Alexandra Avdeenko
Economist
World Bank
📍 Iași • 26 March 2026 • AGORA Events Center
Digital Innovation Zone 4.0 Conference
Conference dedicated to Artificial Intelligence: Human Perspective.
✔ AI trends
✔ Case studies
✔ Strategic connections
✔ Coffee & lunch
✔ Networking
✔ Opportunities
Technology in Service of People, For Better Business, Life and World
Technology in Service of People, For Better Business, Life and World
Technology in Service of People, For Better Business, Life and World
Why attend
We bring together leaders, experts and companies that are transforming the region and sharing real, applicable, innovative solutions. The DIZ Conference is the place where ideas become partnerships and technology gains meaning through people.
Valuable networking
Connect with industry leaders, visionary entrepreneurs and technology experts in a professional and friendly environment.
Inspiration
Discover the latest trends in AI, innovation and digitalization from speakers recognized internationally and nationally.
Strategic connections
Build partnerships between business, research and technology that turn concepts into concrete solutions.
European ecosystem
Benefit from direct access to the European innovation network and to international funding and collaboration opportunities.
Agenda
The complete agenda is in the process of being updated.
Conference room
Plenary sessions
Registration & Welcome Coffee | EXPO Visit.
Official opening
Welcome message and short introductory session from the…
Speakeri în panel:
- VASILE ASANDEI, General Director, North-East Regional Development Agency;
- DAN CAȘCAVAL, Prof. Dr. Eng., „Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași;
- SIMONA CARAIMAN, Vice-Rector for Informatization and Digital Communications, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Iași;
- CRISTINA BAGHIU, President, Digital Innovation Zone ONG;
- IONUȚ NISTOR, Assoc. Prof. Dr., MAVIS Technology Transfer Center;
- FLORIN CARDAȘIM, Managing Partner, Strongbytes;
- GEORGIANA DRAGOMIR, CEO, Grapefruit;
- CARMEN MIHAI, Manager, IMAGO-MOL Cluster.
Welcome message and short introductory session from the founders of DIZ.
Keynote: Artificial Intelligence. Human Perspective.
AI as an engine of sustainable and people-centered…
Speakeri în panel:
- Alexandra Avdeenko, Economist, World Bank.
AI as an engine of sustainable and people-centered transformation. How smart technologies are changing the economy, public services, and everyday life – beyond the hype, with real impact.
Panel 1: From policy to practice: how artificial intelligence is transforming public services and the business environment.
Speakeri în panel:
- NELLI BLINOVA, AI International Partnerships Lead, Ministry of Digital Transformation;
- NICOLETA COLOMEEȚ, Director, E-Government Agency of the Republic of Moldova;
- CĂTĂLIN RĂSTURNOIU, Head of Presales & ICT Delivery, Orange Business;
- ELENA COSMA, Director, NCC-RO;
- LARISA MEZINU BĂLAN, Vice President, National Health Insurance House;
- ALINA-ROXANA GÎRBEA, Secretary of State in the Ministry of European Investments and Projects, Ministry of European Funds;
- VALERIA POPESCU, Senior Cyber Security Coordinator, DNSC.
Panel 2: Artificial Intelligence-Based Entrepreneurship: Building the Next Generation of High-Tech Companies.
Speakeri în panel:
- MIHNEA CRĂCIUN, Managing Director | PhD, MBA, Endeavor Romania;
- VLAD GLIGA, CEO Rubik Hub & Board President ROStartup Ecosystem, Rubik Hub;
- ELENA-ANCA PARASCHIV, Scientific Researcher, ICI Bucharest;
- MARIUS GHENEA, Managing Partner, Catalyst Romania;
- SIMONA CARAIMAN, Vice-Rector for Informatization and Digital Communications, “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University, Iași;
- MATEI DUMITRESCU, CEO, Graal Soft;
- TIBERIU BARABOI, CEO, Expertware.
NEXT on EDIH 2.0
Speakeri în panel:
- MIHAELA LAFONT, EU Official @ European Commission – DG CNECT, AI Office | International MBA, European Commission;
- LIVIANA-MICHELLE STRÂMBEANU, Programme Assistant, Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), Unit for Croatia and Romania;
- ALEXANDRU BOBE, Coordinator, CiTyInnoHub;
- CRISTINA BAGHIU, President, Digital Innovation Zone ONG.
LUNCH BREAK & NETWORKING - FOYER ROOM
Conference room
Private sector track: technology for Business Growth.
Speakeri în panel:
- CONSTANȚA GHIȚU, Data Scientist, Strongbytes;
- LUCIAN SANDU, Head of RIS3 Management Office – Communication, Innovation and External Cooperation Directorate, ADR Nord-Est;
- FLORIN CARDAȘIM, Managing Partner, Strongbytes;
- IOANA CĂLĂRAȘU, Head of Programming, Evaluation, Contracting Service PoCIDIF and PNRR, Authority for the Digitalization of Romania;
- CIPRIAN COMȘA, Vice-rector, „Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași;
- ANDREI MUNTEANU, Co-founder & CEO at Cowork Timișoara || Co-founder & Programs Managing Director at Vest Ventures;
- GEORGIANA ANDREI-MUNTEAN, Commercial Director, Regina Maria;
- GEORGIANA DRAGOMIR, CEO, Grapefruit.
Atena room
Public Sector Track: AI for Smarter Governance.
Speakeri în panel:
- LUCIAN VIZITEU, Mayor, Bacău City Hall;;
- TUDOR COLȚ, Channel Account Manager, Fsas Technologies (Fujitsu);
- RALUCA NEGULESCU-BALACI, Executive Director, UiPath Foundation
- CRISTINA BODRON, Head of the Regional Information Office, NERDA;
- CARMEN MIHAI, Cluster Manager, IMAGO-MOL Cluster;
- MARA TOMA, Head of Business Growth, Digital Innovation Zone;
- STELIAN CÂMPIANU, Executive Director, ETA2U.
National meeting of EDIHs in Romania and representatives of AM and PCIDIF
Access by invitation only.
Access by invitation only.
Conference room
Pitching "AI in action".
16:15 | 16:30
Keynote speech: AI in Action - Jakow Smirin - Startplatz AI Hub, Germany.
16:30 | 18:00
Pitching session.
Jury
- MARIUS GHENEA , Catalyst Romania;
- MIHNEA CRĂCIUN , ENDEAVOR Romania;
- ANDREI MUNTEANU , Vest Ventures;
- MATEI DUMITRESCU , Fil Rouge Capital;
- SIMONA RAMANAUSKAITE , Vilnius Gediminas Technical University;
- DARJA BUBNOVA , RTU Riga Business School.
Foyer room
Matchmaking - individually scheduled session through the Cardneto platform.
The matchmaking session is supported through the SustainX…
- The matchmaking session is supported through the SustainX program.
- Enter the Cardneto platform and schedule your 1to1 meetings, in the specially arranged area in the Foyer room.
18:00 | 21:00
NETWORKING DINNER
26.03.2026-EXPO AREA OPEN BETWEEN 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM
How the DIZ 2025 conference went
A few snapshots from the previous edition of the conference.
500+
Participants
Tech experts, entrepreneurs and representatives of the public sector.
26+
Speakers
National and international experts who brought inspiration.
9K+
Networking interactions
Conversations that generated valuable collaborations and partnerships.
27+
Exhibitors
Companies that showcased innovative solutions and technologies.
DIZ 2025 Highlights video
View past editionsMoments from the conference
Why become a sponsor
Position your brand at the heart of innovation
Become part of an event that brings together the leaders of digitalization in Romania and Europe. Sponsorship ensures strategic presence in front of a relevant audience – decision makers, technology providers and potential partners.
Connect with industry leaders and experts
Join dedicated sessions and interact directly with representatives of companies and institutions that are actively investing in digital transformation.
Amplify your voice on stage
Take advantage of the opportunity to be visible through presentations, mentions and official materials, strengthening your brand’s authority in the area of innovation and technology.
Create trusted associations
Align your brand with the theme of the event and show your commitment to responsible, human-centered innovation.
Sponsorship packages
Digital 1
12.500€
Full premium package with maximum visibility, dedicated activations and access to the DIZ community.
- ✔Company logo on the conference web page
- ✔Social media promotion as event sponsor
- ✔Spotlight in the DIZ newsletter
- ✔Promo card displayed throughout the event
- ✔Roll-up / promo materials in the lobby
- ✔Promo materials in goodie bags
- ✔Verbal mention during the event
- ✔Expo stand (2x2m)
- ✔Promotion on LED screen during breaks
- ✔Pitching session for technology providers
- ✔Post-event promo (testimonial, dedicated workshop)
- ✔2 min. intro – welcome + invitation to workshop
- ✔Product placement near the main stage
- ✔Consortium dinner after the event
Digital 2
6.250€
Recommended package: strong visibility + integration into the official conference communication.
- ✔Company logo on the conference web page
- ✔Social media promotion as event sponsor
- ✔Spotlight in the DIZ newsletter
- ✔Promo card displayed throughout the event
- ✔Roll-up / promo materials in the lobby
- ✔Promo materials in goodie bags
- ✔Verbal mention during the event
- ✔Expo stand (2x2m)
- ✔Promotion on LED screen during breaks
- ✔Pitching session for technology providers
- ✔Post-event promo (testimonial, dedicated workshop)
- ✔2 min. intro – welcome + invitation to workshop
Digital 3
3.750€
Package for companies that want visible presence in the room and in the conference communication.
- ✔Company logo on the conference web page
- ✔Social media promotion as event sponsor
- ✔Spotlight in the DIZ newsletter
- ✔Promo card displayed throughout the event
- ✔Roll-up / promo materials in the lobby
- ✔Promo materials in goodie bags
- ✔Verbal mention during the event
- ✔Expo stand (2x2m)
- ✔Promotion on LED screen during breaks
Digital 4
2.500€
Entry package into the DIZ ecosystem, with digital visibility and presence in the conference materials.
- ✔Company logo on the conference web page
- ✔Social media promotion as event sponsor
- ✔Spotlight in the DIZ newsletter
- ✔Promo card displayed throughout the event
- ✔Roll-up / promo materials in the lobby
- ✔Promo materials in goodie bags
Why become a speaker
Share your expertise in a professional setting
Present your ideas and experience to an audience made up of specialists interested in concrete solutions and real-life examples from the field of artificial intelligence and innovation.
Increase your visibility and credibility
Assert your position as an expert in the field and connect with professionals and organizations that are looking for genuine collaborations. DIZ speakers benefit from consistent promotion before, during and after the event.
Contribute to the conversation about ethical AI
Get involved in discussions about how we can develop and apply artificial intelligence in a way that supports people, respects ethical values and contributes to the real progress of society.
Speakers
Speaker
Alina-Roxana Gîrbea
Secretary of State
Ministry of Investments and European Projects
Andrei Munteanu
Co-founder & CEO at Cowork Timișoara || Co-founder & Programs Managing Director at Vest Ventures
Vest Ventures
Carmen Mihai
Cluster Manager
IMAGO-MOL Cluster
Cătălin Răsturnoiu
Head of Presales & ICT Delivery
Orange Business
Ciprian Comșa
Vice-rector
„Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași
Constanța Ghițu
Data Scientist
Strongbytes
Cristina Baghiu
President
Digital Innovation Zone
Cristina Bodron
Head of Regional Information Office
North-East Regional Development Agency
DAN CAȘCAVAL
Prof. Dr. Eng.
„Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași
Elena - Anca Paraschiv
Scientific researcher
ICI Bucharest
Elena Cosma
Director
NCC-RO
Florin Cardașim
Managing Partner
Strongbytes
Georgiana Andrei-Muntean
Commercial Director
Regina Maria
Georgiana Dragomir
CEO
Grapefruit
Ioana Călărașu
Head of Programming, Evaluation, Contracting Service PoCIDIF and PNRR
Authority for the Digitalization of Romania
Ionuț Nistor
Conf. Dr.
MAVIS Technology Transfer Center
Jakow Smirin
Senior AI Consultant || CEO
STARTPLATZ AI HUB
Larisa Mezinu - Bălan
Vice-president
National Health Insurance House
Liviana-Michelle Strâmbeanu
Program Assistant
Directorate-General for Regional and Urban Policy (DG REGIO), unit for Croatia and Romania
Lucian Sandu
Head of RIS3 Management Office – Communication, Innovation and External Cooperation Directorate
North-East Regional Development Agency
Lucian Viziteu
Mayor of Bacau Municipality
Bacau City Hall
Mara Toma
Head of Business Growth
Digital Innovation Zone
Marius Ghenea
Managing Partner
Catalyst Romania
Matei Dumitrescu
CEO
Graal Soft
Mihaela Lafont
EU Official @ European Commission – DG CNECT, AI Office | International MBA
European Commission
Mihnea Crăciun
Managing Director | PhD, MBA
Endeavor Romania
Nelli Blinova
Head of AI International Partnerships
Ministry of Digital Transformation of Ukraine
Nicoleta Colomeeț
Director
Electronic Government Agency Republic of Moldova
Raluca Negulescu - Balaci
Executive Director
UiPath Foundation
Simona Caraiman
Vice-Rector for IT&C
"Gheorghe Asachi" Technical University, Iași
Stelian Câmpianu
Executive Director
ETA2U
Tiberiu Baraboi
CEO/ CTO
Expertware
Tudor Colț
Channel Account Manager
Fsas Technologies (Fujitsu)
Valeria Popescu
Senior Cyber Security Coordinator
DNSC
Vasile Asandei
General Director
North-East Regional Development Agency
Vlad Gliga
CEO Rubik Hub & Board President ROStartup Ecosystem
Rubik Hub
AI Tracks
Choose the track that fits your goals.
Strategy & Use-Cases
From idea to ROI: prioritization, budgets, KPIs, change management.
Build & LLMOps
RAG, vector search, evaluation, observability, MLOps.
Safety & Compliance
AI risks, policy, red teaming, data privacy, EU AI Act.
Human Perspective
Impact on people, organizational culture and skills.
Why become an exhibitor
-
Exposure in front of a relevant B2B audience
Connect with decision-makers from companies, institutions and start-ups who are actively looking for digitalization solutions.
-
Generate leads and valuable partnerships
Connect with companies that are looking for concrete digital solutions, set up relevant meetings and turn discussions into real collaborations.
-
Live demonstrations of your solutions
Show how your technology or services deliver results and inspire trust in potential customers.
-
Get valuable real-time feedback
Evaluate the real interest of participants and gain useful insights to refine your offering.
Founders
