The launch event of the SustainX program took place between January 20 and 22, 2025 at V7 Startup Studio Iași, marking the beginning of a strategic initiative aimed at accelerating innovation in less developed European regions.
About the program
The SustainX program supported by the European Commission’s I3 instrument is significant in facilitating Europe’s transition to a green and digital economy, aligning with the objective of supporting innovative SMEs, strengthening their capacities and promoting sustainable and digital solutions.
Objectives of the SustainX program
- Developing the one-stop-shop concept in the region through support services in the innovation and digitalization of companies and public institutions;
- Functioning as the epicenter of the regional digital innovation ecosystem in the North-East region;
- Supporting regional, interregional and international cooperation and cooperation between the research sector – public sector – private sector – universities;
- Transforming the region’s workforce into a highly digitized one, tailored to the needs of sectors with smart development potential in the region.
Consortium members
- DIZ (Romania);
- ARC Fund (Bulgaria);
- TUIASI (Romania);
- SANTA CRUZ (Spain – Canary Islands);
- iED (Greece);
- IMP3ROVE (Germany);
- LTC (Latvia).
Event development
Day 1 kick–off meeting: Building a Foundation for Collaboration
Bringing together the consortium members, the event represented an essential starting point for the strategic alignment of the partners and defining a clear path to achieve the established objectives.
A key moment of the event was determined by the presence of the European Commission Project Officer, Valentina Pinna, who provided a clear perspective on the expectations of the European Commission, highlighting the project priorities and its relevance in the context of sustainable development strategies. Valentina’s presentation established a solid framework for the collaboration between the partners, while providing inspiration and direction for the implementation of the next stages.
The event agenda also included sessions dedicated to deepening the project structure, with a particular focus on work packages, deadlines and partners’ responsibilities. This approach facilitated a constructive dialogue and strategic alignment, ensuring the premises for a coherent and efficient implementation.
The visit organized within the “Gh. Asachi” Technical University of Iași, represented an example of how academic infrastructure can support digital innovation and sustainability. Consortium members had the opportunity to interact directly with specialists in the field and discover local initiatives dedicated to the promotion of advanced technologies and professional training.
Day 2 kick-off meeting: Planning and Execution
The second day of the SustainX launch event was dedicated to refining strategies and aligning partners in order to implement the project objectives. The activities aimed to clarify responsibilities, adjust action plans and identify solutions for anticipated challenges, all of which were based on capitalizing on regional strengths.
A key element of this day was the focus on capacity building and skills training in digitalization and sustainability. Through a series of interactive sessions, partners assessed the specific needs and resources required to ensure the success of the initiatives, while strengthening the collaboration and commitment of the consortium.
Through its well-organized structure and the active involvement of all actors, SustainX continues to stand out as a strategic project, capable of significantly contributing to the digital and sustainable transition of the regions involved.
Day 3 SustainX Program Launch Conference
On January 22, 2025, the SustainX project launch conference took place, an event marked by the signing of the collaboration agreement between Digital Innovation Zone / ADV Romania Foundation and the presentation of examples of good practices in the use of digital and sustainable innovation in North-Eastern Romania.
Local companies and organizations presented their initiatives demonstrating how innovation can support sustainable development:
- RAISIS – Răzvan Ungurașu;
- GREEN RENT – Ana Bălan;
- TERAPIE ȘI CONSULTANȚĂ – Cristian Anghel;
- CLARITATE ȘI COLABORARE – Mircea Tăune;
- T&E COM SERV – Ștefan Achirei;
- Eleven Psychology Clinic – Alina Postu;
- AV ARtelier – Raluca Iaschiu;
- ApolloAI – Mihaela Onofrei;
- Atta Board – Alex Trefaș;
- Quartz Matrix – Alin Cornea;
- HCLTech – Anca Rotariu;
- CLIPA CODE FACTORY – Bogdan Clipa;
- “Gh. Asachi” Technical University of Iași – Otilia Zvorișteanu, Elena Maftei.
The launch event of the SustainX program marked a significant moment in promoting collaboration between academia, industry and local communities for sustainable development and implementation innovative digital solutions in the region.
This project received funding from the European Union through grant agreement no. 101184410.
“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”
