submit your application through the online application form.

Application deadline: 24 August 2026

Available seats:
•    Phase 1: Unlimited
•    Phase 2: Up to 10 companies
•    Phase 3: Up to 10 companies

Participation in Phase 1 does not guarantee selection for subsequent phases of the programme. Women-led companies and diverse teams are particularly encouraged to apply.

Organisers

TechStep Sweden is developed and implemented by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS), Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) and Invest Moldova Agency 
The programme is funded by the National Board of Trade Sweden through its development cooperation budget.

Open Trade Gate Sweden

Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) is part of the National Board of Trade Sweden. OTGS promotes imports from developing countries to Sweden and the EU and supports companies in partner countries through training, coaching, study visits and business matchmaking activities.

Moldova Innovation Technology Park

Moldova Innovation Technology Park (MITP) is Moldova’s leading digital innovation platform and brings together more than 2,900 resident companies. MITP supports innovation, exports and international collaboration and helps Moldovan tech companies expand into new markets. Contact: Veronica Bucur,
veronica.bucur@mitp.md.

Invest Moldova Agency

Invest Moldova Agency is the governmental organisation responsible for investment promotion and export development in Moldova. The agency supports investors and exporters through advisory services, market intelligence and business facilitation. Contact: Mihaela Oineagra, mihaela.oineagra@invest.gov.md.