Deeptech Academy 2026
Deeptech Academy is Moldova’s first lab-to-market programme designed specifically for the academic community. This intensive 12-week initiative bridges the gap between theoretical research and commercial application, teaching researchers, university faculty, and advanced students how to transform their expertise in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science into viable products and investable projects.
Event Details
Description
Lab-to-Market Programme
Transform research into commercial impact β 12 weeks intensive training
π
When? February 17 β May 15, 2025
π Schedule: Tuesdays 17:30-20:30 + Saturdays 10:00-14:30
π Where? iHub Conference Rooms + UTM Technical Labs
π° Investment: 1,000 MDL (78+ hours of applied training)
π Participants: 40 selected researchers, academics & students
π Language: Romanian / English
π» Bring your expertise β we’ll help you build the product
What is Deeptech Academy?
Deeptech Academy is Moldova’s first lab-to-market programme designed specifically for the academic community. This intensive 12-week initiative bridges the gap between theoretical research and commercial application, teaching assistants, researchers, university faculty, and advanced students how to transform their expertise in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science into viable products and investable projects.
In partnership with the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), the programme provides access to technical laboratories, industry mentorship, and a structured pathway from research hypothesis to market-ready solution.
Programme focus: From research paper to product roadmap in 12 weeks
Moldova has strong academic talent β researchers publishing in international journals, faculty teaching advanced concepts, PhD students producing quality dissertations. But too often, this expertise remains in laboratories and academic papers, never reaching real users or generating commercial value.
Deeptech Academy addresses this gap directly. This isn’t another theoretical course. It’s a systematic transformation process that teaches you how to:
β Translate research questions into product problems
β Build functional prototypes using no-code/low-code tools (programming expertise not required)
β Validate solutions with real users and stakeholders
β Develop business models for deep technology
β Prepare investment-ready pitches and grant proposals
β Navigate IP strategy and tech transfer processes
Programme Structure
π PHASE 1 | Weeks 1-4: Deeptech fundamentals & product thinking
Explore AI/ML applications across four strategic sectors: HealthTech, EnergyTech, AgriFood, and FinTech. Learn how to identify high-value problems and shift from research methodology to product development logic. Define your capstone project problem statement.
π PHASE 2 | Weeks 5-8: Applied development & MVP creation
Build a Minimum Viable Product in your chosen sector. Work with real datasets, no-code/low-code platforms, and industry-standard tools. Focus on solution architecture and validation, not perfect code. Receive continuous feedback from sector-specific mentors.
π― INTENSIVE BOOTCAMP | (2 full days)
Hands-on business strategy simulation: market entry, competitive analysis, and scenario planning under time constraints.
π PHASE 3 | Weeks 9-12: Commercialization & investment readiness
Learn business model design for deep tech, financial projections, IP protection strategies, and grant writing (including Horizon Europe frameworks). Prepare and refine your investment pitch. Present at Demo Day before a jury of investors and industry decision-makers.
Who should apply?
β RESEARCHERS seeking to commercialize their findings and translate academic work into market applications
β UNIVERSITY FACULTY wanting to stay current with emerging technologies and bring practical industry insights back to their teaching
β MASTER & PhD STUDENTS looking for development beyond curriculum and preparing for careers that bridge academia and industry
β ENGINEERS & ANALYSTS exploring transition into AI/ML applications with guidance from experienced practitioners
Requirements:
- Strong analytical thinking and motivation to learn
- Interest in applying technology to real-world problems
- Commitment to attend all sessions (Tuesdays 17:30-20:30 & Saturdays 10:00-14:30)
- Willingness to dedicate ~15 hours/week (sessions + homework)
- No advanced programming background required β emphasis is on logic and application, not coding
Four Strategic Sectors β Choose your impact area:
π₯ HEALTHTECH
Diagnostic AI, medical data management, telemedicine, clinical decision support
For researchers in: Medicine, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Health Sciences
β‘ ENERGYTECH
Smart grids, energy consumption optimization, predictive maintenance, renewable integration
For researchers in: Energy Engineering, Applied Physics, Automation, Electrical Engineering
πΎ AGRIFOOD
Precision agriculture, yield prediction, supply chain optimization, climate adaptation
For researchers in: Agronomy, Biotechnology, Remote Sensing, Agricultural Economics
π° FINTECH
Fraud detection, risk assessment, credit scoring, regulatory compliance, algorithmic trading
For researchers in: Economics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Computer Science
You will explore all four sectors during Phase 1, then select one for your capstone project based on your interests and expertise.
What you’ll gain:
β Applied skillset in AI/ML that goes beyond theoretical knowledge
β Functional MVP demonstrating your ability to build, not just conceptualize
β Investment-ready pitch deck applicable for grants, accelerators, or investor meetings
β Network connections with industry practitioners, investors, and fellow innovators
β Clear understanding of the commercialization pathway for research-driven technology
β Certificate of completion from Deeptech Academy and UTM
β Portfolio-ready project that differentiates you in the job market or academic progression
Selection process & timeline:
π Applications open: January 26 β February 9, 2025 (deadline: 23:59)
π Selection period: February 10-11, 2025
π’ Results announced: February 11, 2025
π³ Participation fee deadline: February 13, 2025
π Programme starts: February 17, 2025
Selection criteria:
- Clarity of motivation for commercializing research or developing practical skills (40%)
- Relevance of academic/professional background to chosen sector (30%)
- Demonstrated potential for commercial impact and commitment to programme (30%)
Why this matters for Moldova:
Moldova has academic talent. What we’re building is the infrastructure to translate that talent into economic and social value. Deeptech Academy is not just a training programme β it’s the foundation for a sustainable deep tech ecosystem where research doesn’t end with publication, where academic expertise becomes the basis for scalable companies, and where Moldova’s knowledge economy grows from the inside out.
If you’re ready to move your research from papers to products, your teaching from theory to practice, or your studies from curriculum to capability β this is your opportunity.
β οΈ Application closes February 9, 23:59. No extensions.
Only 40 spots available. Competitive selection process based on application quality, not first-come-first-served. Apply now. Build something real.
Agenda
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