Cluj-Napoca Became, for One Day, Romania’s Capital of Digitalization
On October 16, 2025, Elitis Events Center in Cluj-Napoca hosted the first edition of the Transilvania Digital Innovation Summit, a landmark event dedicated to digitalization, innovation, and collaboration between the public, private, and academic sectors.
Organized by Transilvania Digital Innovation Hub (TEDIHT) and Transilvania IT Cluster, the summit brought together over 500 participants, technology leaders, public administration representatives, entrepreneurs, academics, and experts from various fields, all sharing the same goal: to jointly build a digital future that is more efficient, more sustainable, and more human centered.
The event was co funded by the European Commission through the Digital Europe Programme and by the Ministry of Investments and European Projects through the Smart Growth, Digitalization and Financial Instruments Programme 2021–2027.
Objectives of the Summit
Through this first edition, TEDIHT aimed to:
- strengthen collaboration between the private sector, academia, and public administration;
- promote innovation and showcase best practice examples;
- present the results of the hub’s activities and their impact on companies;
- inspire digital leaders and launch a practical tool, the Digital Transformation Guide;
- create an authentic space for networking, dialogue, and collaboration.
A Day Full of Ideas, People, and Experiences
The agenda included 9 thematic sessions, over 60 speakers, an interactive exhibition area, dedicated matchmaking spaces, and moments designed to recognize those who actively contribute to digital transformation in Romania.
A Spectacular Opening: EDA’s Hologram and the Message of the Day
The morning began with participant registration, and the first smiles appeared in the Registration area, where volunteers and partners from Eventino provided personalized badges, materials, and the event guide.
The summit was officially opened with a unique moment, the appearance of EDA’s hologram, created by Cluj based artist Florin Marc. Introduced by Laura Lămurean, Communication Manager of Transilvania IT Cluster, EDA became the event’s “digital host,” marking a premiere for Cluj: the first hologram used at a conference dedicated to digitalization.
The opening continued with an address by the Minister of Investments and European Projects, Dragoș Pîslaru, who emphasized the role of European Digital Innovation Hubs:
“EDIHs are the backbone of Romania’s digital transformation. They build bridges between innovators, companies, and institutions.”
This was followed by the presentation of the TEDIHT team, Bianca Muntean (Transilvania IT Cluster), Ciprian Morcan (Hygia), Dan Suciu (UBB), Daniela Popescu (UTCN), and Oana Raita (INCDTIM), who spoke about their shared mission to bring innovation closer to the organizations that need it most.
Keynote Speech: The Courage to Say “YES” to Transformation
The first keynote of the day was delivered by Alin Ioaneș, CEO of ROMBAT, who spoke about adaptability and leadership in the digital era:
“We live in a volatile and complex world. Crises overlap and constantly test us.
Digitalization happens through people, through the way we manage to use technology to become better.”
His message set the tone for the day: digitalization is not a destination, but a journey that requires courage, collaboration, and perseverance.
Romania Digital: From Vision to Reality
The first debate session, moderated by Bianca Muntean, became a genuine reality check.
On stage were Dragoș Cristian Vlad (Authority for the Digitalization of Romania), Voicu Oprean (AROBS), Georgina Lupu Florian (Wolfpack Digital), Radu Postolache (Qualysoft), Ana Maria Stancu (Bucharest Robots), and Andrei Savin (Brinel | Iqanto).
The discussion moved beyond polite optimism. Speakers addressed the gaps between plans and implementation, the urgent need for digital education, and the importance of simple, concrete projects with tangible benefits for citizens.
“We are no longer at the complaint stage, we are at the solutions stage.” – Voicu Oprean
“Digitalization must generate real benefits for citizens.” – Dragoș Cristian Vlad
The conclusion was clear: Romania has the potential, but also the responsibility to turn vision into visible reality.
Digitalization: From Strategy to Implementation
The panel dedicated to public institutions brought together representatives of the Authority for the Digitalization of Romania, Cluj County Council, the Ministry of Investments and European Projects, ADR Nord West, and the World Bank.
The conversation focused on government level digitalization processes, cybersecurity, and the integration of artificial intelligence into public services.
“Only 62.7 percent of public services are digitalized. By 2030, all essential services must be available online.” – Alina Pârâială, ADR
“Security is not a separate chapter, it is the foundation of all digital processes.” – Ana Maria Bușoniu, ADR
Industry 4.0 and Automation
What does the factory of the future look like?
Moderated by Andrei Martîniuc, the session brought together leading companies such as De’Longhi Group, Inno Robotics, Cadran Technologies, iRMS, PSC Automatizări și Instalații, SQB Robotics, and the Cluj-Napoca City Hall.
The discussions focused on the role of people in an automated environment, the integration of robots into production processes, and the challenges involved in transitioning to Industry 4.0.
MedTech – Innovation That Saves Lives
The panel on digitalization in medicine, moderated by Dr. Ariana Cordoș (UBB), brought together specialists from research and medical technology companies: Delia Herghea (Cluj-Napoca Oncology Institute), Gabriel Crețu (Evozon), Șerban Udrea (Medisprof), Prof. Anca Dobrean (UBB), and Mihai Șelariu (Digident).
Participants explored how digital innovation is being applied in oncology, mental health, and dentistry, while also addressing a sensitive and essential topic: the ethics of using medical data.
Green & Digital – Smart Cities and Sustainable Communities
The opening of this panel carried a symbolic charge: the band Extinct delivered a powerful artistic moment, illustrating the impact of climate change in a way that statistics alone never could.
Moderated by Felix Arion (AgroTransilvania Cluster), the session brought together Natalia Ciobanu (Clujul Sustenabil), Oana Raita (Transilvania Energy Cluster), Mihai Oltean (Cugirul Sustenabil), Radu Tămaș (Transilvania IT), and Diana Roșca (SOFTECH).
The discussion revolved around the green transition, the role of technology in reducing energy consumption, and local collaboration models designed to build smarter, more resilient cities.
The Next Era of Work: Balancing Technology and Humanity
The panel dedicated to the future of work, organized within the project “Coalition for Social Dialogue, Employment and Training,” was the only session held in English.
Moderated by PhD Alexandru Roja (Transilvania EDIH / UBB), the discussion brought together Andrew Taylor (Connect CEE), Liana Precup (Evozon), Jason Pridmore (Erasmus University Rotterdam), Anca Butnaru (World Bank), Andrei Roth (UiPath), and Darius Popirțac (GetFrankly).
The conversation explored emerging skills, leadership in digital organizations, and the role of AI in reshaping work itself:
“AI does not replace human work, it complements it. But we must remain attentive to the human dimension of decision making.” – Jason Pridmore
Digitalization Step by Step – Real Examples of Digital Transformation
This session brought forward authentic stories from companies and public administrations that have implemented concrete solutions:
- Alfa Software – financial automation platforms;
- Indeco Soft – the digitalization of Bistrița City Hall, “from paper to digital solutions”;
- Evozon – applications for sterilization traceability in hospitals;
- Ensemble Software – streamlining internal processes;
- Linnify & Kober – the Agentic AI system, where AI works in partnership with people;
- Wolfpack Digital – a platform developed for Corrib Oil in Ireland;
- AROBS – AI solutions for development teams and cybersecurity;
- Transilvania IT – recommendations regarding the implementation of the NIS2 standard.
“AI does not replace people, it amplifies their performance.” – Horațiu Pop, AROBS
“Technology should support processes, not force them.” – Emanuela Dancoș, Ensemble Software
European Digital Innovation Hubs – European Collaboration, Local Impact
Moderated by Bianca Muntean, this session brought together representatives of innovation hubs from across Romania: Alexandru Bobe (CityInnoHub), Irina Florea Saghin (FIT EDIH), and Lidia Bețoaea (DIZ EDIH), alongside partners from the TEDIHT consortium – UBB, UTCN, INCDTIM, and Hygia.
The second part of the session was dedicated to TEDIHT beneficiaries, who shared how the support they received transformed the way they work:
Cosmin Coția (RehabX VR), Laura Hizo (Maximilian Chocolat), Anca Goron (AVA Research), and Alexandru Mureșan (Renergia).
“Digitalization means having the courage to test, to fail, and to learn fast. With TEDIHT’s support, this process became accessible and practical.” – participant
The final panel brought together representatives of TEDIHT partner institutions – Laura Dioșan (UBB), Marius Purcar (UTCN), Ciprian Morcan (Hygia), and Oana Raița (INCDTIM) – in a conversation about the lessons of public private collaboration and the shared digital challenges ahead.
The Heroes of Digitalization and the Launch of the Digital Transformation Guide
The day concluded with a ceremony dedicated to the Heroes of Digitalization, recognizing the individuals and organizations actively contributing to Romania’s modernization.
During this moment, Transilvania IT Cluster officially launched the “Digital Transformation Guide” – a practical tool that explains, step by step, the key concepts and stages of digitalization, enriched with real examples drawn from TEDIHT’s activities.
Exhibition, Matchmaking, and Networking
Throughout the day, participants explored the Expo area, where innovation could be seen, touched, and tested. On display were:
- a state of the art 3D printer,
- a drone manufactured in Romania,
- an interactive robot dog,
- VR equipment and AI demonstrations,
- and a sustainable dual roof system.
In parallel, the matchmaking area hosted direct meetings between companies, startups, and public organizations, paving the way for future collaborations.
The evening concluded with dinner and networking, a relaxed setting where conversations stretched beyond business cards and where new ideas and partnerships quietly took shape.
The first edition of the Transilvania Digital Innovation Summit was more than an event – it was a statement: Romania’s digitalization is happening now, through collaboration, education, and courage.
TEDIHT and Transilvania IT Cluster remain, day by day, fully committed – standing alongside the companies, institutions, and individuals who choose to take their organizations to the next level.
“Digitalization is a story in which each of us has a role.
At TEDIHT, we are here to help people discover theirs.”
The Event in Numbers
- 650 registered participants
- 530 attendees present
- 60+ speakers
- 9 thematic sessions
- 30+ sponsors and partners
- 25+ media appearances and 100+ social media posts
- 57,000 views on Facebook, 33,000 on Instagram, 21,000 on LinkedIn
- 60+ volunteers involved
