VibeHack Empowers Young Innovators to Build AI Solutions for Real-World Challenges

Eleven teams from southern Moldova developed innovative digital solutions during VibeHack, a 72-hour hackathon held March 20–22, 2026, at the INOTEK Center in Cahul. Bringing together aspiring entrepreneurs, developers, designers, and technology enthusiasts, the event challenged participants to use artificial intelligence and no-code tools to build functional digital products that address real-world problems.

The winning team, PulZ, received first place for developing an application that helps users recognize and manage emotionally triggered binge eating episodes. Inspired by the personal experience of one of the team members, the solution was fully designed and developed during the hackathon, including both a mobile application and an Apple Watch version.

Projects were evaluated by a jury based on problem identification, user validation, product functionality, effective use of AI tools, innovation, and the overall quality of their presentations. NoTechNoLife earned second place with an application that helps older adults navigate smartphones through intuitive voice commands, while SchoolOS secured third place with an AI-powered educational platform that generates personalized learning exercises and step-by-step explanations for students and teachers.

Beyond the winning teams, participants presented a diverse portfolio of innovative ideas, including AI assistants, patent licensing platforms, business review analytics tools, parenting applications, ADHD support solutions, handmade product marketplaces, smart parking systems, and AI-powered skincare recommendation platforms—demonstrating the growing creativity and entrepreneurial potential of Moldova’s emerging tech community.

“The future belongs not to those who know the most about AI, but to those who can use it to solve real-world problems,” said Stella Jemna, Country Representative for Moldova at the Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund (UMAEF). “VibeHack demonstrates that when we invest in people at the right time, they can create meaningful value immediately.”

The hackathon represents the second phase of the VibeHack South Moldova program, launched in 2026 to help aspiring innovators build digital products using artificial intelligence and no-code technologies. The initiative combines three stages—an online training program, an intensive hackathon, and a post-event mentorship program running from March 30 to May 17—to help participants refine their ideas, strengthen their entrepreneurial skills, and prepare their products for further development.

Implemented by the INOTEK Foundation with financial support from UMAEF and Sweden, in partnership with the Startup Moldova Foundation, VibeHack contributes to the development of Moldova’s digital economy by equipping young innovators with practical technology skills, fostering entrepreneurship, and encouraging the creation of scalable, technology-driven solutions with real market potential.