For most navigation apps, the shortest or fastest route is the default choice. Romanian startup Defensive Pedal is taking a different approach: helping cyclists reach their destination using the safest route instead.

Among the startups showcased in the Techsylvania Startup Alley, Defensive Pedal has developed a navigation app that analyzes road infrastructure, traffic conditions, weather, and dozens of other variables to recommend routes that minimize cycling risk rather than travel time.

“We’re essentially building Google Maps for safe cycling,” said Victor Rotariu, founder of Defensive Pedal, during an interview with Startups&TheCity.

A risk algorithm built on European cycling data

At the core of Defensive Pedal is a proprietary risk-scoring algorithm developed using European cycling accident data and extensive rider feedback.

According to Rotariu, the first versions of the model were validated with input from over 2,400 cyclists, while the current algorithm evaluates approximately 80 different factors that influence cycling safety.

Most of these variables relate to infrastructure, including:

• road type;
• roundabouts;
• tunnels;
• parks;
• road curvature;
• traffic models;
• weather conditions.

Rather than relying solely on mapping data, the platform combines multiple public datasets with its own analytical model to generate a safety score for every road segment.

According to the team, routes generated by Defensive Pedal are currently 2.1 times safer than the default cycling routes in Romania. The claim is based on an internal validation in which the startup compared 10,149 routes generated by the Defensive Pedal algorithm with Google Maps routes between the same randomly selected origin and destination pairs across Romania. The safety assessment used the company’s proprietary risk model, which incorporates cyclist risk factors identified in official European research on the causes of cycling accidents. 

AI continuously improves route recommendations

Although the core risk model is deterministic, Defensive Pedal adds an AI layer that continuously refines its recommendations.

As cyclists use the app, they can report unsafe locations, while anonymous usage data helps the system understand whether riders follow the suggested routes or choose alternatives. This feedback loop enables the algorithm to identify potentially dangerous areas that may not be evident from public data alone.

“The AI helps us continuously improve the quality of the safety ratings,” Rotariu explained.

Already live in Romania

The Android version of Defensive Pedal has been available for about two weeks and currently covers the entire Romanian road network. The iOS version also launched last week.

The startup has intentionally kept marketing efforts limited during the initial rollout, focusing instead on validating the product and collecting user feedback.

Even so, the platform has already attracted a few hundred active users from word of mouth alone, while approximately 900 cyclists have signed up for early access and are expected to join.

Helping cities improve cycling infrastructure

The technology is designed not only for individual cyclists but also for urban planners.

Defensive Pedal is collaborating with the World Bank on cycling consultancy projects, using its risk algorithm to identify dangerous streets and intersections at a highly detailed level.

Rather than simply highlighting that one city is safer than another, the platform can pinpoint exactly where infrastructure improvements would have the greatest impact on cyclist safety.

Rotariu said the company can already calculate safety scores for individual cities and plans to publish a city ranking covering most Romanian and European cities in the near future.

Expanding across Europe

While Romania serves as the startup’s launch market, the ambition is significantly broader.

The team plans to expand across the European Union within this year. Since much of the required infrastructure and traffic data is publicly available, adapting the platform to new countries is technically straightforward, although each market requires local validation, cyclist feedback, and adjustments to national traffic regulations.

A mixed business model

Defensive Pedal plans to monetize the platform through several complementary revenue streams.

The navigation app will remain free for basic users, while premium features are planned under a subscription model. Beyond consumer subscriptions, the company also sees commercial value in aggregated cycling intelligence.

Anonymous mobility insights can help outdoor brands, bicycle retailers, and local authorities better understand where cyclists travel and how infrastructure influences riding behavior, while municipalities can use the data to prioritize investments that improve cycling safety.

As cycling continues to gain momentum across European cities, Defensive Pedal is betting that safer navigation—and better data—can become essential infrastructure for both riders and the organizations building more bike-friendly urban environments.

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Techsylvania, Eastern Europe’s flagship technology and innovation conference, is accelerating toward its June 25–26 takeover of Cluj-Napoca with a powerhouse wave of speaker announcements. Each new name signals the same thing: 2026 isn’t just bigger, it’s a step-change.

Taking the stage this year:

• Hermann Hauser – Co-Founder & Venture Partner, Amadeus Capital Partners
• Hrvoje Ćosić – CEO, Aircash
• Guido Brinkel – Policy & Partnerships Lead Germany & CEE, OpenAI
• Jeanie Fang – Director of Data & AI, Crunchbase
• Sacha Dragic – Founder & CEO, Super Technologies
• Florian Steger – General Partner, betacluster Ventures
• Praveen Ghanta – Founder & CEO, Fraction
• Vladimir Danila – Founder & CEO,  Linearity
• Lian Boerma –  Chief Product Officer, EWOR
• Oana Ruxandra – Co-Founder & CEO, PopHatch

… and more high-impact voices dropping soon.

From deep tech and AI to fintech, venture scaling, and leadership in a machine-driven world, the 2026 lineup maps the full stack of global innovation, bringing together the operators, investors, and thinkers actively engineering what’s next.

Lock in your access

Techsylvania 2026 isn’t one to watch from the sidelines. Secure your place now while regular pricing is still live.

Use code TECH26 for 25% off Builder and Premium tickets (valid until June 18).

Get your ticket: techsylvania.com/tickets/

The first draft of the Techsylvania 2026 agenda is now available for preview at techsylvania.com/agenda/. We invite our community to explore the sessions and speakers shaping this year’s programme. 

Please note that the agenda is subject to change as we continue to finalise details.

Beyond the main stage

Techsylvania extends far beyond the conference floor. In 2026, Cluj-Napoca transforms into a distributed innovation network through its Satellite Events program.

Think curated meetups, product drops, investor sessions, brand activations, and late-night gatherings, spanning cafés, rooftops, and creative hubs across the city. It’s where real connections happen, ideas get stress-tested, and collaborations kick off organically.

Explore satellite events: techsylvania.com/satellite-events/attend/

Backed by ecosystem leaders like Super Technologies, UniCredit Bank, Google, Hexagon Offices, Oracle ACE Program, 3Pillar, Aily Labs, Principal33, BMW Techworks, DataEdge, M247Global and RunPod, Techsylvania is more than a conference, it’s a high-density convergence point for builders, backers, and visionaries.

If you’re shaping products, funding innovation, writing code, or tracking where tech is headed next, this is your ground zero.

Event Date: June 24-25 2026

Location: Cluj Innovation Park, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
Tickets: Get yours now at techsylvania.com/tickets/

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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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Techsylvania, the premier technology conference, is set to return for its highly anticipated 2023 edition. From 7 to 8th of June, the event will bring together the brightest minds in the tech industry for a captivating and transformative experience. This year’s conference will feature a wide range of topics, B2B matchmaking opportunities, and an exciting Start-up Alley, making it a must-attend event for professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.

Topics That Shape the Future

Techsylvania 2023 will showcase an impressive lineup of speakers, each addressing crucial topics that shape the future of technology and business. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to gain insights from industry leaders, entrepreneurs, and visionaries who have made a significant impact in their respective fields. Here are just a few of the highly anticipated sessions:

• Mark Porter (MongoDB) – Bits to Bytes: Forging a Successful Career in Tech
• Al Doan (Missouri Star Quilt Company) – How I Built a $100M Quilting Business and Bought a Town
• Scott Chacon (GitButler) – The Future of Programming in an AI-Powered World
• Slava Rubin (Indiegogo & Humbition) – Getting Past 93 VC Rejections
• Prince Constantijn van Oranje (Techleap.nl) – Deep Tech, Sustainability, and Diversity: Insights from the Netherlands Ecosystem
• Vinny Pujji (Left Lane Capital) – Scaling and Fundraising for Marketplace, Consumer, and SMB Software Companies in a Downturn
• Qasar Younis (Applied Intuition) – From Y Combinator to Unicorn: Lessons in Building a High-Growth Startup
• Tijana Kovacevic (Happening) – Keeping Your Startup Heart While Scaling Up
• Donald Sumbry (Upbound) – Unleashing the Power of AI: How Engineering Managers Can 10X Their Performance with ChatGPT

B2B Matchmaking Opportunities and Networking

Techsylvania 2023 offers unparalleled opportunities for B2B matchmaking and networking. Attendees will have the chance to meet and connect with like-minded professionals, startups, and potential investors. Whether you are looking to pitch your own ideas, explore collaboration possibilities, or find your next business venture, the dedicated networking area is designed to facilitate meaningful connections. Participants will also benefit from free access to the B2B matchmaking area for two days, fostering an environment of innovation and collaboration. Remember, at Techsylvania, talking is just as important as listening.

Start-up Alley: Showcasing the Future of Innovation

Techsylvania’s Start-up Alley is a vibrant hub where groundbreaking ideas and disruptive startups take center stage. This dedicated space provides early-stage companies with a platform to showcase their innovative products and services to a highly engaged audience. Entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to connect with potential investors, partners, and mentors, fostering growth and attracting valuable resources to fuel their journey.

Join Techsylvania 2023

Techsylvania 2023 promises to be an exceptional event, uniting visionaries, innovators, and industry leaders from around the globe. Don’t miss out on the chance to immerse yourself in cutting-edge discussions, forge valuable connections, and witness the future unfold.

Take advantage of our limited-time offer and purchase conference tickets at a special price through the Techsylvania website before June 4th using the promotional code TECHCOMMUNITY25. This exclusive code unlocks a 25% discount on Premium and Builder tickets, allowing you to experience the conference in style and gain access to all the exclusive perks and benefits. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to save big and join us at the premier tech event of the year!

At this edition,  the organizing team has an incredible lineup of partners supporting their cause. Among them are two heavyweights of the tech world: UniCredit Bank and Google.

“We are delighted to be partners of Techsylvania, an event where we can find inspiration and ideas for the innovations of tomorrow. At UniCredit, our objective is to be a truly digital bank, fueled by data and new technological solutions in every endeavor we undertake. We promote the digitalization of our services and innovation, with the ambition to become a top player in the digital banking sector in Romania. We have made significant progress in this regard, offering our customers numerous innovative digital products and services, and these values will continue to be the key drivers of our growth in the future.“, said Anca Ungureanu, Director of Identity and Communication at UniCredit Bank.

“On behalf of Google, a big thank you to Techsylvania for driving innovation and creating so much inspiration by bringing together amazing speakers and professionals. Moreover, thanks to all the partners and participants for supporting this type of initiative that contributes to brining more awareness about the future of technology and how everyone can benefit from it.”, said Dan Oros , Head Of Marketing @ Google in Romania | Strategy & Ops in CEE.

Additionally, Techsylvania has an impressive list of supporters of innovation and technology that includes: Happening, MassMutual, Betfair Romania Development, METRO.digital, NTT Data, Turkish Airlines, Telenav, Blu Capital Partners, Druid AI, Salt&Pepper, Endeavor, Laurentiu, Laurentiu & Asociatii, Cluj-Napoca City Hall and Cluj County Council.

Techsylvania is the largest technology growth platform in Romania and a leading technology and business event in Eastern Europe. Specialists from around the world discuss revolutionary ideas in a space that facilitates valuable interactions between large companies in Romania, entrepreneurs, startups, and investment funds. The event was created in 2014 by Oana Petruș and Vlad Ciurcă. Over the last 10 years, Techsylvania has brought together over 20,000 technology and business enthusiasts in Cluj. 

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Between June 28-29, 2022, a new edition of Techsylvania, one of the most important technology events in Eastern Europe, will take place in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, a meeting place of technology enthusiasts and the most important tech companies in the world.

In 2022 the organizers propose a hybrid format of the event so that participants can choose whether they want to watch online from the comfort of their home or whether they want to physically participate in the activities and discussions on the spot. Global technology companies such as Grab, Chili Piper, Superbet, MongoDB or OLX Group will have important representatives present as speakers on the two stages on June 28th and 29th, 2022.

Techsylvania is one of the most important technology events in Eastern Europe, always on the agenda of those who want to be one step ahead of the trends and enrich their product, technology or business knowledge from industry leaders.

CEOs, founders and technical experts of the most successful technology companies in the world will be present at the 9th edition

Alina Vandenberghe is the co-founder of Chili Piper, the newest unicorn in the United States founded by a Romanian.

Sacha Dragic is the founder and executive chairman of Superbet Group, which has been active in the sports betting and gaming market for more than a decade. Although the business was originally founded and developed locally, 4-5 years ago international expansion began.

Other important names to be present on stage are: Mark Porter, CTO at MongoDB, Suthen Thomas, CTO at Grab, Lloyed Lobo, co-founder at Boast.AI, Trang Nguyen, co-founder at Transpose Platform, Zach Coelius, partner at Coelius Capital – they are just some of the professionals who will reveal their career’s secrets at Techsylvania 2022.

Business connections, workshops or startup awards complete the Techsylvania experience

The Techsylvania core is represented by the conference, which brings over 60 inspirational representatives from all over the world, but the event experience is complemented by many other components.

Over the years, Techsylvania technical workshops have covered various areas of interest for this industry and will continue to do so in 2022. Technology is evolving faster and faster and is segmented into complex areas that need to be studied individually.

Another focus is the opportunities to connect with business partners, facilitated within the Networking Area or Executive Roundtables. Participants who opt for these sections have the opportunity to discuss with founders, investors or members of top companies, the latest trends in the industry or the opportunity to collaborate. Techsylvania is also a space dedicated to the latest technologies and innovations, which will be present this year in the Startup Alley, a program hosted by Google for Startups.

Satellite events continue in the 2022 edition

This component has been a success in past editions, where participants had the chance to connect with other professionals, relax or deepen their knowledge also through satellite events, held near Techsylvania, by partners.

“Techsylvania is now at its ninth edition and has become more than just an event. It is a meeting place for the most passionate people in the field, but also for the most powerful companies on the market. Our mission is to build a bridge between Eastern Europe and the rest of the world through events, knowledge, networking and business and investment connections. Whether it’s people looking for inspiration or people who want to share valuable information or discuss ideas, this is the best place to be. Last year we had to organize this meeting in a virtual format and we lacked the physical interaction on the spot, but we also discovered a good part: overcoming geographical boundaries. For this reason, we decided to meet this year physically, but also online, so that those who can not attend the event can take part in these important discussions.”, said Vlad Ciurcă, Co-Founder of Techsylvania.

Tickets can be purchased at techsylvania.com/tickets.

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