On December 12, Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) marked six years of activity through an event dedicated to community, collaboration, and the future of sustainable digital innovation. The anniversary was organized within the SustainX programme, with the support of Orange Fab, and highlighted the role of sustainable innovation and funding opportunities in driving digital transformation with economic, social, and environmental impact.
The celebration was both a moment of reflection on DIZ’s journey and a reaffirmation of its mission: to accelerate digital transformation and sustainable innovation in Romania’s North-East region and beyond.
From a Regional Initiative to a European Hub for Sustainable Innovation
Over its six years of activity, Digital Innovation Zone has evolved from a regional, collaboration-driven initiative into a European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH), becoming a key player in the European digital innovation ecosystem.
Throughout this journey, DIZ has supported over 200 SMEs and public institutions, contributed to attracting approximately EUR 20 million in non-reimbursable funding to the region, and trained more than 650 individuals in digital skills, innovation, and technology. An increasing number of these initiatives have focused on digital solutions addressing sustainability, efficiency, and competitiveness challenges.
Community and Partnerships that Accelerate Change
The DIZ story is one of organic growth, built through strong partnerships between academia, industry, public administration, and international innovation ecosystems. Engagement in strategic European projects and the coordination of EDIH-type initiatives have strengthened DIZ’s positioning as a facilitator of digitalisation, sustainable innovation, and cross-border collaboration.
The support of strategic partners such as Orange Fab contributes to creating a framework where applied innovation, technology, and sustainability converge, providing companies and institutions with access to expertise, networks, and real growth opportunities.
SustainX: A Framework for Sustainable Innovation and Access to Funding
The anniversary event was held within the SustainX programme, designed to strengthen capacities for sustainable digital innovation and to explore how digital innovation can support sustainability goals and be accelerated through European and national funding mechanisms.
The central session of the day, “Funding Sustainable Innovation,” addressed:
- what sustainable innovation means in practice;
- concrete funding opportunities for sustainable digital innovation;
- the role of emerging technologies in company growth and internationalisation;
- the importance of collaboration between startups, SMEs, corporations, and public institutions.
Key takeaway: sustainability and digitalisation are complementary drivers of competitiveness, and access to funding is essential for transforming ideas into solutions with real impact.
December 12 – A Day Dedicated to Community and the Future
The 6th anniversary brought the DIZ community together in a format that combined retrospective and forward-looking perspectives. The agenda included:
- Welcome coffee and guest reception, offering an opportunity for reconnection and informal dialogue;
- The General Assembly of DIZ Association Members, focused on community and strategic direction;
- The “Funding Sustainable Innovation” session, organised under SustainX with the support of Orange Fab;
- The presentation “What’s Next for EDIH-DIZ 2.0 | 2026–2028,” outlining priorities for the next development phase;
- A networking dinner, dedicated to idea exchange and new partnerships, where our friends from Palibo, one of the innovative companies we collaborated with in 2025, made the celebration even sweeter.
Looking ahead
Six years after its establishment, Digital Innovation Zone is more than an innovation hub it is an active community, an idea catalyst, and a strategic partner for sustainable digital transformation. The anniversary event, organised within the SustainX programme and supported by Orange Fab, was not only a celebration of achievements but also a strong commitment to the future, one built on innovation, collaboration, smart funding, and real impact.
We thank everyone who is part of this journey and who contributes, every day, to the growth of the Digital Innovation Zone ecosystem.
Happy Anniversary, Digital Innovation Zone and to the community that makes it possible!