This study aims to design a digital economy-based entrepreneurship ecosystem in Birjand, a less-developed city in eastern Iran. Using a qualitative approach and thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews with 20 local entrepreneurs and policymakers, key factors influencing the ecosystem were identified, including digital education, technological infrastructure (e.g., high-speed internet), supportive government policies, and inter-sectoral collaboration. The findings highlight the strategic role of digital technologies in overcoming geographical limitations and promoting sustainable regional development. The proposed model, structured across strategic, supportive, and operational levels, integrates local digital platforms and strengthens university-startup networks to enhance entrepreneurial capacity. This research bridges the gap between digital economy and entrepreneurship studies by offering a novel, scalable framework tailored to less-developed regions. While applicable to similar contexts, the model requires further validation regarding digital infrastructure readiness. he proposed model, structured across strategic, supportive, and operational levels, integrates local digital platforms and strengthens university-startup networks to enhance entrepreneurial capacity. This research bridges the gap between digital economy and entrepreneurship studies by offering a novel, scalable framework tailored to less-developed regions. While applicable to similar contexts, the model requires further validation regarding digital infrastructure readiness.he proposed model, structured across strategic, supportive, and operational levels, integrates local digital platforms and strengthens university-startup networks to enhance entrepreneurial capacity. This research bridges the gap between digital economy and entrepreneurship studies by offering a novel, scalable framework tailored to less-developed regions. While applicable to similar contexts, the model requires further validation regarding digital infrastructure readiness. While applicable to similar contexts, the model requires further validation regarding digital infrastructure readiness.