SustainX is a strategic initiative aimed at boosting innovation in less developed European regions (Romania, Greece, Bulgaria, Latvia, Canary Islands), primarily by improving the capabilities of small and medium-sized enterprises.
This project is significant in facilitating Europe’s transition to a green and digital economy. By leveraging the expertise and resources of a diverse consortium, SustainX addresses the unique challenges these regions face in driving innovation and technological progress.
SustainX is characterized by its approach of leveraging the skills of its consortium members in different sectors, each contributing to the overall goal of accelerating the green and digital transition of the economy.
The project involves a mix of digital and in-person collaboration methods, ensuring effective communication and integration across all project directions.
The program develops an approach that, directly or indirectly, has multiple short- and long-term effects on the development of innovation potential in partner regions. Its geographic scope, objectives and specific activities are designed to reach different target groups of beneficiaries across the ecosystem, spreading good practices, models and development tools to unlock opportunities for knowledge and technology transfer.
1.Increasing regional cohesion and stability in the targeted regions.
2. Facilitating the transition to a green and digital economy with a focus on digital transformation and sustainable innovation.
3. Improving the economic competitiveness of the European Union, by promoting innovation in less developed regions.
4. Promoting inter-regional collaboration and tailored solutions through the use of cross-sector networks and multiplier approaches.
• 50 SMEs with needs analysis;
• 15 SMEs with new innovation skills;
• 70 innovation projects analyzed;
• 20 I3 projects supported for implementation;
• 6 interregional partnerships;
• 1 one-stop-shop for innovation functional.
Increasing competitiveness: Support for developing innovation capabilities and creating bankable, market-ready projects.
Access to financing: Preparation for obtaining investments and grants through dedicated tools and support in developing successful proposals.
Expanding networks: Connecting with partners from European innovation ecosystems and participating in interregional value chains.
Training and mentoring: Customized training programs on key topics such as sustainability, digitalization, and innovation strategy.
Personalized support: A unique “one-stop-shop” model for SMEs, offering direct assistance, including ESG impact assessment tools.
1. ESG Assessment: Guidance for integrating sustainability.
2. Access to financing: Support in preparing pitches and investment plans.
3.Innovation Consulting: Personalized assistance for project development.
4.Digitalization: Test-before-invest and technology audits.
1. Digital platform: Centralized access to resources, best practices and assessments.
2. Multidisciplinary team: Experts from different fields connected through an integrated network.
Digital Innovation Zone announces that 34 SMEs from the North-East region have joined the European program SustainX – Fostering Sustainable
On 5–6 November 2025, the Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ) team represented by Cristina Baghiu (Hub Coordinator) and Adina Serediuc (Program
On October 2nd, 2025, DIZ in collaboration with TUIASI, presented the SustainX program during the workshop “MedTech North-East: Current Landscape
Brussels, 24–25 September 2025 – SustainX project, coordinated by Digital Innovation Zone (EDIH), was represented by Cristina Baghiu, Coordinator of
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.”
