The eYou platform, a Romania-based social media startup currently in pre-launch, aims to become a European alternative to traditional networks, focusing on algorithm transparency, user control over feeds, and AI-powered fact-checking. The project has raised €300,000 in pre-seed funding from Fil Rouge Capital and has already attracted over 10,000 sign-ups on its first day.

Founded by Jasseem Allybokus and Grégoire Vigroux, two French entrepreneurs based in Romania, eYou positions itself as a “trust-by-design” platform in contrast to global players like Facebook and X.

At the core of the product is a real-time fact-checking feature integrated directly into the user experience. With a single click, users can access AI-generated assessments of posts, based on credible and neutral sources, enabling them to verify claims without interrupting the flow of conversation.

The platform also introduces a transparent recommendation system, allowing users to view and adjust the profile built about them. This gives users direct control over the signals shaping their feed and the option to diversify content exposure beyond algorithm-driven echo chambers.

Built in Europe and aligned with strict data protection standards, eYou enters a market increasingly concerned with misinformation, platform accountability, and the dominance of non-European tech giants.

The public launch is scheduled for May 2026. Until then, users can join the waitlist and secure early access at: eyou.social.

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Techsylvania, one of Eastern Europe’s leading tech and business conferences, announces the launch of its 2026 edition. The event will take place on June 24–25, 2026, in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, bringing together thousands of innovators, entrepreneurs, executives, and technology enthusiasts from around the world.

With every edition, Techsylvania strengthens its position as a catalyst for innovation and a powerful platform where global leaders share groundbreaking ideas, emerging startups gain visibility, and meaningful business relationships begin. The 2026 edition promises an elevated experience focused on the future of technology, product building, artificial intelligence, business growth, and the global innovation landscape.

What Awaits You at Techsylvania 2026

Attendees can expect the signature Techsylvania experience:

Visionary Perspectives: Global industry leaders will take the stage to explore the trends shaping the next decade—from AI and emerging technologies to the intersection of business, innovation, and society.

Hands-on Workshops: Expert-led practical sessions designed to help professionals sharpen their skills in areas such as engineering, AI, product strategy, leadership, and data.

Startup Alley: Startup-focused events, exclusive pitching opportunities, and curated interactions with international investors and mentors.

Premium Networking: Curated spaces including the B2B Matchmaking Area, Executive Lounge, and invite-only gatherings that foster strategic connections between leaders, founders, and top-level professionals.

Interactive Experiences: Technology showcases and installations highlighting cutting-edge products, tools, and emerging technologies.

First Confirmed Speakers Announced

Techsylvania 2026 has already confirmed its first international speakers, bringing together founders, investors, and operators shaping the future of technology and business.

Among them are Andrei Șerban, Founder & CEO of Console, an AI-native platform backed by Thrive Capital and DST Global; Sam Lipoff, Partner at Liminal, the venture studio and fund founded by Temasek Holdings; and Sheel Mohnot, Co-Founder & General Partner at Better Tomorrow Ventures, a leading seed-stage fintech fund.

These early confirmations set the tone for a high-impact lineup focused on applied technology, AI, and real-world business insights.

Strategic Partnership Announcement

Techsylvania 2026 is proud to welcome Super Technologies as the Strategic Partner for this year’s edition.

As a fast-growing company in the global technology and entertainment space, Super Technologies shares Techsylvania’s vision of driving progress through technology, entrepreneurship, and bold thinking. This partnership further strengthens the event’s mission to create meaningful connections between global leaders, innovative companies, and the next generation of community builders.

A New Chapter for Eastern Europe’s Innovation Landscape

Techsylvania 2026 marks an important moment in positioning Eastern Europe as a rising force in global technology and business. The event continues to attract a diverse audience of engineers, founders, executives, investors, corporate innovators, and community builders from more than 30 countries.

Additional speakers, partners, and special initiatives for the 2026 edition will be announced in the coming weeks.

More information and updates on techsylvania.com.

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On June 17–18, 2026, Oradea will host the fifth edition of UNCHAIN Festival, one of the leading finance and technology events in Central and Eastern Europe. The organizers expect more than 800 senior leaders from over 40 countries, including representatives from banks, fintech companies, regulators, payment networks, and technology providers.

This year’s focus is on closing execution gaps and addressing the structural risks created by legacy infrastructure and rapid AI adoption.

Over the past five years, the financial ecosystem across Central and Eastern Europe has undergone a quiet but profound transformation. What began as an urgent push for digitisation has evolved into a deeper reconfiguration of how finance is built, distributed, and experienced, from the unbundling of legacy banking infrastructure and the rise of embedded finance to the convergence of payments, credit, loyalty, and data-driven decision-making.

Insights gathered across previous editions of UNCHAIN Festival and distilled in its sector whitepapers point to a clear direction: finance in CEE is no longer defined by isolated products or institutions, but by ecosystems. Banks are navigating legacy “spaghetti” infrastructures while experimenting with parallel core systems and AI-driven internal automation. Retailers are moving beyond transactions toward experience-first models where payments, lending, and loyalty blend seamlessly into the customer journey. Meanwhile, fintechs are no longer challengers at the edges, but integral players shaping interfaces, expectations, and speed.

Against this backdrop, UNCHAIN Festival returns to Oradea on 17–18 June 2026, offering unparalleled networking opportunities, exclusive industry insights, and strategic connections for over 800 senior leaders and decision-makers from more than 40 countries. This event marks its 5th anniversary and has evolved into a comprehensive platform that connects financial institutions, regulators, technology providers, and industry leaders at a time when alignment has become a strategic necessity.

“During the first four years of the UNCHAIN Festival, we have seen a lot of international cooperation and merchant integration. Technology combines various verticals even more closely. Many non-banks are now entering the financial services market by offering embedded finance options or loyalty/crypto products to their customers. There are many challenges with regulation, but this is exactly why we’re bringing everybody to the same table – so law can keep up with innovation, and vice versa. Technology adoption, as in digital-first and customer-vertically specialized, continues to develop. Neobanks, digital brokers are getting more and more prolific,” says David Pollack, Managing Partner at UNCHAIN.

From Fintech Disruption to Financial Integration

As geopolitical uncertainty, regulatory pressure, and economic fragmentation continue to test Europe’s resilience, UNCHAIN 2026 positions itself at the intersection of these forces, fostering dialogue around regional integration, trust, and execution. The event aligns with the emerging EU Inc. vision and aims to strengthen Europe’s internal economic cohesion, making it a vital platform for stakeholders committed to regional resilience and innovation.

In its fifth year, UNCHAIN reflects the maturity of the ecosystem it serves. Fintech is no longer a vertical; it is embedded across banking, payments, retail, mobility, and public infrastructure. The 2026 agenda will cover critical topics such as programmable capital markets, embedded financial models beyond checkout, hybrid digital–human banking experiences, and the role of AI as an internal efficiency engine rather than a blunt customer-facing tool.

These discussions build directly on patterns observed over time at UNCHAIN: banks seeking clarity over ownership versus partnership, merchants pushing back against outdated loyalty and cashback mechanics, and regulators grappling with frameworks designed for a world that no longer exists.

Industry Voices on Innovation and Regulation

Erik Barna, Co-Founder of FaraGrija.ro, highlights the growing exchange between banking and insurance: “Insurance is the smallest brother of banking. Instead of borrowing from insurance, banking can inspire innovation in insurtech. Directives like PSD2 boosted fintech startups; we need something similar for insurance.”

Similarly, regulators are navigating new challenges at the intersection of data, AI, and innovation. Ivana Jolic, Director at the Croatian National Bank, explains: “Credit risk AI needs vast data, but GDPR restricts usage. We must find a balance for keeping systems safe while fostering innovation.”

Michal Vodrážka of the Czech National Bank adds: “Instant payments should be the norm without over-reliance on law. We focus on improving existing infrastructure while monitoring developments like the digital euro.”

From the merchant perspective, Ciprian Pîrv, Country Managing Director at Payten, observes: “Merchants want seamless payment methods that are stable and error-free. Innovation drives adoption when it delivers direct benefits and competitive advantage.”

Scale, Continuity, and Regional Relevance

What started as a 350-delegate gathering has grown into one of the most influential financial platforms in the region. Across its previous editions, UNCHAIN has brought together well over 2,000 participants, creating a cumulative, cross-border community of decision-makers shaping the future of finance in CEE.

With approximately 75% of attendees from the financial sector, UNCHAIN has become a reference platform for meaningful, outcome-driven conversations that can shape how finance is understood in CEE.

“The fifth anniversary represents more than just a chronological milestone; it marks a fundamental shift in our regional impact. We are moving beyond the ‘fintech’ label because the challenges of 2026 — liquidity, credit access, and risk management — require a unified ‘Finance’ front. By transitioning from the ‘Fintech Fortress’ to the Finance Fortress, we are inviting the entire spectrum of the financial industry to Oradea to ensure that CEE remains a cohesive, innovative, and resilient economic bloc within the European Union. EU Inc. will definitely be a big topic this year at UNCHAIN“, says David Pollack, Managing Partner at UNCHAIN. 

Reflecting on the momentum behind the 2026 edition, Eliad Saporta, Founder & CEO of Coriunder and long-time UNCHAIN contributor, notes: “What we are seeing across banking and payments is not a race for the next shiny feature, but a recalibration of roles. In 2026, the real competitive advantage will come from institutions that understand context, knowing when to automate, when to intervene, and how to stay visible in the moments that matter most to customers. This is exactly the type of conversation UNCHAIN.”

Mr. Saporta’s contribution at UNCHAIN 2026 will further explore how infrastructure choices, AI governance, and embedded finance models are reshaping short- and medium-term strategies across Europe’s financial institutions.

A Platform for Connection and Execution

Hosted within the historic Oradea Fortress, UNCHAIN 2026 continues to combine strategic content with a highly curated networking environment, offering brands and institutions full exposure to the CEE market in a single setting. The event brings together private-sector leaders alongside central banks, regulators, and global networks such as Visa, reinforcing its role as a bridge between policy, innovation, and real-world execution.

As Central and Eastern Europe moves from catching up to actively shaping Europe’s financial future, UNCHAIN Festival stands as the place where that future is debated, challenged, and built.

Tickets and registration are available here: unchainfestival.com/tickets/.

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Rubik Hub announces the 8th edition of Rubik Garage, its flagship accelerator program, dedicated for the first time exclusively to the healthcare industry. The program runs from October 2025 to February 2026 and is open to European startups at pre-MVP, MVP, or growth stage that are building impactful health solutions. Participation is free and equity-free.

Applications are now open: rubikhub.ro/rubik-garage/

Two Tracks for Healthcare Startups

The program offers tailored support depending on the stage of development:

Pre-MVP (TRL 3–5): From Proof of Concept to Prototype

• Validate the technical and functional feasibility of solutions
• Move from proof of concept to functional prototype
• Prepare for early user testing and market readiness

MVP & Growth (TRL 6–8): From Testing to Market Traction

• Validate technology in operational environments
• Attract first customers or users
• Refine the business model for growth, market entry, or fundraising

“Through the Rubik Garage accelerator, we support healthcare startups in moving towards market-ready solutions, real-world validation, and commercial traction. Rubik Hub has the expertise to guide founders from early validation to building viable business models, providing them with the knowledge and resources they need. We chose to apply this experience to one of the most challenging sectors—healthcare—in order to foster real innovation and long-lasting impact,” said Ionuț Amariei, program manager.

Eligibility

The accelerator targets European startup teams working on solutions in medtech, healthtech, digital medical devices, digital health, health data, longevity, mental health, and consumer health.

Applicants must have:

• Solutions at TRL 3–8
• A founding team with medical expertise
• Ambition to scale into European and global markets

As with all Rubik Hub programs, participation is free and equity-free, but teams must commit fully to the program. Applicants showing strong engagement will be prioritized.

Program Structure

The program starts on October 22, 2025 and includes:

• 100+ hours of workshops, mentoring, and one-on-one feedback sessions
• Meetings with investors, founders, and certified coaches
• In-person gatherings:
  • Milan Bootcamp (Nov 26–28, 2025) – networking with peers, mentors, and the Rubik Hub team
  • Demo Day (Feb 2026) – startups present their progress to investors, partners, and mentors

A Proven Track Record

Since its launch, Rubik Garage has worked with more than 230 founders, with alumni including Rayscape, Synaptiq, Apollo AI, and Beesers. This edition is supported by Orange and Imago-Mol Cluster through the Innovate EU and Cluster4Health projects.

In 2025, Rubik Hub, part of the North-East Regional Development Agency of Romania, was ranked 39th among Europe’s top accelerators, a prestigious list developed by Financial Times, Sifted, and Statista.

At the beginning of October, part of the Rubik Hub team will attend Italian Tech Week, where they can connect in person with the local startup ecosystem.

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With over 50 teams, 40 mentors, and 30 real-world challenges, this year’s Cluj Hackathon, held from May 24–26 2025, pushed boundaries in agentic AI — and made space for some of the brightest young minds in Romania and beyond to shine. The three-day innovation marathon, hosted by Bosch Engineering Center Cluj, drew not only hackers and developers but also investors, accelerators, and founders curious about the next wave of AI-native startups.

Organized by Adrian Vlasiu, the hackathon aimed to harness the power of artificial intelligence to address real-world societal issues. Participants were encouraged to develop AI-driven solutions across various domains, including education, healthcare, and emergency response. The event’s mission was clear: to create impactful technologies that serve the community.

Now in its third edition, Cluj Hackathon has established itself as a consecrated name in the global hackathon scene, recently recognized by the Major League Hacking as one of the top 100 hackathons in the world.

“That kind of recognition validates the quality of our teams, our mentors, and the energy we’ve been building here in Cluj,” said Adrian Vlasiu, the event’s founder and organizer.

The winners? Three radically different teams united by one trait: they built useful, human-centered products with global potential.

First Prize: AI Interior Design Assistant That Understands Your Style

Filip Csibi, a computer science student at the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, teamed up with Mark Renner, a theology high school student passionate about computer science and one of the youngest participants of the hackathon, to win first place with a product that turned heads.

Their AI-powered interior design app that helps users visualize room layouts and purchase suggested furniture in a few clicks. Using OpenAI APIs and DALL·E 3, the app generates personalized room visuals and learns user preferences over time. Ideal for people who move often or want quick, affordable design help, the app could soon evolve into a 3D and VR-based design platform.

Despite being just a duo, the team delivered a highly-polished prototype and impressed judges with both technical execution and vision. Filip said the experience reinforced the importance of teamwork — and they are already planning to expand the team for next year’s edition.

Second Prize: A Chatbot to Fix University Bureaucracy

Few things frustrate students more than getting information from university secretariats. Matei Botezat, Bogdan Buruian, Luca Balasoiu and Bogdan Biris, all four computer science students from Babeș-Bolyai University, created a smart fix: a university helper chatbot powered by Google Dialogflow and Cloud Functions.

Their idea? Free up secretaries’ time and reduce student stress by automating answers about scholarships, Erasmus programs, student IDs, and more. Mentorship from experts like Maria and Zoli (Fetch.ai) helped them refine the app’s business potential and prepare it for rollout.

The next step: test a prototype at their own university and explore expanding across campuses via European grants or university consortia. It’s a hyper-local solution with cross-border relevance — and a practical example of AI as administrative glue.

Third Prize: Angel AI — A Calm Voice in an Emergency

From travel panic to cultural misunderstandings, the Angel AI team tackled a universal pain point: what happens when travelers face danger in unfamiliar places? Their AI-powered assistant app aims to provide immediate, culturally aware support in high-stress situations — from medical emergencies to legal trouble or natural disasters.

Originally pitched as a dynamic travel planner, the idea pivoted mid-hackathon to focus on preventive alerts, real-time assistance, and actionable advice in moments of crisis. The team — Cristiana Constantin, Marius Manea and Bogdan Caraeane, all three students at  the University of Bucharest — received key mentorship on shaping their go-to-market strategy and decided to explore white-label partnerships with insurers, travel platforms, or even competitors.

With a rebrand in the works and small features being rolled out to collect traction and data, Angel AI is aiming to become a digital safety net for travelers worldwide.

Mentors: Cluj’s Secret Weapon

Mentors played a critical role in guiding teams toward clarity and viability. One of them, Mo Zidan, highlighted just how far the Cluj tech scene has come, not trying to replicate Silicon Valley, but growing with its own distinct identity.

He was also struck by the confidence and global mindset of young Romanian talent — like the 14-year-old who pitched fluently to a panel of international judges. For Moe, participating as a mentor was a way to “give back” and help build bridges between Cluj and other tech hubs in Eastern Europe and Asia.

“It’s not about copying Berlin or San Francisco. Cluj should link with other rising hubs — places like Prague, Budapest, Jakarta, Seoul. We have the mindset now. And the talent.”

One major evolution at this year’s event? Teams didn’t just use AI as a gimmick — they built AI agents that could act: book transport, send documents, or adapt in real time to changing user needs. Mo described this as “the biggest leap forward” he’s seen at any hackathon so far.

“This year’s AI agents weren’t just reactive chatbots,” said Mo Zidan, one of the lead mentors. “They were capable of taking action — booking taxis during emergencies or rerouting flights. That’s a massive shift.”

AI, Creativity, and the Future: A Bosch Perspective

As the host of the Cluj Hackathon 2025, Bosch Engineering Center Cluj provided not just the venue, but a fertile ground for forward-looking innovation. For Maria Barbatei, Group Leader of VR & AR Activities at Bosch, what stood out most was the breadth and relevance of the solutions.

“First of all, in this edition, the variety of solutions was extremely wide,” Maria noted. “The participants tackled problems from several industries, and especially the winners provided a solution which is relevant to all of us as it influences our daily lives and helps us to design our work environment at the office or at home as it fits us best.”

Beyond the creativity and boldness of the teams, Maria emphasized Bosch’s ongoing investment in AI-driven development and a data-first culture:

“I believe that the development of AI in the next five years will be fast-paced, and this is the reason why at Bosch we focus on data-driven development, and aim to foster a data-first culture while staying ahead with the AI advancements. We do this with the projects and activities in the data-development area as well as with building communities to expand these competencies in the organization with a rich mix of learning formats and collaborative activities.”

Bosch’s innovation programs don’t just support external events like the hackathon; they’re also fueling internal breakthroughs, with multiple invention reports being generated every year. It’s a model of how corporate R&D and grassroots innovation can work hand-in-hand — and how Cluj’s tech ecosystem is positioning itself for long-term, AI-powered growth.

What’s Next for Cluj Hackathon?

The 2025 edition marked a turning point — with agentic AI becoming not just a buzzword but a tool for building real products with real users. The energy was palpable. So was the ambition.

As the Cluj tech ecosystem continues to mature, the hackathon proves it’s not just a launchpad for code, but a catalyst for startups, mentorship, and international partnerships.

Organizer Adrian Vlasiu sees even bigger things on the horizon: an expansion across Romania and Europe, the launch of a Senior Hackathon for professionals aged 30+, and the formation of a European Hackathon League to foster a cross-border community of builders.

“We’re creating a platform where ideas meet capital, mentorship meets execution, and regional talent meets global relevance”, Adrian said.

One thing’s certain: the future of AI isn’t being built in Silicon Valley alone — it’s also coming from a theology high school student in Cluj, a chatbot for university offices, and a virtual guardian angel for tourists.

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On February 27, 2025, the LevelUP Health & Life Sciences Accelerator Demo Day took place at Hub UTCN in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, bringing together some of the most promising health tech startups. The program’s finalists pitched their innovative solutions in nutrition, psychiatry, surgery, telemedicine, and healthcare management before a jury of investors, doctors, and business experts. The event also featured a panel discussion on the collaboration between healthcare professionals and startups, as well as a networking session.

After five intense months of work, including seven workshops, 29 experts, and over 70 hours of mentorship and consultancy, the six most promising health & life sciences startups reached the grand finale of the second edition of LevelUP Health & Life Sciences Accelerator.

At the end of the Demo Day evening, Argus AI won the Best Startup, Jury’s Choice, while Neurocare was awarded the Best Startup, Public’s Choice, recognizing their outstanding contributions to health innovation.

Argus AI: Augmented Reality to Support Neurosurgeons

One of the standout startups at Demo Day was Argus AI, a company leveraging augmented reality to assist neurosurgeons in reducing surgical errors, operation times, anesthesia exposure, and post-operative complications. Their solution integrates MRI/CT scans into VR headsets, allowing surgeons to visualize critical structures such as tumors and blood vessels, helping them better prepare for complex interventions.

Vladimir Verbulski, the founder of Argus AI, highlighted the immense value of the LevelUP Accelerator in shaping their journey. “The industry-specific mentorship and tailored sessions were exactly what we needed. The program helped us refine our approach and move towards real-world application,” he shared.

Currently, Argus AI has developed a minimum viable product (MVP) and is starting trials in collaboration with clinics and hospitals to gather feedback and refine their technology. They are also seeking €1.9 million in investment to sustain operations for the next two and a half years. “This funding will allow us to bring the product to market, validate its impact in real-world settings, and ultimately improve neurosurgical procedures,” Vladimir Verbulski explained.

Argus AI’s innovation and potential were recognized at the event, earning them the Best Startup, Jury’s Choice award.

Neurocare: Enhancing Dementia Care with Smart Wearables

Another promising startup at Demo Day, Neurocare, is revolutionizing dementia care through smart wearables and a connected platform. Their solution monitors vitals, activity, sleep patterns, and fall risks, ensuring greater safety for patients. Caregivers benefit from real-time insights and AI-powered support, while healthcare professionals gain access to data-driven patient management tools, leading to improved care coordination.

Founder Florin Leu, along with Vladimir Plotean, emphasized how the LevelUP Accelerator helped refine their strategy and accelerate growth. “The experience has been invaluable—we’re now better prepared to navigate the market and avoid past mistakes,” they shared.

The team is currently focused on finalizing their MVP by the end of Q2 and preparing for clinical trials. Their goal is to launch first in Romania, then expand across the EU. To make this happen, they are seeking a €500,000 pre-seed investment and strategic partnerships with hospitals and healthcare organizations. “We need strong endorsements to build trust and scale our solution effectively,” Florin Leu explained.

Neurocare’s efforts resonated strongly with the audience, earning them the Best Startup, Public’s Choice at Demo Day.

Other Startups That Pitched at Demo Day

Besides Argus AI and Neurocare, four other promising startups showcased their solutions at LevelUP Demo Day:

• Dr-Online – A telemedicine app that facilitates easy access to quality medical services. Through partnerships with doctors, clinics, and service providers, their platform offers virtual consultations, integrates medical devices, and enables efficient electronic medical record (EMR) management.
• Forkpie Kids – An AI-powered app that helps parents monitor their children’s nutrition. Users take a photo of their meals, and the app analyzes nutritional values while providing personalized recommendations based on Healthy Eating Plate principles. Parents receive daily and weekly reports to support healthier eating habits for their children.
• MaeveAI – An AI-powered virtual assistant designed to simplify the workload of healthcare professionals. MaeveAI automates tasks such as patient communication, appointment scheduling, and inventory management, allowing doctors to focus more on patient care.
• Smart Bites – A comprehensive nutrition solution, offering personalized meal plans, expert consultation, quick online grocery shopping, and ingredient delivery. Smart Bites simplifies the journey toward healthy eating for the entire family.

LevelUP’s Vision: Personalizing the Startup Journey

Reflecting on this edition of LevelUP, Anca Roman, Head of the Accelerator, highlighted the impressive progress made by the participating startups. “Innovation in healthcare is often a slow process, but with the right mentorship, expertise, and partnerships, we’ve seen remarkable growth,” she noted.

Looking ahead, the accelerator plans to further personalize the journey for each startup and explore a challenge-driven approach, potentially focusing on areas like oncology or green health tech. Another key priority is fostering long-term engagement through community events, bringing together alumni and experts to discuss funding opportunities and sustain momentum.

“We want to keep supporting startups even after the program ends, ensuring they have the resources and connections to scale,” Roman emphasized.

LevelUP Health & Life Sciences Accelerator

Launched in March 2023 by INNO, the North-West of Romania Regional Development Agency’s department responsible for regional innovation and attracting investors, LevelUP is the first accelerator in Romania exclusively dedicated to startups in the fields of health and life sciences. The program has been developed with assistance from EIT Health as part of their DRIVE program, further strengthening its commitment to fostering cutting-edge healthcare solutions.

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Between November 2024 and February 2025, the Cluj IT Association, in partnership with Smart Innovation Norway, carried out the project “AI-Driven Green Digital Transformation in Public Administration”.

The project pursued the development of an approach model for evaluating the degree of digitization and the level of preparation of the town halls for the adoption of modern digital tools, including artificial intelligence, taking into account at the same time the need to ensure the lowest possible level of negative impact on the environment. The mayors of Romania and Norway were primarily targeted, and the project could later be expanded to include local administrations from other countries.

Within the project, a web platform was implemented that allows evaluation processes to be carried out by going through a form in multiple steps, answering multiple-choice questions.

The set of 180 questions, grouped into 11 categories, was made by the implementation team through a process of research and analysis, aiming at the full coverage of all activities carried out within a local administration organization and specific aspects related to sustainability and reducing the negative impact on the environment.

Artificial intelligence algorithms were used to train the interpreter of the evaluation responses so that he could create a comprehensive diagnosis of the current state regarding digitization, preparation for the adoption of AI tools and ensuring sustainability, and to be able to generate actionable, personalized recommendations in this regard. For the interpretation and formulation of the results, a large language model (LLM) from the Llama family was integrated. From the beginning, the system is available in three languages, Romanian, Norwegian and English, making automatic translations through Deepl integration to ensure efficient collaboration between administration representatives and consultants from both participating countries.

The system was piloted and validated through training and work sessions with municipalities from Romania and Norway, including on the Romanian side the municipality of Bistrita, the municipality of Turda, and the city of Cugir, and on the Norwegian side the municipalities of Kongsvinger, Kristiansund, and Bamble.

The participating municipalities appreciated the relevance of the project and the result of the implementation, showing interest in using it further and recommending it to other institutions.

Following the implementation of this pilot project, the partners, the Cluj IT Association and Smart Innovation Norway intend to continue developing the system and implementing it further both in their countries, Romania and Norway, as well as in other countries.

The project is supported by a grant from Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway through the EEA grants Romania 2014-2021, in the frame of the “SME Growth Programme Romania”.

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EIT Health, a network of best-in-class health innovators supported by the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT), a body of the European Union, began engaging with the Romanian healthtech ecosystem by opening a call for a local hub at the beginning of 2018. Since then, EIT Health has provided networking opportunities, expertise, and a platform for collaboration to Romanian healthtech startups and innovation projects.

By connecting the local ecosystem to European healthtech innovation centers such as Barcelona, Budapest, Berlin, and London, EIT Health has elevated the level of activity and understanding in Romania. Represented by FreshBlood HealthTech, a Cluj-based NGO dedicated to supporting health innovation, EIT Health has played a critical role in mentoring innovators, offering feedback, and fostering essential connections.

The Romanian healthtech ecosystem has undergone significant transformation over the past seven years, with EIT Health playing a pivotal role in driving innovation, fostering collaboration, and supporting startups.

Romanian HealthTech Ecosystem Performance and Notable Achievements

Insights from the “InnoStars Innovation Ecosystem Maturity Assessment” highlight the strong performance of Romanian companies participating in EIT Health programs. These startups excel in external grants received, valuation, and the percentage of market-entry startups, although they underperform in external funds raised compared to their peers. The ecosystem’s maturity level is classified as “experimenter,” supported by robust numeric indicators and extensive questionnaire responses. Notably, Romanian participants contributed more than any other observed countries to the questionnaire, reflecting EIT Health’s exceptional collaboration network in Romania, facilitated by FreshBlood HealthTech Community based in Cluj-Napoca.

A standout success story is Lumen, a Romanian startup creating glasses for blind individuals unable to use advanced mobile solutions. Lumen replicates the primary functionalities of a guide dog in a scalable product. In 2020, the startup was a winner at the EIT Health Headstart Grand Final and the EIT Health Healthy Longevity Catalyst Award. The startup also gained significant industry support, collaborating with Kaufland Romania and Ascendis. Lumen’s achievements include winning the prestigious Red Dot Luminary Award in 2021 and receiving €9.3 million in funding from the European Innovation Council (EIC), marking a milestone as the first Romanian startup to secure this level of support.

Mapping and Maturing the Romanian HealthTech Ecosystem

The Romanian HealthTech ecosystem is evolving rapidly, showcasing an increasing number of competitive and innovative startups. A recent report, the Romanian HealthTech Startups Overview, categorizes these startups into four main groups:

1. Tools for self-care (with a focus on nutrition and mental health).
2. Tools for patients and their relatives.
3. Tools for healthcare professionals (not limited to doctors).
4. Tools for institutions (healthcare providers and companies).

The ecosystem now boasts over 100 Romanian healthtech startups deemed worthy of follow-up, alongside 10 Moldovan startups increasingly collaborating with Romanian counterparts to enter the EU market. This growth is a significant leap from the 70 startups highlighted in previous reports, reflecting both maturity and regional connectivity.

The Romanian ecosystem is marked by a pragmatic approach, with many startups targeting professional and institutional players rather than solely focusing on consumer-driven trends. This shift, compared to the hype of five years ago, underlines the founders’ focus on delivering impactful and scalable solutions.

Some of these startups have gained international recognition, presenting at global medical conferences and entering international markets. At the same time, Romania has become a hub for startups from countries such as Poland, Czechia, and Estonia, attracted by collaboration opportunities.

Opportunities and Challenges for Growth

The ecosystem’s maturity is evidenced by its “experimenter” status (level 3 out of 5), as confirmed by an evaluation conducted by EIT Health in April 2023. This positions Romania alongside Italy and Poland in healthtech ecosystem maturity. However, significant challenges remain, especially regarding governmental support. The upcoming National Digital Health Strategy, set to begin implementation in 2025, is expected to provide a clearer path for integrating digital tools—many developed by startups—into the national healthcare framework.

Additional funding opportunities are also on the horizon. The Draghi Report by the new European Commission revealed that innovation should be a priority for all EU member states and the currently under implementation PNRR Digitalisation for Hospitals program will strengthen the framework that can drive  hospital-startup collaborations. Notable projects such as Healthchain, where the Medisprof Oncological Center collaborates with Rayscape, exemplify the potential for such partnerships to foster trust, innovation and impact for all stakeholders involved.

Scaling Up and Building Bridges

Ion-Gheorghe Petrovai, Co-Founder and Director of Innovation at FreshBlood HealthTech, the EIT Health RIS Hub for Romania, highlights the maturation of Romania’s healthtech ecosystem, which has grown, with over 100 startups, to a dynamic community of innovators. Successful examples include Synaptic, which expanded to over 20 oncology centers and secured €1.5 million in grants, demonstrating the potential for scaling impactful solutions.

“Despite limited resources, Romanian startups are becoming increasingly competitive,” Dr. Ion Petrovai observes. EIT Health’s efforts to connect these startups with the European ecosystem have been instrumental. 

However, Dr. Petrovai emphasizes the need for greater local contributions, advocating for increased allocation of resources and the creation of flagship events. Among the ambitious plans is organizing a medical hackathon in collaboration with MIT Hacking Medicine, envisioned as a reference event for Eastern Europe.

Ion-Gheorghe also acknowledges challenges brought on by the IT crisis, which exposed gaps in product development. Yet, this period also revealed opportunities for startups to focus on quality over quantity. “Customer feedback is now at the forefront of validating innovative solutions,” he says.

He further elaborates on the role of programs like LevelUP, Hubvantage and Health Innovation Zone in preparing startups for market entry. These programs provide practical feedback, connections to advisors, and a platform for refining ideas. Dr. Petrovai emphasizes that fostering collaboration between Romanian and international stakeholders remains critical for scaling efforts.

Growing Startup Support through Tailored Programs

Adriana Dunca, RIS Program Manager FreshBlood, underscores the evolution of the Hubvantage program, designed to provide Romanian startups with the mentorship and resources they need to thrive. Now in its third year, Hubvantage offers tailored mentorship based on a rigorous needs assessment conducted by specialists from partner organizations. 

Hubvantage is a personalized support program for HealthTech startup founders, with all year round activities specifically designed to help HealthTech startup founders get the support they need to move to the next level. The program offers founders: thorough needs assessment and identification of the immediate needs to address, personalized one-on-one mentoring with healthcare, technical mentors and relevant patients/users, the opportunity to be part of an exclusive club of health founders that inspire and support each other, specially designed events with relevant high quality content, access to opportunities and resources, national and international exposure through the consortium network.

The Hubvantage program is organized in collaboration by FreshBlood HealthTech, HIVE Center for Health Innovation of Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca and Activize and is supported by EIT Health.

A notable enhancement in 2024 was the introduction of a “mix and match” event, where startups engaged in focused 15-minute sessions with stakeholders, including hospital representatives and specialists. “Startups appreciated this fast, contextual approach,” says Dunca. Looking ahead, plans for 2025 include further customization to align with startups’ evolving needs

The EIT RIS Hub in Romania has also flourished under EIT Health’s guidance, particularly in the health sector. “We’ve seen significant growth in startups’ interest in tackling mental health problems, which is aligned with European health trends, “Dunca notes. Programs like LevelUP (Health & Life Sciences Accelerator) and FIX (Cluj Innovation & eXperiment Fund) have accelerated this growth, emphasizing the importance of tailored support and community-building.

Accelerating Health Innovation with Community Support

The LevelUP Health & Life Sciences accelerator, led by Anca Roman, exemplifies how healthtech programs adapt to ecosystem needs. Initially launched with a straightforward structure, the program’s second edition introduced competitive elements, including a mid-program ‘cut-off’ to enhance focus and drive. 

 LevelUP Health & Life Sciences Accelerator program in Cluj-Napoca has been developed with assistance from EIT Health as part of their DRIVE program by INNO, the North-West of Romania Regional Development Agency’s department responsible for regional innovation and attracting investors.

“We’re considering aligning the program’s schedule with specific health challenges, possibly integrating hackathons,” Roman explains. She highlights the program’s broader impact in fostering a supportive community where networking and collaboration thrive. “Around 20% of accelerated ideas have potential market viability, which is a promising outcome,” she adds.

Validating Ideas and Tackling Global Health Challenges

The impact of the LevelUP accelerator extends to projects like Forkpie, a startup addressing childhood obesity through personalized nutrition advice for parents. Entering the program with an unclear direction, the team received valuable feedback that helped them validate their idea, pivot their project, and focus on market-specific solutions. “The accelerator emphasized the importance of testing and validating ideas,” they shared, noting significant changes in their product development.

Forkpie’s app uses AI to analyze children’s meals and provide personalized insights to parents, starting locally in Romania with plans for EU and global expansion. The team credits the program for teaching them to focus efforts and avoid non-essential tasks, ensuring a targeted market approach. “The program helped us plan for scalable growth while solving one problem at a time,” they emphasized.

Reflecting on Seven Years of Progress

EIT Health’s presence in Romania has catalyzed the healthtech ecosystem’s evolution. Programs like Hubvantage and LevelUP have nurtured startups, while initiatives such as the EIT RIS Hub and Health Innovation Zone have cultivated a culture of collaboration and innovation.

Adriana Dunca’s focus on tailored mentorship, Ion Petrovai’s advocacy for scaling impactful solutions, and Anca Roman’s dedication to community-building all underscore a shared commitment to advancing health innovation. 

As Romania’s healthtech ecosystem continues to mature, the lessons learned from EIT Health’s journey provide a roadmap for future growth—one that emphasizes adaptability, collaboration, and the unwavering pursuit of innovation.

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The EmpoWomen Programme launched last month their 2nd Open Call for its transformative initiative, empowering women-led deep-tech startups across European emerging markets and associated countries.

The programme offers a unique opportunity for startups to receive tailored acceleration, mentoring, and non-repayable funding, services, and prizes totaling up to €1.125 million to support their growth.

From October 1 until December 2, 2024, the Open Call for Startups will be open, giving eligible* startups a chance to join the EmpoWomen programme. During the 2nd Open Call, 14 women-led deep-tech startups will be selected. 

All relevant documentation and submission forms are available on the official website. 

Highlights from the First Open Call

During the first Open Call, among the 170 applications, 11 women-led startups were selected to participate in the 1st edition of the EmpoWomen Programme:

• HUGUP (Poland): Revolutionising pregnancy wellness with advanced support wear, HUGUP enhances the journey of expecting mothers.
• IPLEXMED (Portugal): Offering portable genetic diagnostic devices, IPLEXMED ensures health support is accessible anytime, anywhere.
• Astroteq.ai (Poland): Using AI-driven earthquake forecasting, Astroteq.ai provides life-saving alerts before earthquakes.
• Heilo (Poland): Protecting babies from polluted air, Heilo has developed an air purifier for prams and strollers.
• GOTECH Antimicrobial (Portugal): Developing antimicrobial technologies to fight medical device infections, GOTECH is advancing healthcare outcomes.
• IQ Biozoom (Poland): Pioneering non-invasive diagnostic tests for personal health management, offering pain-free solutions.
• Pinky CyberSafe (Moldova): Enhancing cybersecurity awareness for SMEs with AI-driven solutions to fortify digital defences.
• INNOSENSUS (Lithuania): Offering a personal biosensor for gluten detection, INNOSENSUS empowers food sensitivity testing.
• GMZ Enerji Sistemleri (Turkey): Leading the charge in hydrogen energy solutions, driving the transition to sustainable energy.
• P-Agro Minerals (Latvia): Providing phosphorus recovery from wastewater, offering a sustainable fertiliser solution for agriculture.
• The Newsroom (Portugal): Tackling misinformation with AI-powered tools to foster informed news consumption and critical thinking.

These startups are currently participating in a tailored 6-month acceleration programme, curated by Startup Wise Guys and Business Angels Europe. Each company will receive up to €45,000 in equity-free funding, along with mentorship, resources, and access to a supportive community. The Demo Day for this first cohort will be held on November 19, 2024, as a side event at the prestigious SLUSH conference in Helsinki, Finland.

About the EmpoWomen Programme

EmpoWomen is a two-year initiative (2024-2025) designed to accelerate and support 25 women-led deep-tech companies from Europe’s emerging markets, outermost regions, and associated countries. It is designed to provide women entrepreneurs with resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities, and aims to break down barriers and create a more inclusive ecosystem for female-led businesses. 

The programme is led by four consortium partners – SPLORO, an innovation consultancy firm specialised in cascade funding mechanisms, TechUkraine, NGO and media platform bridging Ukraine’s tech-ecosystem with a world, Startup Wise Guys, a global startup accelerator, and Business Angels Europe, the European Confederation of Angel Investing. All together with 8 startup associations from the widening area will run this innovative programme.

*  Only companies legally established in Widening Area, Outermost regions, and Associated countries are eligible. Widening Area Countries: Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czechia, Estonia, Greece, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Malta, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia and Slovenia. Outermost regions: Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Réunion, Martinique, Mayotte and Saint-Martin (France), Canary Islands (Spain). Associated countries: Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Faroe Islands, North Macedonia, Georgia, Moldova, Montenegro, Serbia, Tunisia, Turkey and Ukraine.

For more information on eligibility and application guidelines, visit: https://empowomen.eu/ 

EmpoWomen has received funding from the European Union’s Horizon Europe research and innovation programme under grant agreement N° 101120693.

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In the winter of 1997, an 18-year-old Kai Brand Jacobsen set foot in Cluj-Napoca for the first time. What was meant to be a brief visit to meet Denisa — whom he had met at an international summer school in Norway — turned into the beginning of a lifelong connection to the city and Romania. Cluj, as Jacobsen fondly recalls, was different then: fewer parks, fewer restaurants, and a quieter charm. Yet, what captivated him was the vibrant energy of its people, their hospitality, and a palpable passion for life that made him fall in love with the city.

Over the next 25 years, Jacobsen not only made Cluj his home but also transformed it into a hub for global peacebuilding through his work with the Romanian Peace Institute (PATRIR). The organization, founded in Transylvania, has grown into a globally recognized institution addressing conflicts, promoting education, and fighting violence. Jacobsen’s contributions have not only impacted communities worldwide but have also helped Cluj emerge as a center for education, innovation, and peace.

While PATRIR is not a startup in the traditional sense, its story mirrors the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of our Startups&TheCity project. Born in Cluj-Napoca, this NGO has leveraged innovation, collaboration, and a bold vision to tackle some of the world’s most pressing challenges, from conflict resolution to education reform. 

Much like a successful startup, PATRIR has scaled its impact globally, demonstrating how cities like Cluj can serve as launchpads for initiatives that change the world. Over a coffee, I sat down with Kai Brand Jacobsen to explore the story of PATRIR and his journey as its founder, as he embarks on a new role outside Cluj and PATRIR.

PATRIR: A Global Force for Change

For over two decades, Jacobsen dedicated himself to PATRIR, an organization deeply rooted in the belief that peace begins at the community level. Under his leadership, PATRIR has worked tirelessly to address issues such as bullying in schools, gender-based violence, and domestic abuse, all while promoting healthy communication and relationships. Through workshops and educational campaigns, the institute has reached thousands of students and educators across Romania, empowering them with the tools to create safe, inclusive environments.

The organization’s influence, however, extends far beyond Romania. PATRIR has played pivotal roles in mediating global conflicts, including facilitating peace talks in Nepal, Northern Ireland, and other war-torn regions. Its innovative approaches to addressing the root causes of violence have earned it invitations from the United Nations and governments worldwide. The institute’s expertise in ceasefires, peace agreements, and community rebuilding has saved lives and restored hope in regions devastated by war.

The Synergy Between Cluj and PATRIR

Jacobsen attributes much of PATRIR’s success to the mutual relationship between the institute and Cluj. The city, with its rich cultural and intellectual life, has provided a fertile ground for PATRIR’s educational initiatives and campaigns. Collaborating with local authorities, civic organizations, and educators, PATRIR has not only contributed to Cluj’s development but also inspired its citizens to embrace their role in building a more peaceful society.

“Cluj has grown alongside PATRIR,” Jacobsen reflects. “The people here—teachers, artists, entrepreneurs—are the heart of the city, and their energy inspires everything we do.”

A Call to Action: Supporting PATRIR’s Mission

PATRIR’s work is more urgent than ever, as the world faces increasing violence and instability. Jacobsen highlights the institute’s current campaign to expand its impact locally and globally, particularly in education and peacebuilding. “We’re working on future education in Romania to achieve deep, systemic change,” he explains. This initiative involves creating safe schools, overcoming bullying, and equipping children with practical skills such as effective communication, problem-solving, and collaboration—tools essential for thriving in today’s world and building a better future.

Equally vital is PATRIR’s continued fight against gender-based violence, ensuring that every individual, whether in Romania or beyond, has the opportunity to grow up in safety and dignity. On the global stage, PATRIR is actively supporting communities ravaged by war, including those in Ukraine, Israel, Palestine, and Lebanon. Through interventions to prevent conflicts, efforts to assist survivors, and programs to rebuild lives after violence, PATRIR stands as a beacon of hope. “We’re asking people to help us make a difference in this critical moment,” Jacobsen urges, emphasizing that even in the midst of the worst violence, collective action can pave the way for peace.

A Personal and Professional Farewell

This year marks a significant transition for Jacobsen as he embarks on a new role outside Cluj, one that allows him to continue his global peacebuilding efforts. Despite the move, his connection to Cluj remains steadfast. “Cluj will always be home,” he says. “If I could choose, I would stay here every day. But wherever I go, this city will be a part of me.”

Jacobsen envisions a bright future for Cluj, confident that the city’s dynamism and creativity will continue to flourish. For him, Cluj is just at the beginning of its next chapter, one that will see it rise as a leader in innovation, education, and community building.

To support PATRIR’s vital work and contribute to making a difference, visit patrir.ro/donate.

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