Education & STEM Capacity: Moldova welcomed the new school year with 334,000+ students back in class, including 27,500 first-graders, while the ministry highlighted more young teachers (473) and a push for equal learning opportunities. School Reform: In Taraclia, 3,270 students start with a first lesson on “Independence That Unites Us,” alongside curriculum reviews (math focus), updated primary assessment with grades returning in 4th grade, and stronger multilingual approaches. Innovation Funding for Industry: Moldova’s companies can apply from Sept. 2 for non-reimbursable grants totaling 61+ million lei via ODA, including support for women’s entrepreneurship, digital innovations and tech startups, and SME competitiveness. Agri-Tech & Biosecurity: ANSA detected the quarantine pest grapevine flavescence dorée phytoplasma in vineyards and launched eradication and control measures, including removing infected vines and restricting movement of planting material. Critical Infrastructure Tech: Terra Drone began developing a C-UAS system to protect energy, airports, ports and telecom sites from malicious drones, adapting interceptor, autonomous flight, AI tracking and sensor/C2 tech. Local Heritage & Conservation: Moldova’s rare 1864 wooden Gaidar windmill is being preserved through an EU-supported restoration effort, keeping rural engineering heritage alive. Romanian Language Policy: Romanian Language Day events culminated in the “Great National Dictation” with 3,500+ participants, while officials stressed Romanian as a bridge and state responsibility for access to learning.