As we reflect on 2024, it’s clear that this has been a landmark year for InnovX. Recognized by the Financial Times and Statista as the #1 Eastern European Hub and ranked among the top European startup hubs, InnovX has continued to lead the way in fostering innovation, collaboration, and growth. With accolades like #4 for networking, #6 for offices and lab spaces, and #11 for European startup hubs, our commitment to accelerating innovation at every level has never been stronger.
Financial Times Prize
This year, InnovX’s mission to support startups and scale-ups has been realized through a series of dynamic programs, partnerships, and events, both locally and globally. Accredited by the Financial Times as a Leading Startup Hub in Europe and recognized as a regional partner of UNIDO, InnovX has cemented its position at the forefront of technological advancement and industry leadership. We are also an Official Partner of the European Innovation Council, underscoring our growing influence within the global innovation ecosystem.
In 2024, we expanded our reach and impact by helping startups navigate their growth journeys while providing a platform for entrepreneurs to collaborate, innovate, and scale. Through our various programs and events, InnovX has enabled businesses to thrive in a rapidly evolving global landscape. This article highlights some of our key initiatives and the memorable events that defined InnovX’s year.
InnovX’s Achievements in 2024
In 2024, InnovX marked a year of impressive achievements, solidifying its role as a driving force in innovation and business growth. Across our programs, we reviewed 1,735 applications and scouted a total of 2,426 entities from various industries. This influx of talent resulted in the acceleration of 45 start-ups and 22 mid-corporates , showcasing the breadth and diversity of the businesses we support. Our ecosystem also saw strong participation, with 120 women and 210 men among the participants, highlighting our commitment to inclusivity. These efforts reflect our continued dedication to empowering the next generation of industry leaders and accelerating the growth of the most promising ventures.
Innovators Infographics
InnovX supported a diverse array of innovators across industries, with ICT and Automation standing out as the most prominent sectors. These fields were at the forefront of technological advancement, reflecting their critical role in shaping the future. In addition to ICT and Automation, GreenTech, Energy, Manufacturing, and Production also emerged as key areas of growth, highlighting the increasing focus on sustainability and efficient processes. HealthTech, FinTech, and Cybersecurity further exemplified the digital transformation taking place, addressing critical needs in security and innovation. InnovX continues to nurture talent in these dynamic industries, driving progress across various sectors.
InnovX's Alumni Industries
In terms of investment, 2024 has been instrumental in securing vital investments for the innovators within our ecosystem. Through strategic introductions and connections, our community raised an impressive €27.3 million in 2024 alone. Among the standout achievements, Ask Wire raised €2.5 million, FieldOS secured €1 million and LAM'ON® Compostable Films raised €500,000, just to name a few. These investments highlight the thriving success of our alumni and the trust investors place in the potential of the companies we support. The funds raised will fuel further growth and innovation, reinforcing InnovX’s commitment to empowering the next generation of industry leaders.
One of InnovX's core values is its commitment to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This year, we saw a strong alignment between our community’s work and the SDGs, with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure) leading at 19.1%, followed by SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) at 12.6%, and SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities) at 10.9%. Collectively, our innovators contributed to 1,408 instances across various SDGs, demonstrating their ongoing commitment to sustainable and impactful business practices.
Community SDG's
Building on our achievements in investments and SDG alignment, InnovX also reached several other significant milestones in 2024. We formed 92 corporate innovation partnerships, unlocking unparalleled opportunities for open innovation. Through these efforts, 39 innovative job opportunities were created, helping professionals advance into high-skilled roles within forward-thinking teams. Additionally, 129 impactful events were organized, facilitating valuable networking and collaboration among entrepreneurs, investors, and industry leaders. To support the growing need for expertise in emerging technologies, 81 Future Tech certifications were granted, preparing individuals to excel in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.
The strength of our mentorship efforts has been instrumental to our success. With 213 mentors contributing their expertise, InnovX facilitated 140 one-on-one mentoring sessions, resulting in 134 key deliverables and 152 workshops. This support has been crucial in guiding innovators, offering valuable insights and resources to help them scale and succeed.
InnovX’s Impactful Programs in 2024
This year, InnovX continued to play a pivotal role in supporting and accelerating innovation across multiple sectors and regions. Through a diverse set of programs, we have been able to connect startups, scale-ups, and mid-corporates with the right resources, mentors, investors, and corporate partners to fuel their growth. These programs, ranging from industry-specific accelerators to educational initiatives, have created a lasting impact on the innovation ecosystem.
As we look back on the year, we are proud of the progress made in our key initiatives: InnovX European Program, MoonShotX , ECYBRIDGE , InnovX Academy, InnovX Podcast, InnovX EU-LAC Foundation / Fundación EU-LAC and InnovX EGG. Each program has played an important role in building a stronger, more connected community of innovators, and we are excited to continue supporting their journeys into the future.
InnovX European Program
The InnovX European Program stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and entrepreneurship across Europe. As an European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA), accredited accelerator, InnovX is one of only 122 such distinguished organizations in Europe and among a select 16 in Central and Eastern Europe. This recognition not only underscores our dedication but also provides us with unparalleled access to a thriving ecosystem of startups and scaleups.
In 2024, InnovX proudly hosted two editions of its European Program, spring and autumn, welcoming a cohort of remarkable companies that span diverse industries. Each participant represents a blend of innovation and potential, reflecting our shared mission of scaling startups to their next milestones.
Spring Cohort
The success of the InnovX European Program would not have been possible without the invaluable support of our dedicated mentors: Ovidiu Kișlapoși, Corina Mîndoiu, Iulia Meirosu, Gabriel Blanita, Delia NECULA, MBA, Madalina Ciinaru, Claudiu Hobjila, Ana Bobirca, Cristina Bucur, Anca Burke, Felix Crisan, Irina Verlan, MBA, Cristina Dragu, Vicentiu Corbu, Corina Mîndoiu, Cristina Bucur, Liviu Munteanu, Diana Dumitrescu, Irina Verlan, Gabi Blanita, Cristian Ignat, Cosmin Ghinea, Orly Sorokin, Mugurel Gheorghe, Aimen Aldahash, Robert Pufan, Sergiu Pop, Bogdan Năforniţă, Vicentiu Corbu, Emanuel Cernat, Vlad Cazan, Liviu Munteanu. Their expertise, guidance, and unwavering commitment have played a pivotal role in shaping the journeys of countless innovators, enabling them to scale and thrive. We are truly grateful for their contributions, which have been instrumental in driving the program’s impact across Europe. We would also like to extend our appreciation to the jury included representatives from venture capital firms, industry leaders and international representatives such as: Sonia Fedorovici Roca X, Valentin Filip Fortech Investments, Michal Olszacki RadiX Ventures, Liviu Munteanu Founders Bridge, Antonela Dragomir Catalyst Romania, Raya Yunakova LAUNCHub Ventures, Roumen Jordanov BrightCap Ventures, Gábor Pénzes Impact Ventures, Vlad Panait Sparking Capital, Eduard Burghelia V7 Capital, Ioana David Cleverage.vc, Jan Nykl Presto Ventures, Florian Munteanu Future Now Capital , Suleiman Arabiat Elevator Ventures, Jordan Bocskov Fiedler Capital, Linda Võeras Karma Ventures, Gina BANYOCU-[Garanti BBVA](https://www.linkedin.com/company/garanti-bbva/" \t "_self), Andrei Nae-BCR, Mihaela Stancu-Procter & Gamble,Bogdan Stefan - Exim Banca Romaneasca, Madalina Vilau -[Affidea](https://www.linkedin.com/company/affidea/" \t "_self), Steliana Moraru - OTP Leasing Romania , Lestat Monroe -Romanian Diversity Chamber of Commerce, Andrei Burz-Pinzaru -[Deloitte](https://www.linkedin.com/company/deloitte/" \t "_self),Luise Georgiana Vuiu - Thales, Flavia Ștefura - MPR Partners , Sebastian Stan - Regina Maria, Reteaua de sanatate, Bogdan Oprisor - METRO Romania, Marius Ciuperca - SETRIO, Tuan Trinh, PhD -EIT Digital Alexandru BITA - Libra Internet Bank, Andrei Avădănei -BIT SENTINEL, Felix S. - Cyber Dacians - StageOne, Cristian Dincovici (retired lieutenant general)-TID Group, Costin Burdun- certSIGN, Oana Cojocaru-[Globalworth](https://www.linkedin.com/company/globalworth/" \t "_self), Dragos Ciobanu- Citi, Adrian Seceleanu-Mediafax, Avi Cicirean - BRAND MINDS, Florin Blejan-[Biziday](https://www.linkedin.com/company/biziday/" \t "_self), Vladimíra Činčurová-Microsoft, Daniel Mereuta- TDCX, Gabriela Alexandrescu - OMV Petrom, Paris Nikolopoulos - ex Coca-Cola, Andrei Marius Niculescu -Vodafone, Marian Andrei - PRO TV, Flaviu Octavian Iliescu-Sph3ra Management Solutions, Ionut Bonoiu-Forbes Romania, Yaniv Alon - IBM, Monica Eremia, Eli Corso-Phinney, Cristian Ignat, Bogdan Litescu, . Dace Dimza-Jones, Stephen Tierney, Dr. Claudia M. Duffy, Anca Stancu, Virginia Zetu, Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀,Daniel Minx, Naomi Shimada, Hisham Kassim, Hisham Kassim, Camil Moldoveanu.
Spring Cohort
The Spring Edition featured innovative companies such as capito , Crispr Stem & Therapeutics Ltd. , dotLumen , Labmaster Ltd , Omnistream , PYDRO , Xhockware , 6Degrees LTD , Actronika SAS , inPhocal , RLCS (Robotic Lawn Care Systems), Neuron Soundware , Ray Techniques Ltd. , AVeta Medical , Elonroad , Nevomo , Pomelody , MicroBrain Biotech , Time Critical Networks and LAM'ON® Compostable Films . Each of these companies brought cutting-edge solutions, from advanced technologies in healthcare and mobility to sustainable packaging and AI-powered diagnostics.
Autumn Cohort
The Autumn Edition was equally impressive, showcasing the innovative potential of CASIS - CArdiac Simulation & Imaging Software , CO2BioClean GmbH , Apollo Technologies Inc. , Nifty Learning , Alias Robotics , Vessel X , Safeflows , Renter® , Aquaai Corporation , Cybervize , DRSSR , eFrontiers , Irisphera , Syswin Solutions , Hydrovolta , E. Sam Jones Lighting & Energy Solutions , The Chemistry Solutions Company trading as WaterLab on Main , ISCLEANAIR and Anywhere Healing.
Autumn Cohort
If you're ready to take your startup to the next level, don’t miss the opportunity to join the 2025 edition of the InnovX European Program. Register here and become part of a thriving community of innovators scaling across Europe. Let’s shape the future, together!
MoonShotX Program
The MoonShotX Program, an initiative by Raiffeisen Bank Romania in partnership with InnovX , is a dynamic platform designed to supercharge innovation and enable international expansion for Mid-Corporates from Romania and the wider Central and Eastern Europe (CEE). This comprehensive program combines intensive bootcamps, personalized diagnostic sessions, and expert-led workshops to address the specific needs of high-potential companies, helping them scale faster and reach new markets.
To mark the launch of this initiative, we hosted a dedicated launch event earlier this year. This event set the stage for the program's ambitious mission and introduced the first edition of the MoonShotX journey.
Launch Event
We are proud to present the 21 exceptional companies that were selected for the inaugural cohort of the MoonShotX Program: Softia; Zaleco; ASCENDIA S.A.; htss; Lasting Software; GRAPHEIN; Safetech Innovations Global Services UK | US; Restart Energy; Ivatherm; Alumil Romania; RebelDot; SmartWrap Romania; MASTERBUILD - General Contractor; Essensys Software; WALDEVAR; RAP Group; CODE932; Euro Team Gb Spedition; Bento - Intellectually Curious; Depozit Virtual; Eco Garden Construct.
In-Person Bootcamp
The MoonShotX Program is not just about immediate growth, it’s about sustained, international scaling for the participating companies. Next year, we are excited to announce a series of international scaling events that will help these companies explore and expand into key global markets. These include the Regional Scaling-Up Event in Austria, participation in the Select USA Conference and Spinoffs, the Regional Scaling-Up Event in Croatia, the Scaling-Up Event in the UK, and the Regional Scaling-Up Event in the Czech Republic. These carefully curated events will offer participants unparalleled opportunities to connect with investors, potential partners, and new clients while gaining critical insights for successful international expansion.
ECYBRIDGE Project
The ECYBRIDGE Project s a pioneering initiative financed by the European Commission , marking the first time in EU history that efforts are being made to strengthen the coordination and synergy between the civilian and defence sectors in cybersecurity. As a key partner in this pioneering project, InnovX is proud to contribute to a consortium worth €2,493,118.19 in the Black Sea Region. Uniting 19 public and private organizations from four EU member states, ECYBRIDGE recognizes the growing interconnectedness of these sectors in the digital age. Throughout 2024, the project facilitated a total of 7 events, offering a collaborative platform for developing advanced cybersecurity solutions, aligned with existing EU cybersecurity, defence and research frameworks, to enhance Europe’s resilience against emerging cyber threats.
CyberX Team
At its core, ECYBRIDGE facilitates dialogue, advances research, and promotes partnerships to address critical cybersecurity challenges across Europe. Through a series of collaborative activities, training sessions, and stakeholder engagements, the project integrates the strengths and expertise of both civilian and security-focused organizations. By developing cooperation mechanisms, such as networking platforms and policy recommendations, ECYBRIDGE supports the EU’s broader goal of building a digitally secure and resilient future.
The project addresses the growing need for a unified approach to cybersecurity, as traditional siloed methods are no longer effective against shared vulnerabilities and increasingly complex threats. Aligned with EU cybersecurity strategies, ECYBRIDGE bridges operational and policy gaps, contributing to Europe’s digital transformation and long-term security objectives.
Throughout the year, ECYBRIDGE has hosted a series of impactful events and workshops, fostering innovation and engagement across multiple sectors. A key milestone was the ECYBRIDGE International Conference, titled “Navigating Cyber Storms: Civilian and Defence Synergy in a Digitalised World.” Organized by Constanta Maritime University (CMU) and held from December 3-5, 2024, the conference brought together over 150 experts, policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers from across Europe.
International Conference
The conference addressed pressing cybersecurity priorities, including strengthening collaboration across sectors, showcasing advanced technological solutions, and advocating for cohesive regulatory and investment strategies. Through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and live demonstrations, participants explored actionable approaches to enhance Europe’s cybersecurity resilience. Key takeaways emphasized:
- Expanding investments in cybersecurity education and research to address talent shortages;
- Building stronger partnerships to improve incident response capabilities;
- Driving policy reforms that encourage innovation and long-term stability.
By uniting diverse stakeholders, the ECYBRIDGE Project highlights the power of collaboration in overcoming shared cybersecurity challenges. It serves as a platform for generating advanced solutions, fostering partnerships, and creating a more secure and interconnected digital landscape for Europe.
The success of the ECYBRIDGE Project is made possible through the dedication and expertise of its implementation team and partners. We are proud to collaborate with the project coordinators, Gabriel Raicu and Nicu Iancu , who bring invaluable leadership to this initiative.
Gabriel Raicu
Nicu Iancu
We are equally honored to work alongside an outstanding group of partners, including : Safetech Innovations, BIT SENTINEL, MARITIME CYBERSECURITY CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE, Directoratul Național de Securitate Cibernetică, CYSCOE - Cyber Security Cluster of Excellence, Cyber Dacians, Infili Technologies SA, ARASEC, Beia Consult International, Universitatea Nationala de Aparare "Carol I" - CIPS Study Centre, Military Technical Academy "Ferdinand I", Baltic Defence College, Euro-Atlantic Resilience Centre, INSTITUTUL NAȚIONAL DE CERCETARE-DEZVOLTARE ÎN INFORMATICĂ - ICI BUCUREȘTI, Romanian Association for Information Security Assurance (RAISA)
ECYBRIDGE Partners
This collaboration between leading institutions and experts underscores the ECYBRIDGE Project’s commitment to advancing cybersecurity innovation and fostering cross-sector partnerships across Europe.
Looking ahead, ECYBRIDGE remains committed to advancing cross-sector cooperation, driving innovation, and strengthening Europe’s cybersecurity posture in the face of ever-evolving threats.
InnovX Academy
InnovX Academy is a transformative program designed to prepare students for the challenges and opportunities of a rapidly evolving, technology-driven world. By focusing on innovation, entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge technology, this initiative equips the next generation of talent with the tools and knowledge necessary to thrive in a competitive global environment. The program is built on a forward-looking curriculum, crafted to keep pace with the latest trends in technology and business. By addressing emerging industry demands, it ensures participants are always a step ahead in their fields.
State-of-the-art innovation hubs, which are integral to the Academy, serve as vibrant spaces for experimentation and exploration, inspiring students to push boundaries in technology and entrepreneurship. These hubs have not only sparked creativity but have also contributed to the creation of over 272 jobs over the past six years, accelerating both innovation and economic progress.
InnovX Academy at SNSPA
Participants also benefit from globally recognized certifications and experiences that open doors to international opportunities. These credentials enhance their expertise while enabling them to create meaningful impacts on a broader scale.
Students in Startups at UiPath
XTeam at InnovX Academy
Real-world experience lies at the core of InnovX Academy, bridging academic learning with practical application. Direct involvement in startup projects and corporate initiatives allows students to turn ideas into action. This hands-on approach is further enhanced by 15 events organized under the program, fostering collaboration, creativity, and real-time problem-solving.
InnovX Academy is a commitment to shaping the future by empowering students to lead and excel. With its unique blend of practical experience, advanced training, and global opportunities, the program paves the way for a generation ready to redefine industries and drive meaningful change.
InnovX Podcast
The InnovX Podcast, launched in 2021, has evolved into a cornerstone of InnovX’s initiatives, spotlighting the ever-changing landscape of innovation, entrepreneurship, and investment. Through its diverse line-up of episodes, the podcast offers a platform for influential voices, including startup visionaries, corporate pioneers, and accomplished investors, to share their journeys, insights, and strategies.
With a catalogue of 52 episodes amounting to approximately 35 hours of thought-provoking discussions, the InnovX Podcast delves into the challenges, opportunities, and innovative trends shaping the entrepreneurial and technological ecosystems. Since 2023, Adrian Seceleanu , Editor for Business Hi-Tech at Ziarul Financiar , has been at the helm as the podcast's host, adding depth and expertise to every conversation.
The podcast serves as a trusted resource for thought leadership, consistently delivering fresh perspectives on emerging technologies, funding pathways, and market transformations. It underscores InnovX’s mission to foster meaningful dialogue, disseminate knowledge, and strengthen connections within the entrepreneurial and investment communities.
Here are some of this year’s standout episodes, showcasing the podcast’s diverse and impactful content:
Anca Luca at Columbia Tech Week: Insights into the intersection of global tech and innovation. Watch it here.
Connecting the World with Irina Gheorghiu ,ZIM Connections : Exploring global connectivity and the startup’s journey. Watch it here .
Anna Wieslander , COO of Elonroad : Discussing revolutionary approaches to electric mobility. Watch it here.
The InnovX Podcast continues to inspire and inform, providing a space where knowledge meets opportunity, and ideas spark transformation.
InnovX | EU-LAC Program
The InnovX | EU-LAC Program, launched in 2024 as part of the EU-LAC Innovation Cooperation Initiative under the Global Service Facility Management (GSF), is an innovative endeavour that deepens collaboration between the European Union (EU) and Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC) regions. This initiative highlights InnovX's strategic focus on creating meaningful partnerships to address mutual challenges and unlock opportunities for sustainable development.
Anca Luca as a Speaker
As a connector across continents, InnovX has become a vital hub for fostering trust, sharing knowledge, and driving collaboration among startups, accelerators, and incubators. Through partnerships with organizations such as Boost in the Dominican Republic and Centro de Innovación UC Anacleto Angelini in Chile, InnovX has spearheaded efforts to link startups with experienced mentors, promote student exchanges for intercultural learning, and support joint innovation projects tackling global issues.
The program also takes on critical thematic challenges, emphasizing human-centric digital transformation and the development of sustainable, resilient communities. Practical solutions in areas such as water management, the circular economy, and mobility underscore InnovX’s commitment to addressing global priorities, including the green transition and advancing regulatory alignment between the EU and LAC regions.
Panel: Internationalisation Case Studies and Success Stories
The InnovX | EU-LAC Program stands as a testament to the power of collaboration, offering a platform where innovation transcends borders to create a sustainable, inclusive, and connected future.
InnovX EGG
In collaboration with egg - enter.grow.go by Eurobank , InnovX hosted five pioneering Greek startups in Bucharest through a transformative Matchmaking Program. This initiative provided a strategic platform for Greek startups to establish a presence in the Romanian market while strengthening ties between the Greek and Romanian entrepreneurial ecosystems.
The program featured five innovative Greek startups, each represented by key individuals. Aidplex was represented by Harry Yeremtzes and Dimitri Moustakas , RealMINT by Georgios Liapis , COVARIANCE P.C. by Elisavet Nika , eVplus by Asterios Saritsamlis and Pleione Energy by Zampia Kalogridi . They were joined in Romania by Efthymis Georgakopoulos and received extensive support throughout the process from Roula Bachtalia and Arianna Ioannidou .
In-Person Events
The program began with a two-week online bootcamp focused on pitch preparation, equipping startups with the tools to craft compelling presentations tailored to investors, corporates, and international markets. This was followed by an intensive three-day series of events in Bucharest, which included investor and corporate pitch sessions, workshops on global market expansion, and legal guidance for incorporation in Romania.
Online Meeting with the Participants
Through tailored guidance and meaningful connections, InnovX empowered participants to confidently navigate international markets. The program also greatly benefited from the expertise and support of various mentors, juries, and strategic partners, whose insights and contributions were integral to its success: Bogdan Năforniţă, Emanuel Cernat, Mircea Ghita – Seedblink; Ioana David – Cleverage vc; Paul Murariu – V7Capital; Alina Stefan and Iulia Meirosu – Infinitree VC; Cosmin Dragoi and Alexandru Dragoi - Energy Capital; Roumen Jordanov – BrightCap Ventures; Gábor Pénze – Impact Ventures; Oleksandr Bulatniko – Presto Ventures; Kateryna Kovalenko – Depo Ventures; Ciprian Man – Growceanu; Siim Teller – Lemonade Stand; Raya Yunakova - Launchub Ventures, Raluca Dragnea, Mihaela Stancu, Ana Bobirca, Tudor Popp, Sorin Mihailescu, Patricia Coconea, Alina Orban, Anamaria Diaconescu, Sebastian Stan, Madalina Vilau, Daniela Nemoianu, Irena-Ioana Puiu, Daisuke Kudo and Tony Hughes, Denisa Achim-Postea, Bogdan Buta ,Cristina Bucur and Titus Percea. Their extensive experience and commitment played a key role in fostering growth, innovation, and the overall development of participants throughout the program.
By fostering education, building community, and facilitating seamless market entry, InnovX EGG reaffirmed its commitment to creating impactful cross-border opportunities. The initiative highlights InnovX’s dedication to driving innovation and economic growth by enabling startups to expand and thrive in new markets.
Expanding Horizons Through Global Engagements
In 2024, InnovX continued to cement its status as a global innovation hub by actively engaging in prominent international events. These gatherings provided a platform to connect with diverse ecosystems, forge strategic partnerships, and exchange cutting-edge insights with leading innovators worldwide. By showcasing its vision and aligning with global trends, InnovX reinforced its commitment to fostering impactful collaborations and driving transformative growth across borders. Through these international engagements, InnovX further established itself as a vital bridge for scaling innovation and shaping strategies for cross-market integration.
New Horizons for UK Romania Trade and Investment Forum
InnovX proudly took the stage as a speaker at the New Horizons for UK–Romania Trade & Investment Forum, hosted by the British Romanian Chamber of Commerce (BRCC) in London. This high-profile event brought together influential leaders from the UK and Romania to explore Romania’s evolving investment landscape, with a focus on technology, energy, and green innovation.
The forum featured Opening Remarks from The Rt Hon. the Lord Mayor Alastair King and was attended by key figures such as the Prime Minister of Romania, the UK Ambassador to Romania, and the Romanian Ambassador to the UK. A significant agreement was signed between Romania and the UK during the event, highlighting strengthened economic collaboration.
Representing InnovX, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , Co-Founder and CIO, joined a distinguished panel of experts to share insights on Romania’s innovation ecosystem, energy security, renewable technologies, and strategic economic opportunities. Daniel’s participation emphasized InnovX’s commitment to connecting ecosystems and empowering businesses to harness opportunities in emerging markets. We would like to extend our appreciation towards Madalina Ciinaru for providing us with this great opportunity!
Madalina Ciinaru
COP29 events led by the Global Cleantech Innovation Programme of UNIDO
InnovX proudly participated in COP29 Azerbaijan in Baku, as an official UNIDO partner since 2023. This important event brought together global leaders and stakeholders to discuss clean technology, sustainable innovation, and achieving a Just Energy Transition.
COP29
Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD. , our CEO, was a featured speaker, sharing insights on innovative strategies to address climate change and foster sustainable development. Throughout the conference, InnovX engaged with key players, building cross-border partnerships and exploring strategic solutions for a greener future.
Diana Dumitrescu
Climate change and foster sustainable development
Our presence at COP29 highlights our commitment to connecting markets, promoting innovation, and contributing to sustainable solutions that benefit both people and the planet. We are grateful to UNIDO, Olga Rataj and the GCIP team for this opportunity to showcase InnovX's vision for sustainable growth and innovation.
Colombia Tech Week
InnovX was honored to have Anca Luca , Chief Growth Officer, represent us at GOFEST in Bogotá, Colombia, where she participated in a dynamic panel on incubation and acceleration across the EU and LATAM regions. Joining esteemed ecosystem leaders such as Stephan Kreutzer ( Technopolis Group ), Kristin Eckert ( Start2 Group ) and Belén Pástor ( IMPAQTO ), Anca shared valuable insights on bridging these vibrant entrepreneurial landscapes.
Anca Luca and Kristin Eckert
Anca Luca and Panelists
She emphasized InnovX’s commitment to empowering startups for global expansion, highlighting the importance of mentorship, strategic support, and international partnerships. Anca also underscored the mutual lessons LATAM and Europe can exchange, from Europe’s structured ecosystems to LATAM’s community-driven resilience. Her advice to startups: “Understand your market, build strong local partnerships, and stay adaptable.”
This event showcased InnovX’s dedication to fostering innovation and collaboration, driving impactful connections between continents, and shaping the future of global entrepreneurship.
London Tech Week
InnovX made its return to London Tech Week for the second time, marking another key milestone in our journey of fostering innovation and collaboration. The event, which attracted 45,000 attendees from around the world, offered a dynamic platform for visionaries, entrepreneurs, investors, and tech leaders. With six stages and 75 hours of insightful content, the event was a true celebration of the tech industry.
London Tech Week proved to be the ideal stage for InnovX to present groundbreaking technologies and future plans, reaffirming our dedication to innovation and scaling businesses. We engaged with over 5,000 startups and more than 1,000 investors, forging new partnerships and enhancing our presence in the global market.
London Tech Week venue
A special thank you to Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀 of the British Embassy in Bucharest and the Department for Business and Trade . Cristina's unwavering support was crucial in navigating the UK market and creating valuable international business connections for InnovX.
InnovX was proudly represented by Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD. , Ana Bobirca and Bianca Păcurar . Their expertise and dedication exemplify InnovX's pivotal role in driving technological advancements and fostering innovation in the tech industry.
Bianca Pacurar, Diana Dumitrescu, Ana Bobirca and Cristina Dragu
Our journey began at the Investors Seminar: Critical Tech at The Royal Society, where we networked with investment experts and gained valuable insights into the UK investment landscape. This set the tone for exploring new opportunities and potential collaborations.
Sessions such as "Leading in the Era of AI" and "The Digitization of Everything" showcased the transformative power of AI in modern business practices, emphasizing its role in enhancing productivity and sustainability across industries.
The exhibitions featured innovative showcases from global leaders and emerging markets. InnovX engaged with venture capitalists and corporate investors, positioning ourselves for future growth and impact in the tech sector.
Attending the London & Partners International Delegates Reception provided invaluable networking opportunities and deeper insights into the UK market dynamics, helping us further our international expansion efforts.
Central Criminal Court
The experience culminated with a visit to the Central Criminal Court, offering a deeper understanding of London's rich cultural heritage and historical context.
Nearshoring into CEE – A New Business Strategy for International Businesses
Anca Luca , Chief Growth Officer at InnovX, proudly represented the company at the “Nearshoring into CEE – A New Business Strategy for International Businesses” conference in Warsaw, organized by DLA Piper Poland . The event underscored Central and Eastern Europe’s (CEE) growing role in shaping resilient global supply chains, leveraging its strategic location, technological innovation, and ESG-focused investments.
Anca Luca & DLA Piper Representatives
Anca participated in discussions on nearshoring’s transformative impact across high-tech manufacturing, real estate, and energy sectors, emphasizing the region’s potential as a modern technology hub. Prominent speakers, including Jacek Giziński (DLA Piper Poland), Sandra M Wallace, CBE (DLA Piper UK and Europe), and Rafal Benecki (ING Poland), highlighted CEE’s operational flexibility, risk mitigation benefits, and transition to an investment-driven growth model.
Panel 1
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Panel 2
Panel 3
The conference also featured insights from leaders such as Iwona Chojnowska-Haponik , Wojciech Cofur (Beck & Pollitzer), Monika Grzelak (PAIH) and Janusz Wladyczak (KUKE), who explored nearshoring’s role in enhancing supply chain resilience. Experts like Karel Stransky (CTP), Michał Chodecki (Panattoni), Adam Jedrzejczak (Danfoss) and Piotr Dopierala (Auchan Retail) shared perspectives on its influence on the commercial real estate market.
Technology-focused discussions were enriched by the contributions of Ewa Kurowska-Tober (DLA Piper Poland), Aneta Kocemba (Societe Generale Poland), Bartlomiej Czuba (mBank S.A.), Dariusz Jurewicz (HSBC) and Monika Ściuba (PZU), highlighting the region’s potential in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity.
This conference reaffirmed CEE’s strategic importance in global supply chains, positioning the region as a cornerstone for nearshoring and innovation. InnovX remains committed to fostering partnerships that solidify the region as a prime destination for sustainable and resilient global business expansion.
Connecting for Development – Innovating for Impact
Vienna became a global hub of innovation and sustainability during the UNIDO Regional Conference: Connecting for Development – Innovating for Impact. InnovX, a proud partner of UNIDO, actively participated in this landmark event, showcasing its expertise in fostering sustainable industrial growth and global development cooperation.
Vienna became a global hub of innovation and sustainability during the UNIDO Member States, such as Bulgaria, Croatia, and Romania, as well as non-Member States, including Estonia, Greece, and Latvia. This diverse participation highlighted a shared commitment to sustainable development. A key focus of the event was the Cleantech Days 2024, organized by the UNIDO Global Cleantech Innovation Programme (GCIP), which aimed to scale up clean technology startups and SMEs from 16 countries. Entrepreneurs had the opportunity to present their solutions and connect with influential businesses and investors.
UNIDO Flags
InnovX played a pivotal role throughout the conference. Team members, including Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD. , Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , Nicu Iancu and Vlad Maftei, participated in discussions, workshops, and networking sessions designed to foster collaboration and exchange ideas. High-level sessions addressed industrial and climate policies, as well as public-private development partnerships, with Daniel Dumitrescu sharing valuable insights into the role of accelerators in supporting SDG-focused startups. Meanwhile, Nicu Iancu and Vlad Maftei conducted one-on-one mentoring sessions, offering tailored guidance to innovative companies.
Daniel Dumitrescu featuring as a speaker
During the Cleantech Days 2024 Pitching Competition, Diana and Daniel Dumitrescu served as judges, evaluating pitches from 22 teams showcasing groundbreaking clean technologies. The competition culminated in awards that celebrated exceptional innovations, with Green Coffee Company , FabriThread-Cycle Initiative, and E. Sam Jones Lighting & Energy Solutions receiving special mentions. The main awards were presented to MicroHobist (Second Runner-Up), Ozen-M (First Runner-Up), and SmartView Technology , recognized as the Most Promising Business.
InnovX team at UNIDO
The conference underscored the transformative potential of collaboration in achieving sustainable development goals. InnovX’s contributions were central to the event’s success, from high-level engagements to mentoring and judging. Special recognition goes to Diana and Daniel Dumitrescu for their leadership roles, as well as to Nicu Iancu and Vlad Maftei for their mentoring efforts.
We extend our gratitude to the UNIDO team and all participants for creating an inspiring and impactful conference and to all the judges who contributed their time and expertise to evaluate the pitches alongside us: Gabriella Rufo, MBA/MA ,Climate Technology Strategist at Cleantech Group ; Selma Prodanovic🎤 , Founder of 1MillionStartups ; Cristiano Pasini , Director of the Division of Capacity Development, Statistics and Industrial Policy Advice at UNIDO ; Connor Sattely , Startup Coach and Serial Entrepreneur at World LNG Summit & Awards ; Parisa Khoram, PhD , Monitoring; Evaluation of Entrepreneurship Programmes at Climate-KIC ; Milena Angelova , Member of the European Economic and Social Committee at SGI Europe ; Marko van Waveren Hogervorst , PFAN Programme Manager at UNIDO ; SunYoung Suh , Cleantech Innovation Ecosystems and Energy Partnerships at UNIDO ; Mthobisi Shandu , Commercialisation Manager at Savant ; Marco Matteini , Founder and Chairman of Nemesys Ltd ; Mark Draeck , Chief Technical Advisor on SWITCH2Circular; Andrea Rauscher , Produktmanager at Siemens ; Colin Brouard , Consultant for Climate Adaptation Technical Assistance at UNIDO ; Sandiswa Qayi , Member of the Board Advisors at UNIDO ; Kiran Kumar ; Maja Tomanič-Vidovič , Director at Slovene Enterprise Fund - SEF and Anzhela Movsisyan , Innovation Strategist at UNIDO . Together, we are making significant strides towards a more sustainable and innovative future.
EIC Summit
Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , Co-founder and CIO of InnovX, proudly represented the organization at the prestigious European Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA) (EIC) Summit, a flagship event hosted in partnership with EISMEA. Recognized as the Champions League of Innovation in the EU, the summit served as a platform to showcase notable achievements and foster strategic collaborations.
During his presentation, Daniel shared insights on accelerating the growth of European innovators through EIC partnerships. He highlighted the remarkable accomplishments of InnovX and its alumni, including allpriv , a standout beneficiary of the InnovX acceleration program. This showcase emphasized InnovX's role in driving innovation and supporting European startups on their growth journey. Daniel also expressed gratitude to EIC leaders Stéphane Ouaki 🇺🇦🇪🇺 and Agnieszka Stasiakowska for their invaluable insights and support.
Daniel Dumitrescu speaking at the EIC Stage
The event brought together leaders from across Europe, creating opportunities for strategic discussions and fostering partnerships. As an official EIC partner since 2023, InnovX has solidified its position as a key connector of talent, innovation, and opportunities across Europe and beyond. Daniel highlighted the vital contributions of mentors like Cristina Dragu 🇬🇧💰🚀 , who supports scaling European startups in the UK; Nicu Iancu , a pivotal figure in the cybersecurity sector; Aimen Aldahash , who plays a key role in fostering collaboration; and Ioana David , an expert in the Health-tech VC space.
Daniel Dumitrescu at the EIC Summit
Through his participation at the EIC Summit, Daniel reinforced InnovX’s commitment to connecting European startups with global opportunities, technology partnerships, and the resources needed for sustainable growth. This engagement underscores InnovX’s dedication to shaping the future of innovation across Europe.
SXSW Texas
The SXSW Tech Conference 2024 marked a defining moment in the InnovX journey, culminating five transformative years of accelerating startups and venture capital initiatives across Romania. This prestigious event in Austin, Texas, brought together a vibrant delegation of entrepreneurs, scaleups, emerging VCs, mentors, and journalists to immerse themselves in one of the world’s most influential technology gatherings.
This milestone event served as a symbolic close to the InnovX-BCR Project, echoing our first US delegation to the Startup Grind Global Conference in Silicon Valley in February 2020. The journey to SXSW represented a full-circle moment, showcasing the growth and global impact of InnovX over the years.
The InnovX delegation at SXSW included an impressive lineup of visionaries and leaders, such as Liviu Munteanu , Adrian Seceleanu , Bogdan Litescu , Ioana Anca Dobre , Catalin Lupoaie , Anca Luca , Radu Florescu, MBA , Vlad Andriescu , Adorian Chiorean , Doru Brad , Dumitru Gangaliuc , Dmitri Namashco , Nadejda Ignatenco , Alin Merches , Florian Munteanu, MBA , Mihai Stipanov and Ana Bobirca . Their presence emphasized the collaborative spirit and dedication to connecting Romania’s tech ecosystem with global opportunities.
SXSW InnovX Delegation
The conference provided invaluable insights, forged strategic connections, and reinforced the significance of empowering startups to scale internationally. SXSW was not just a celebration of achievements but also a launchpad for future innovation and partnerships, highlighting InnovX’s unwavering commitment to the growth of European startups on the global stage.
Microsoft CEMA Partner Summit - Athens
The "Microsoft CEMA Partner Summit: The Era of AI" in Athens, Greece, was an inspiring event, expertly orchestrated by Amr Kamel . The summit began with an engaging fireside chat between Amr and Samer Abu-Ltaif, where they discussed the critical role of technology in addressing today’s challenges and the vast opportunities it presents for those willing to seize the momentum and lead in the new AI era.
A dynamic 42-minute panel led by Mark Chaban , titled "Innovation at the Speed of AI," showcased Microsoft’s journey from its humble beginnings in 1975 to its current position as a global innovation powerhouse. The panel’s presentation transitioned from retro '70s slides to cutting-edge AI-generated designs, making the evolution of innovation at Microsoft particularly memorable.
Partners Summit
The company’s commitment to sustainability was evident throughout the summit. Microsoft’s ambitious plan to remove all historical carbon emissions by 2050 is a significant step toward a greener future. Mark also introduced a groundbreaking project—Microsoft’s underwater data center at the European Marine Energy Centre in Scotland. This initiative, combining submarine data centers with Azure Space satellites, seeks to promote resilient cloud sovereignty while advancing sustainability through ocean resource utilization.
The idea of establishing a similar underwater data center along Romania’s Black Sea coast is intriguing. With Romania’s strategic location, access to funding for critical digital infrastructure, and abundant clean energy sources, it could be the ideal place for such an investment.
The event’s theme was beautifully captured by an African proverb: “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.” But as I would add, if you want to go both fast and far, partner with Microsoft. A huge thank you to Bogdan Putinica , Alina Irma Orban , Alexandru Baloi and the entire Microsoft Romania team for offering InnovX this incredible opportunity.
Daniel Dumitrescu and Alina Orban
It was fantastic to meet Todi Pruteanu from FintechOS and Mario Megela from YDISTRI , with thanks to Marton Szoke for making the connection!
Microsoft CEMA Partner Summit - Abu Dhabi
Four years ago, InnovX embarked on its journey by organizing its first delegation of high-potential startups in Silicon Valley. Since then, InnovX has become a vital link to the world’s most dynamic tech hubs, connecting startups with the right opportunities for growth and expansion across the US, Japan, the UK, and beyond. In 2024, in partnership with Microsoft CEMA, we took a major step forward by entering the UAE market, beginning with Abu Dhabi—an emerging global tech hub that connects the MENA region with the rest of the world.
During our time in Abu Dhabi, a city renowned for its stability, wealth, and strategic location, we participated in a series of enriching workshops. We had the privilege of engaging with key players in the region’s innovation ecosystem, including the Abu Dhabi Investment Office e (ADIO), Hub71 and Microsoft CEMA Region. Highlights of the day included meetings with ADIO’s Foreign Direct Investment Team, led by : Diana Yonghui Ma & Anushweta Mukherjee, as well as a tour of Hub71, guided by Helen Bachir, Special Projects & Delegations Lead at Hub71. Farid Khreino, Hub71’s Screening & Selection Lead, provided valuable insights into Hub71’s programs for startups, and Krizia Norono from Clara Services shared information about the logistics of setting up in Abu Dhabi.
We also had the opportunity to meet with Bil Ahmed, Cloud Expert in Residence at LogicEra, to discuss the possibilities of working as a Microsoft Cloud Partner. The event was further enhanced by meeting inspiring startups like Kinderpedia , RepsMate , Adservio , Footprints AI for Banking , YDISTRI , Mount Software and DRUID AI ,each contributing to the region’s innovation landscape.
A big thank you to the Microsoft team: Alina Irma Orban , Aimen Aldahash and Filip Řehořík ,for organizing this incredible delegation. This experience has been a major milestone in building global connections and advancing innovation. We look forward to the next chapter as we head to the Microsoft CEMA Region HQ in Dubai!
DeepTech Tour: Connecting Central and Eastern Europe's Innovation Hubs
The 24-hour DeepTech Tour across Central and Eastern Europe provided an in-depth look into the region's rapidly growing innovation hubs.
The journey began in Vilnius, Lithuania, with an invitation fromViktorija Trimbel, Managing Director at Coinvest Capital & Board Member at ILTE Lietuva, I had the pleasure of attending a top-tier DeepTech event. With a vibrant mix of venture capitalists, accelerators, and deeptech startups, the event was a testament to the region's dynamic deeptech ecosystem. A special thanks to Coinvest Capital, BSV Ventures, ScaleWolf, and INVEGA for for sparking in-depth conversations around deeptech advancements.
The event was launched with opening remarks from Ms. Greta Tučkutė, Vice Minister for Defense of the Republic of Lithuania, and Ms. Erika Kuročkina, Vice Minister for Economy & Innovation. The panels included a session led by Professor Deeph Chana, CEO of NATO DIANA, discussing the role of new technologies in modern warfare, followed by a session highlighting the financial landscape that supports deeptech innovations.
The next stop took the group to Warsaw, Poland, where Pawel Bochniarz, CEO of Radix Ventures, marked a monumental €25 million investment in our Deeptech VC Fund from the European Investment Fund (EIF) into the DeepTech VC Fund. This investment will play a key role in the emerging €70 million fund’s efforts to drive significant change in the deeptech sector. A visit to the future headquarters, set to open in Q4 2024, gave a tangible sense of the mission ahead. Engaging conversations with the first private RadiX LP also laid the groundwork for the upcoming CEE roadshow.
The tour concluded in Bucharest, Romania, where a productive brainstorming session was held withDiana DUMITRESCU, PhD., CEO of InnovX, and Monica Eremia, Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service. This meeting solidified the foundation for the InnovX-EIC acceleration program, positioning InnovX as an official partner of theEuropean Innovation Council and SMEs Executive Agency (EISMEA). The program is designed to help deeptech startups scale globally into the US market through SelectUSA
This whirlwind tour highlighted the immense potential of the CEE deeptech ecosystem, solidifying its place as a hub of innovation. The exciting collaborations and discussions from the tour will continue to push deeptech startups to new heights.
SelectUSA Investment Summit
InnovX proudly supported 12 Romanian startups at the SelectUSA Investment Summit, the largest platform for promoting Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) into the U.S. These startups had the opportunity to showcase their innovative ideas, engage with industry experts, and connect with potential investors and partners.
Select USA 2024 Brochure Romanian Delegation
The event gathered over 5,000 attendees from 96 international markets, with 2,500+ international delegates and representation from all 56 U.S. states and territories. There were also 19 U.S. Ambassadors and 165+ speakers. The summit allowed the startups to pitch their ideas, participate in tech sessions, and network with other entrepreneurs and business leaders.
InnovX is especially proud of the female founders who were part of the Select Global Women in Tech program, which supports female entrepreneurs and executives in the tech sector. Their participation is a testament to their innovation and hard work.
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo highlighted that the United States remains the leading destination for foreign direct investment for the twelfth consecutive year, driven by the Biden administration’s Investing in America Agenda. This has facilitated nearly $100 billion in investments in critical supply chains.
Congratulations to the Romanian delegation, coordinated by the U.S. Embassy in Bucharest and Monica Eremia, Commercial Specialist at the U.S. Commercial Service, and to the participating startups: AAylex One (Cocorico), Avant Aerospace, Avant Airports, Defense Innovative Technology Solutions, Dragos Food, Evolution Journey, Nifty Learning, Proon-Tech, RepsMate and parol.
Meet the XTeam: Driving Innovation and Excellence
The XTeam is the dynamic force behind InnovX, a blend of visionaries, strategists, and innovators committed to creating impactful change in the world of technology and entrepreneurship. At the helm, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD. , CEO and Co-Founder of InnovX, leads with unwavering passion and a forward-thinking vision. Alongside her, Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD. , CIO and Co-Founder, brings strategic insight and technical expertise that have been instrumental in shaping InnovX’s journey.
This year, we proudly welcomed Anca Luca as CGO, whose strategic leadership and dedication have already left a remarkable imprint on our initiatives and future goals. Bianca Păcurar , our Projects Coordinator, ensures seamless execution of our programs, driving impactful results. Maria Neacsu , our Marketing and Creative Strategist, infuses creativity and bold ideas into every campaign, amplifying InnovX’s story on a global stage.
Our team also grew with the addition of Nicoleta Staicu , Junior Software Engineer and Macedoniu Pacurar , Junior Website Officer, who bring fresh perspectives and energy to our digital endeavors. They join forces with Ramadan Omar , our Website Manager, whose expertise ensures our digital platforms remain innovative and effective.
XTeam
Xteam Girls
Beyond the core XTeam, we are grateful for the invaluable contributions of our extended leadership team. Adrian-Aurelian Raducan , Public & Financial Institutions Senior Advisor, Ana Bobirca , Chief Investments Officer, Nicu Iancu , Chief Strategy Officer, Bogdan Stefan , Chief Technology Officer, Emanuel Cernat , Chief Internationalization Officer, Madalina Hagima Hristescu , Chief Legal Officer and Bogdan Hristescu , Chief Ventures Officer, provide strategic vision and specialized expertise that power InnovX’s success.
Together, the XTeam and its extended leadership stand united in redefining boundaries, inspiring growth, and shaping the future of innovation. This is not just a team, it’s a movement driving excellence and transformative change forward.
At InnovX, every milestone achieved, every program launched, and every event attended reflects the collective ambition of a team dedicated to empowering entrepreneurs and fostering transformative growth. From championing cross-border collaborations to spearheading groundbreaking initiatives across continents, InnovX stands as a beacon for innovation, resilience, and progress.
Through our strategic programs, impactful partnerships, and unwavering commitment to building bridges between diverse ecosystems, we continue to shape the future of entrepreneurship and technology on a global scale. Each step forward is a testament to our belief that innovation thrives when people, ideas, and resources come together in a spirit of collaboration.
As we reflect on this remarkable year, we acknowledge that our achievements are only possible because of the extraordinary individuals who comprise the XTeam and our extended leadership. Their dedication, expertise, and passion fuel our vision of a connected, innovative, and sustainable future.
Looking Ahead
With every success we celebrate, we remain steadfast in our mission to inspire and enable the next wave of innovators. The journey is far from over; we are just beginning. Together, we will continue to redefine boundaries, push the limits of what’s possible, and leave a lasting impact on the global innovation ecosystem. InnovX is not just a hub. It's a movement. And the best is yet to come.