EUTOPIA Innovation Challenge for Researchers 2026
EUTOPIA Innovation Challenge for Researchers: “Beyond the Lab: From Research to Impact”
November 23–27, 2026, Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB), Cluj-Napoca, Romania – organized by UBB TechTransfer
For the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenge Week for Researchers , we are inviting a total of 20 researchers from the 10 EUTOPIA partner universities to experience how scientific expertise can make an impact beyond research. Working in interdisciplinary teams with researchers from across the EUTOPIA network, you will tackle real-world business and technology challenges submitted by companies in Cluj and the Transylvania region. The challenges will be supported by corporate mentors, technology transfer experts, and business mentors.
Program (tentative):
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Day 1 – Monday, November 23 (afternoon): Discover the Challenges
- Day 2 – Tuesday, November 24: From Problem to Solution Concept
- Day 3 – Wednesday, November 25: From Solution to Business Plan
- Day 4 – Thursday, November 26: Build and Practice Your Pitch
- Day 5 – Friday, November 27: Demo Day – From Challenge to Collaboration
Why Participate?
- Work on real-world challenges: Apply your scientific expertise to a specific practical problem and develop a solution in collaboration with researchers from other disciplines.
- Gain hands-on experience with research transfer: Learn the steps required to develop a research idea into a practical application—and explore issues related to intellectual property and technology transfer along the way.
- Develop new perspectives and skills: Expand your experience in interdisciplinary problem-solving, the development of solution concepts, and communicating scientific content to non-academic audiences.
- Build international connections: Collaborate with researchers from other EUTOPIA universities and network with companies as well as experts in technology transfer and the business world.
- Get to know research and innovation at UBB: Visit relevant labs and research infrastructures and gain insights into the regional research and innovation landscape.
Who can apply?
The challenge is aimed at researchers in STEAM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics), including doctoral candidates, postdocs, and Research Associates who wish to apply their scientific expertise to specific real-world challenges and work in an international, interdisciplinary team.
Two spots are available for researchers from TUD.
The Challenge will be conducted in English.
Costs
Participation in the Challenge is free of charge. Travel, lodging, and meal expenses will be reimbursed by TUD afterward in accordance with the applicable travel expense regulations.
Application:
Please submit your application in English by October 25, 2026, via email
The application should include the following information:
- Name
- Field of research / Institute
- Brief statement of motivation (max. 200 words): Why would you like to participate in the Challenge?
The application deadline is October 25, 2026
The Challenge will be conducted in English.
Discover Cluj —a vibrant university city in the heart of Transylvania, where a rich cultural heritage meets academic research, entrepreneurship, and industry.