On October 2nd, 2025, Digital Innovation Zone (DIZ), in collaboration with the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași (TUIASI), presented the SustainX program during the workshop “MedTech North-East: Current Landscape and Future Development Directions”, organized by the North-East Regional Development Agency.
The event brought together representatives from academia, regional authorities, entrepreneurs, and innovators, providing a relevant platform for the launch of SustainX programme, a European initiative aimed at supporting SMEs that develop digital and sustainable solutions, seeking strategic partnerships and preparing for major funding opportunities in 2026.
Event Agenda:
- 10:30 – Welcome coffee
- 11:00 – RISEMED4EU Project Presentation and Objectives – Alina Căpitanu (External Projects Head of Office @ ADR NE || Vice President @ IMAGO – MOL)
- 11:30 – MedTech North-East: Current Landscape and Development Directions – Moderator: Cătălina Luca (University Lecturer @ UMF Iași || Management Consultant @ IMAGO MOL)
- 14:00 – SustainX Program Presentation for Innovative and Sustainable SMEs (hybrid section – also available online) – Cristina Baghiu (Chairwoman of the Board @ DIZ EDIH). Presentation used during the event AVAILABLE HERE.
- 14:30 – Networking lunch
The SustainX presentation was delivered in hybrid format, available both online and physically, at Grand Hotel Traian Iași. The session gathered over 35 participants interested in accessing European innovation tools, support for sustainable development, and interregional collaboration opportunities. Attendees benefited from a dynamic networking experience and idea exchange with industry experts.
More details about the open call for SustainX are available here.
About SustainX
SustainX is a strategic program funded by the European Union, designed to support SMEs in Romania (North-East), Greece (Thessaly), Bulgaria, Latvia, and the Canary Islands (Spain). The program provides:
- Specialized training
- Innovation support services
- Interregional matchmaking
Its purpose is to help companies develop innovative projects and prepare for funding through the Interregional Innovation Investments (I3) Instrument.
Through SustainX, SMEs benefit from a structured pathway from idea to investment-ready European projects, with strong focus on sustainability and digital transformation.