Digital Innovation Zone launched the 2nd call for accessing 100% non-refundable state aid, intended for digitalization and innovation for SMEs in the North-East Region.
DIZ will select a minimum of 60 SMEs, with priority in the fields of health and/or production, or that develop innovative solutions that are applicable in these fields.
SMEs will benefit, for 6 months, from express services for digitization and innovation worth a maximum of 30,000 euros (consulting services and innovation support services).
Express service packages represent the selection of a maximum of 4 services from the list of support services for innovation and digitization, made according to the various beneficiary profiles by the Digital Innovation Zone team. The services are selected to meet the needs of a specific target group as effectively as possible. The express service package does not include the 3 digital maturity audits that are mandatory.
Any SME in the North-East Region that meets the eligibility criteria mentioned in the Applicant’s Guide.
The documentation attached to the guide, respectively annex 2, is informative and will be completed and signed by the legal representative during the application phase and/or no later than before contracting.
The application consists of filling out the Expression of Interest form online, which will help us get to know both you and the digitalization and innovation ambitions in the company, in order to figure out if and how we can help you through our services.
Within the form:
a) you will select the package of express services that suits you, depending on those available at the time of application;
b) you will attach the declarations (Annex 2 to the Guide) completed by the legal representative, which attest to the eligibility of your organization according to Chap. 1.1 of the applicant’s guide and the excel file completed with the data for the 2023 balance sheet (or the 2023 annual balance sheet with the submission receipt).
Digitization solutions can be tested during the entire contract period.
This package supports medical and dental clinics to improve the efficiency, security and accessibility of the services offered, through a completely free digitization program.
Package value: The whole package is valued at 23,600 EURO, but it is offered free of charge to medical and dental clinics in the form of state aid for innovation and digitization by DIZ.
Service 1
• 100% digitized clinic (software solution).
Service 2
• Two applications to choose from among the 5 modules (automation, telemedicine, etc.) from the Romsoft service catalog.
Service 3
• Cyber security course for medical personnel (maximum 5 employees – 1/2 day).
Service 4
• Support for accessing funding for digitization (IT technical specifications, identification of funding calls).
Digital Innovation Zone offers you free access to a support service package, specially designed for all stages of application preparation.
How do you apply to the VInnovate call?
Step 1: apply to the call PACHETE DE SERVICII EXPRES DEDICATE IMM-URILOR offered by DIZ, in which you will benefit from express services necessary to apply to the call VInnovate (see below the list of services you can benefit from).
See above how to apply for the call offered by DIZ (section How can you apply?).
Step 2: if you have been selected/declared eligible in the DIZ call (at the time of the opening of the VInnovate call, October 2024) you will be able to submit the funding application through which you can obtain up to 200,000 euros.
Service 1
• Technology maturity assessment (TRL) brief report.
• A report that will confirm the eligibility for the call (TRL 6-8) but which will also form the basis of the argumentation of the request for funding in PR) +DTE light;
• Evaluation of the level of technological maturity (TRL) – detailed report – made by an academic expert – will also be useful for application in national / regional calls for CDI).
Service 2
• Digital resource platform (gateway) report (a short list of potential partners from the other Vinnovate regions – profile in the Gateway and other tools made available online by Vinnovate)+ International Tech Synergy Services (international matchmaking).
Service 3
• A2F:
• Grant readiness – workshop for completing the fitform;
• Grant readiness ws for the development of the business plan;
• Grant readiness ws – mentoring and consulting for access to financing.
Service 4
• A2F Digital Business Model development (custom service) – creation of the business model to apply to the call when it opens in October 2024, based on the call template.
Dedicated to IT solution providers, this package worth over 20,000 EURO is offered free of charge in the form of state aid.
Digital transformation: Develop customized technology solutions for the North East and benefit from a clear vision for the digital transformation of your business.
Demonstration Workshops: Showcase your technology solutions in Key Technology Oriented Workshops (KETs), interacting directly with potential customers and demonstrating the benefits to them.
Partnership Support: Establish strategic alliances and access new markets through technology transfer initiatives and collaborative projects, with support in structuring and negotiating agreements.
Matchmaking: Connect with potential clients through 10 matchmaking sessions tailored to your needs, increasing the chances of successful collaborations.
Service 1
• Visioning for Digital Transformation: Development of technological solutions Made in Nord Est.
Service 2
• Demonstration Workshops: Organizing key technology (KET) workshops where local technology providers can present their solutions, use cases and benefits to potential customers.
These workshops, tailored for specific sectors, provide an excellent platform to demonstrate capabilities and interact directly with interested businesses.
Service 3
• Partnership Development Support: Facilitating the development of partnerships through technology transfer initiatives and collaborative projects.
This service helps local technology providers establish strategic alliances, allowing them to co-develop solutions and access new markets. It also includes support in structuring and negotiating partnership agreements.
Service 4
• Matchmaking Package: Offering a package of 10 matchmaking sessions specifically designed to connect local technology providers with potential customers and use cases.
These sessions can be tailored to match suppliers with businesses that have specific needs aligned with the supplier’s expertise, thereby increasing the chances of successful collaborations.
Transform your business and reap the benefits of digitization with our complete package of services for SMEs, worth more than 25,000 EURO provided free of charge in the form of state aid.
Why choose this package?
Customized for your needs: Solutions and initiatives adapted specifically to your business, for business innovation and digitalization.
Complete support: From assessment and planning to implementation and skills development.
Valuable Connections: Access to experts, mentors and cutting-edge technology.
Service 1
• Includes three workshops for SME digitization discovery and planning.
During these workshops, a detailed assessment of the current state of the business is carried out, including existing processes and technology infrastructure. Digital opportunities are identified and a list of customized initiatives is created, prioritized by impact, effort and feasibility.
Outputs include a high-level roadmap/action plan, full documentation of findings and a comprehensive post-workshop report.
Service 2
• Agile People Development – international certification program for agile leaders.
These workshops, tailored for specific sectors, provide an excellent platform to demonstrate capabilities and interact directly with interested businesses.
Service 3
• Matchmaking – 10 matchmaking sessions with potential technology providers, mentors and use cases.
It facilitates connections with the right partners and resources, helping entrepreneurs effectively leverage external expertise and technologies to drive their digital transformation initiatives.
Service 4
• 1 technology course of your choice from the course catalog.
This service package worth 12,600 EURO is designed to provide innovative SMEs with essential strategic and technical support in the development and validation of technological concepts.
Through a structured and integrated process, each stage of the project is well planned and executed, from the initial assessment of the technology maturity level (TRL) to accessing the necessary financing for implementation.
Service 1
• Assessing the TRL level at the beginning of the project and identifying the systemic target for the end of the project – TRL 5: We analyze the current state of the technology and establish a clear goal for the full integration of the system components up to the TRL 5 level.
Service 2
• Defining the project concept: Developing the main project objectives and activities, including an outline of the budget required for implementation.
Service 3
• Workshop dedicated to the definition of experiments for technological leaps: We facilitate a workshop dedicated to the identification and planning of the experiments necessary to achieve at least one essential technological leap for the project – Proof of Concept.
Service 4
• Support for accessing non-reimbursable financing: We provide assistance in identifying and accessing non-reimbursable financing opportunities, to ensure the financial resources necessary to implement the project.
Service 5
• Technical Expertise Report: Providing a detailed technological and innovation feasibility report supporting the validity and viability of the project.
The Digital Innovation Zone offers support services to support local businesses and connect them with digital nomads. Given the specific lifestyle of these people, online presence and digitization become essential for businesses that want to attract this type of customer.
In addition to the resources dedicated to digital nomads available on the Digital Nomad Platform, the Digital Innovation Zone also provides a special catalog of services to support local businesses in the digitization process.
This catalog is designed to help businesses in the HoReCa and tourism industry to become more attractive to digital nomads and beyond, adapting to market demands from a digitalization point of view.
Service 1
Digital Innovation Bootcamp for HoReCa and Tourism:
• INNOVATION IN HOSPITALITY: 2-day bootcamp, organized in collaboration with tourism and hospitality experts and innovators, teaching managers how to create memorable digital experiences for nomads and tourists. Focus on service design, digital customer journey and how to integrate innovative solutions.
• MENTORING FOR THE DIGITAL TRANSITION: Individualized mentoring sessions, through which locations receive advice to build a long-term strategy for adapting to digital trends in tourism and HoReCa.
• TRAINING FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF DIGITAL NOMAD COMMUNITIES: How can locations support the creation of a local digital nomad community, including loyalty strategies and the organization of specific events (hackathons for nomads, networking dinners).
Service 2
Digital Nomad Friendly Certification Program:
• “DIGITAL NOMAD” FRIENDLY CERTIFICATION: A program through which locations can obtain a certification that positions them as ideal destinations for digital nomads. This includes a facilities assessment as well as a mentoring program for venue managers.
• WORKSHOP TO ADAPT TO THE REQUIREMENTS OF DIGITAL NOMADS: Interactive sessions in which Digital Innovation Zone experts train HoReCa and tourism organizations in adapting their offer to meet the needs of digital nomads (eg: flexible coworking solutions, technology integration for managing online reservations, experiences authentic premises).
• DIGITAL NOMAD MARKETING TOOLKIT: Toolkit and resources to help venues promote themselves effectively in digital nomad networks, including tips for presence on international platforms and how to attract positive reviews.
Service 3
Evaluarea Maturității Digitale:
• RECOMMENDATIONS FOR EMERGING TECHNOLOGIES: Artificial intelligence solutions for personalization (eg restaurant recommendations), augmented reality for virtual tours, inventory management applications, etc.
• EVALUATION OF DIGITAL WORKFLOWS: Analysis of reservation, invoicing, customer and supplier management processes.
• IT INFRASTRUCTURE AUDIT: Assessment of existing equipment and data management capabilities.
• GAPS IDENTIFICATION: Detailed report on areas of improvement and opportunities for automation and optimization of operations.
The call is launched on 15 JUNE 2024 and will be open until 31 DECEMBER 2024. During this time, the DIZ team will be in constant contact with everyone who wants to know more information about the call, as well as answer any questions question that might arise along the way.
Digitalization Solutions
