A community-driven education program for social startups
The FIX Cluj incubation program, dedicated to supporting young innovators from Cluj-Napoca, concluded its 2024/2025 edition by announcing, during the Closing Gala, the results of the final selection. Out of the 10 teams that entered the incubation stage, four teams were selected to receive non-reimbursable funding of up to €35,000 each, to support the actual market launch of the products developed by their companies.
The FIX Cluj program is implemented by the C-EDU Education Cluster Association, in partnership with the Cluj-Napoca City Hall and Fondation Botnar, as part of the Our Cluj initiative. The program also benefits from the support of major private sector partners: AROBS Transilvania Software, BCR – Romanian Commercial Bank, Bosch Romania, NTT Data Romania, Vitrina Advertising, and Numa Film.
The FIX program has identified a new generation of young innovators
The 2024/2025 edition of the FIX Cluj program brought together 29 teams in the ideation phase, each benefiting from initial financial support of €3,000, personalized mentoring, intensive training sessions, and access to an extensive network of experts. Following the selection at the end of the ideation phase, 10 teams advanced to the incubation stage, receiving additional grants of up to €12,000 for prototype development and market validation. During Demo Day 2, the teams showcased their progress before the FIX Cluj community and the jury, demonstrating the advancements made and their potential for scaling.
The four winning teams of the FIX Cluj 2024/2025 edition are:
A sustainable interior design startup that transforms recycled plastic into aesthetic and functional objects, aligned with the spirit of the New European Bauhaus.
ATRUX – 4 members, mentored by Radu Miclăuș
An advanced digital assistant aimed at increasing the safety of international truck fleets, based on cutting-edge deep tech technologies.
Co-live a little – 4 members, mentored by Smaranda Ignat
A creative initiative that reinvents local souvenirs through contemporary art and design, connecting heritage with the identity of young people.
Rhythm Touch – 4 members, mentored by Laviniu Chiș
An innovative device that converts sounds into tactile vibrations, facilitating the social and cultural integration of deaf individuals.
During the 2024/2025 edition, participants benefited from a complex educational experience combining digital microlearning, individualized mentoring, specialized training sessions led by professionals, access to a network of over 80 mentors and experts, and a performance-based progressive funding system. The integration of the “Evidence to Action” method, developed in collaboration with Rural Senses, added a strong component of impact monitoring and continuous adaptation to the real needs of young entrepreneurs.
Through this new edition, FIX Cluj strengthens its position as the most ambitious youth incubation program in Romania, supporting the transition from promising ideas to impactful startups with scaling potential. The four winning startups of the 2024/2025 edition thus become new sources of inspiration for future generations of innovators in Cluj-Napoca and the wider region.
A unique support model
FIX Cluj is based on a collaborative funding mechanism that brings together:
● Public co-financing provided by the Cluj-Napoca City Hall and Local Council – the first public authority in Romania to formally support the creation of a local innovation fund.
● Private investment from top companies such as AROBS, BCR, Bosch Romania, NTT DATA Romania, Vitrina Advertising, and Numa Film.
● International support through Fondation Botnar, part of the Our Cluj initiative, promoting inclusive and innovative cities for young people.
Highlights of the 2024/2025 edition
● 29 teams entered the ideation phase, benefiting from structured training, mentorship, and initial funding.
● 10 teams advanced to the intensive incubation phase after Demo Day 1.
● 4 teams selected for final funding.
● Over 80 mentors and experts involved.
● Personalized training sessions. Integration of the “Evidence to Action” (E2A) impact monitoring method.
A measurable impact:
● Supported the creation of scalable, socially impactful startups.
● Strengthened participants’ entrepreneurial, leadership, and innovation skills.
● Connected talented young people with the local innovation ecosystem, opening new growth and collaboration opportunities.
● Validated the unique FIX Cluj methodology, combining digital microlearning, personalized mentoring, progressive funding, and co-designing a new model for transmitting knowledge and developing entrepreneurial skills for young people in the new knowledge and technology-driven economy.
Future perspectives
Building on the lessons learned during this edition, FIX Cluj aims to further improve the program by focusing on:
● Stronger support for early-stage idea development,
● Professionalization of the program’s support system,
● Strengthening the matchmaking processes between teams and mentors,
● Increasing real-world testing opportunities with users,
● Expanding the support program for the alumni community.
FIX Cluj continues its mission to co-create the future of local innovation, providing young founders with the tools they need to generate positive change in society..
