How could your research help solve a real-world business challenge?

From 23 to 27 November 2026, Babeș-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, will host the fourth edition of the EUTOPIA Innovation Challenges for Researchers, under the subject “Beyond the Lab: From Research to Impact.”

The event brings together researchers and PhD students from EUTOPIA universities to work in interdisciplinary teams on real business and technology challenges proposed by companies from Cluj and the wider Transylvania region. Participants will receive support from company mentors, business experts and technology-transfer specialists.

Why take part?

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Apply their research expertise to real company challenges.
• Develop practical innovation, business and communication skills.
• Explore intellectual property and technology-transfer opportunities.
• Connect with researchers and companies from across EUTOPIA.
• Develop a solution concept and present it through a final pitch.

A week from challenge to collaboration

The programme will take participants through the different stages of the innovation process: discovering the challenges, developing a solution concept, creating a business plan, preparing a pitch and presenting the final proposal at Demo Day.

Who can apply?

The UPF call offers two spots for UPF PhD students and researchers. Applicants must submit a motivation letter explaining their interest, expected outcomes and strengths, together with their CV and English language certificate. Selected participants will have their travel, accommodation and subsistence costs covered, according to the EUTOPIA MORE project rules.

Interested in taking your research beyond academia? Access the call for applications here and register now through this link. The deadline to apply has been extended from October 22nd to October 30th.

For further information, contact the UPF EUTOPIA Office at [email protected].