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On November 26th Bucharest, BT Stup, 3pm
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What is Romania Startup Awards?

The Romania Startup Awards Gala is an annual celebration of Romania’s most innovative and promising startups. By bringing together leaders from across the ecosystem, this event fosters collaboration and sets the stage for the future of innovation in our country.
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What we are looking for in founders:

Innovative early-stage to growth-stage companies

Validated MVP and showing traction through revenue, partnerships, or investment

Impact-focused businesses

Addressing key societal, environmental, or economic challenges, emphasizing sustainability, inclusivity, or tech advancement

Visionary leadership

Strong, capable teams that demonstrate a clear vision and the ability to drive growth and execute their strategy

About us

The Romanian Tech Startups Association (ROTSA) is dedicated to fostering innovation and growth within Romania’s startup ecosystem. We support early-stage and growth-stage tech startups by providing resources, connections, and opportunities for scaling both locally and globally.

With a strong network of investors, partners, and accelerators, ROTSA aims to empower startups through education, mentorship, and access to funding. Our mission is to build a thriving, sustainable ecosystem that positions Romania as a key player on the global startup map.

Why should you apply for the Romania Startup Awards?

Access to investors

National visibility

Partnership opportunities

Media coverage

Industry recognition

Boost credibility

Best Innovators

Recognizing groundbreaking startups that are pushing the boundaries of innovation

#01

AI Innovation Excellence Award

#02

Tech Startup of the Year – Moldova

#03

Tech Startup of the Year – Romania

#04

Dual-Use Tech Vanguard Award

#05

Women-in-Tech Startup of the Year

#06

Tech Newcomer Startup Award

#07

Sector Tech Innovator Award

#08

Cybersecurity Innovation Award

#09

DeepTech Pioneer Award

Best Performers

Recognizing groundbreaking startups that are pushing the boundaries of innovation

#1 Best Revenue Growth Performer

For the scale-up with the fastest revenue growth

#1 Best International Expansion Performer

For the scale-up with the strongest global presence

#1 Best Fundraising Performer

For the scale-up that secured
the most relevant funding round

Evaluation Criteria

Comprehensive assessment framework for all award categories

Best Innovators Criteria

Business Concept & Opportunity

Demonstrates Significant Potential, Identified Target Markets and Why

Product/Service Opportunity Fit

The product matches what the market wants, has Competitive Advantage & clear traction

Business Model & Value Proposition

The exploitation strategy/approach is good, identified customer needs and has a solid plan

Management Team

Demonstrates bench strength & knowledge of gaps

Growth & Scalability potential

Knows what needs to be done and how to do

Investment Case

How big is the opportunity, Potential for Returns: Revenue/ROI

Best Performers Criteria

Revenue Growth Rate

Measures annual revenue growth and number of users. A direct indicator of traction and the ability to scale the business model

International Footprint

Number of foreign markets where the startup operates or has clients. Demonstrates scalability and global attractiveness of the product/service

Fundraising & Investor Validation

Funding round achieved (Series A/B/C) and the amount of capital raised. Reflects investor confidence and company maturity

Operational Scale & Team Growth

Growth in employee count, expansion of the leadership team, and process maturity. Shows the startup can sustain accelerated growth without compromising quality

2026 Edition Winners

HealthTech & Longevity Innovator

2nd Place

Parol

Winner

Synaptiq.io

3rd place

Medical Pilot

FinTech & InsurTech Innovator

2nd Place

SOLO

Winner

Fagura

3rd place

Finergy.md

AgriTech & FoodTech Innovator

2nd Place

FoodFix

Winner

CO2 Angels

3rd place

Bluana Foods

CleanTech & Sustainability

2nd Place

CO2 Angels

Winner

Yellowgrid International

3rd place

Renter

EdTech Leader

2nd Place

Youni Choice

Winner

Kinderpedia

3rd place

Spark Generation

Smart Cities & Mobility

2nd Place

Renter

Winner

Bright Spaces

3rd place

VAUNT

Cybersecurity Innovation Award

2nd Place

Alpha by Zendra

Winner

Scamy.io

3rd place

MrBenny

Pioneer Award

2nd Place

Synaptiq.io

Winner

NostraBiome

3rd place

Space Hub

Dual-Use Tech Vanguard Award

2nd Place

Space Hub

Winner

Orbotix

3rd place

KFactory

Tech Newcomer Startup Award

2nd Place

Neurorevive.eu

Winner

OptiComm.ai

3rd place

Algolymp

Women-in-Tech Startup of the Year

2nd Place

Kinderpedia

Winner

QuickLegal.io

3rd place

Recycllux

Best Revenue Growth Performer

2nd Place

easySales

Winner

VoicePatrol

3rd place

Yellowgrid

Best International Expansion Performer

2nd Place

Salestools

Winner

Brizy

3rd place

Space Hub

Best Fundraising Performer

2nd Place

Synaptiq

Winner

Ogre AI

3rd place

parol

AI Innovation Excellence Award

2nd Place

Genezio

Winner

Etiq AI

3rd place

VoicePatrol

Tech Startup of the Year from Moldova

2nd Place

Fagura

Winner

Finergy.md

3rd place

Argus AI

Tech Startup of the Year from Romania

2nd Place

easySales

Winner

Kinderpedia

3rd place

Ogre AI

Board Members - 2026 Edition

Vlad Andriescu

Start-up.ro

Marius Istrate

TechAngels

Olga Melniciuc

Startup Moldova

Madalin Ionita

Magurele Science Park

Andrei Dudoiu

Seedblink

Alex Mircea Dascalu

Founders Institute

Mihai Stefanescu

Innovation Norway

Oana Craioveanu

Impact Hub

Daniel Mereuta

TechAngels

Irina Misca

Fortech Investments (VC)

Ilinca Paun

Bravva Angels

Dragos Stanca

Upgrade100

Valentin Filip

Fortech Investments

Dan Mihaescu

GapMinder

Corina Vasile

ANIS presedinte

Alin Stanciu

Catalyst II

Dani Oros

Google

Lavinia Neagoe

Women in Tech Romania / Google

Ion Petrovai

Freshblood HealthTech

Razvan Rughiniș

Innovation Labs

Marina Lirintzi

EBRD, VC & Growth Investor

2024 Edition Winners

Agritech & Foodtech Innovator

Ultragreens

AI Excellence
Award
Best Startup
in Moldova
Best Startup
in Romania
Cleantech
Pioneer
EdTech
Leader
eHealth
Innovator
Female-Led Startup
of the Year
FinTech Innovator
Local
FinTech Innovator
International
Retail & E-Commerce Disruptor
Rising Star
Award
Sustainability
Champion
Young Entrepreneur
of the Year
Most Scalable
Startup
Deep Tech
Champion
ScaleUp of The Year

Agenda
November 26th, BT Stup, Bucharest

3 PM
3:45 PM
4:00 PM
4:15 PM
4:45 PM
5:00 PM
5:30 PM
5:45 PM
6:30 PM
6:45 PM
Registration
Welcome Speech
Fireside Chat
Award Ceremony
Keynote
Award Ceremony
Fireside Chat
Award Ceremony
Next steps and final thoughts
Networking & Drinks

Highlights from 2024