Call for Applications: Represent Romania at the SEE Open Innovation Challenge (SEE OIC) 2026

Măgurele Science Park Association (MSP), founding member of the SEE STPs Alliance and national organizer of the SEE Open Innovation Challenge (SEE OIC) 2026 in Romania, invites startups, scaleups, technology companies and research teams to apply for the national selection.

The selected teams will represent Romania at the regional final of the SEE Open Innovation Challenge 2026, taking place on 17 September 2026 during the 10th Forum of Advanced Technologies (FNT) in Niš, Serbia.

About the SEE Open Innovation Challenge

The SEE Open Innovation Challenge (SEE OIC) is a regional initiative of the SEE STPs Alliance that connects innovative technology providers with companies and public organizations seeking practical solutions to real business and technological challenges across Southeast Europe.

Through pilot projects, technology validation and cross-border collaboration, the initiative supports the adoption of innovative Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity solutions while strengthening cooperation between startups, industry, research organizations and innovation ecosystems throughout the region.

Focus Areas

The 2026 edition focuses on two strategic technology domains.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Applications are welcomed in areas including:

• Smart Manufacturing
• Energy & Green Tech
• Smart Cities & Public Sector
• Trusted AI & AI Governance
• HealthTech AI

Cybersecurity

Applications are welcomed in areas including:

• AI for Cyber Defense
• Zero Trust & Digital Identity
• Cyber Resilience
• OT / Industrial Cyber Security
• Secure AI & AI Governance

Who Can Apply?

The Romanian call is open to:

• Startups and scaleups;
• Technology companies;
• Research and development teams;
• University spin-offs;
• Innovation-driven organizations;
• Members and tenants of science and technology parks.

For startup applicants, eligible solutions should be at Technology Readiness Levels (TRL) 2–5 and Commercial Readiness Levels (CRL) 2–5, including concepts, prototypes, validated technologies and early-stage market-ready solutions with strong potential for pilot implementation and commercialization.

Why Apply?

The SEE Open Innovation Challenge offers much more than a pitching competition. It provides an opportunity to validate your technology, build strategic partnerships and gain international visibility within one of Southeast Europe’s growing innovation ecosystems.

Participants will have the opportunity to:

• Represent Romania in a regional innovation competition;
• Present their solution before an international jury of experts;
• Connect with companies seeking innovative AI and Cybersecurity solutions;
• Explore pilot projects and proof-of-concept collaborations;
• Meet investors, corporate partners and regional innovation stakeholders;
• Receive mentoring in technology commercialization and investment readiness;
• Increase the visibility of their technology across Southeast Europe;
• Access the S4AI HUB innovation ecosystem.

In addition, the highest-ranked teams will benefit from:

• Membership and tailored support through the HUB201 acceleration programmes;
• Support to participate in Web Summit Lisbon, one of the world’s leading technology events.

National Selection

Măgurele Science Park Association will organize the Romanian selection process and nominate up to two startups to represent Romania at the regional final of the SEE Open Innovation Challenge 2026.

Applications will be evaluated by an expert jury based on:

• Innovation and technological excellence;
• Relevance to the Challenge domains;
• Technology and commercial readiness;
• Market potential and scalability;
• Team expertise;
• Potential for pilot implementation and collaboration with industry.

Regional Final

The selected Romanian teams will compete in the SEE Open Innovation Challenge Grand Final, hosted by Science and Technology Park Niš, on 17 September 2026 as part of the 10th Forum of Advanced Technologies (FNT).

The event will bring together startups, corporations, investors, research organisations, science and technology parks, innovation hubs and public institutions from across Southeast Europe, offering participants valuable networking opportunities and direct access to potential partners and customers.

Participant Support

To facilitate regional participation, Science and Technology Park Niš will provide accommodation for up to two representatives from each selected startup attending the regional final.

Accommodation will be provided for one night (16 September 2026), enabling participants to:

• Attend the networking activities of the 10th Forum of Advanced Technologies;
• Meet regional innovation stakeholders, investors and corporate representatives;
• Prepare for the final pitching session;
• Participate in the SEE Open Innovation Challenge Grand Final on 17 September 2026.

Please note that travel expenses to and from Niš are not covered and remain the responsibility of participating teams.

Following the national selection process, Science and Technology Park Niš, together with the SEE STPs Alliance partners, will coordinate all logistical arrangements directly with the selected startups, including accommodation, participant registration, the event agenda and all operational information related to the Challenge.

Ready to Represent Romania?

If you are developing an innovative Artificial Intelligence or Cybersecurity solution, this is your opportunity to showcase your technology on an international stage, connect with industry leaders and investors, and become part of the Southeast European innovation ecosystem.

👉Apply now for the Romanian selection and compete for the opportunity to represent Romania at the SEE Open Innovation Challenge 2026 Grand Final in Niš, Serbia.

For additional information, please contact: Măgurele Science Park Association

Roxana Lupașcu

📧 [email protected]
📞 +40 756 166 497