On September 9 -10, 2025, partners of the DeepTechValleys project gathered in Craiova, Romania, for the 4th Exchange of Experience event. Hosted by the Regional Development Agency South South-West Oltenia, the two-day meeting brought together universities, research institutes, policymakers, and innovation stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share best practices, and explore new ways of empowering regional startup ecosystems.
The event kicked off at the with a warm welcome and a steering group meeting for project partners, followed by a series of institutional presentations. Representatives from the Executive Agency for Higher Education, Research, Development and Innovation Funding (UEFISCDI), the Programme for Smart Growth, Digitalisation and Financial Instruments (POCIDIF), and the Regional Development Agency South-West Oltenia shared insights into national and regional funding and regulatory frameworks.
The afternoon highlighted the strength of the regional research and innovation ecosystem, with contributions from the University of Craiova, the University of Târgu Jiu, the University of Medicine and Pharmacy, as well as leading research institutes such as ICMET and ICSI Vâlcea. An online intervention from the European Commission added a European perspective on how to build and scale deep tech capabilities.
Later in the day, project partners and stakeholders presented their own experiences and practices under the theme “Building and Scaling Skills in Deep Tech Start-ups.” This open exchange sparked valuable conversations on challenges and opportunities across regions, setting the stage for future collaboration. The day concluded with a guided tour of Craiova an opportunity to get to know the city, followed by a dinner an opportunity for partners to connect in an inspiring setting.
On Day 2, participants visited the INCAS (National Institute for Aerospace Research) headquarters, where they explored cutting-edge technologies during a dedicated exhibition. The visit was followed by roundtable discussions focusing once again on building and scaling skills in deep tech startups, emphasizing the shared goal of fostering innovation capacity and supporting startups as drivers of transformation.
Throughout the event, one message stood out clearly: regions need strong ecosystems to nurture deep tech ideas and support their journey from lab to market. By meeting local startup and product owners, the partners witnessed firsthand the enthusiasm and determination of innovators in Craiova and beyond. These encounters highlighted both the opportunities and the pressing need for systemic support to enable deep tech solutions to thrive.
The Craiova Exchange of Experience event was a celebration of collaboration. By connecting stakeholders across borders, sharing lessons, and aligning strategies, DeepTechValleys continues to strengthen Europe’s capacity to turn visionary ideas into impactful ventures.