TechStep Sweden 2025/2026 - A market entry program for tech and software companies from Moldova
Deadline for application: December 1st, 2024
Available seats: 10 for the 2025 cohort
Description of the program
TechStep Sweden is a structured market entry program, developed by Open Trade Gate Sweden (OTGS) in partnership with Invest Moldova Agency for IT companies from the Republic of Moldova. The program is implemented in cooperation with key stakeholders in the Swedish IT ecosystem and it aims to accelerate the journey of selected Moldovan companies towards the Swedish market.
This is an intensive program that is suitable for companies that are keen to enter the Swedish market and are prepared to invest time into achieving it under the close guidance of experienced Swedish market consultants and business coaches.
TechStep Sweden helps participants who take part actively in the program to:
● Identify relevant business opportunities in Sweden
● Develop and implement a business export strategy for the Swedish market
● Develop a business network in Sweden
● Enter and/or scale operations in the Swedish market.
The program in full is presented in the annex. The program 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, fin-tech, health-tech, ed-tech). The company should be based in the Republic of Moldova with at least 51% local ownership.
Companies that participated in the “Export to Sweden” program (2023-2024) are allowed to apply as well.
Application process
● Apply by submitting the online application form: https://esmaker.net/nx2/s.aspx?id=662b5410afdb
● Deadline: December 1, 2024
● Available Seats: 10 for the 2025 cohort
● Gender-balanced participation is encouraged
Selection criteria
Applicants that have passed the formal requirements will be interviewed. 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.
Companies that are selected will be offered to sign a commitment contract outlining goals and participation expectations.
What is the cost?
The program is free of charge. For travel expenses related to trips to Sweden in order to participate in the activities included in the program, a cost-share approach is used. The organizers of the program will cover all costs related to organizing different activities in the program, as well as the accommodation for the business trips to Sweden.
Airfares, costs related to local transport, visa fees as well as personal expenses should be covered by the participants of the program.
Organisers
This program is created, planned and implemented by Open Trade Gate Sweden in partnership with Invest Moldova Agency. The program is funded by the National Board of Trade Sweden through its development cooperation budget.
About Invest Moldova Agency
Invest Moldova Agency is a governmental organization that serves as Moldova’s primary source for investors and exporters. The Agency provides comprehensive support in investment facilitation and export promotion, ensuring streamlined access for investors into Moldova’s market and for exporters into 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 in cooperation with business support organisations in partner countries support local companies to strengthen their capacities to do business with the Swedish and EU market. Training, coaching, study visits and participation at trade fairs are some of the activities that selected companies can take part in.
Questions or additional information?
For additional information or in case you have questions, please contact:
Luminița-Dorina Gudima
luminita-dorina.gudima@invest.gov.md
Phone: +373 68 939 171
Anamaria Deliu
anamaria.deliu@kommerskollegium.se
Phone: +46 73 424 491