Transforming research into commercial impact

When? February 17 – May 16, 2025

In today’s innovation economy, research that remains in the lab is research that never reaches its full potential. Academic expertise must be translated into market value, and advanced technologies must evolve from scientific papers into products.

Deeptech Academy is Moldova’s first Lab-to-Market program specifically designed for the academic community. This intensive 12-week program bridges the gap between theoretical research and commercial application, teaching researchers, faculty members, and advanced students how to turn their expertise in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science into viable products and investable businesses.

This isn’t just another theoretical course. It is a systematic transformation process where you learn the commercialization of science, product thinking, and innovation leveraging—moving from a research hypothesis to a market-ready solution in just three months.

Program Structure

  • Phase 1 – Deeptech Fundamentals & Product Thinking (Weeks 1-4) Explore AI/ML applications in four strategic sectors: HealthTech, EnergyTech, AgriFood, and FinTech. Learn how to identify high-value problems and transition from research methodology to product development logic.
  • Phase 2 – Applied Development & MVP Creation (Weeks 5-8) Build a functional prototype in your chosen sector. Work with real datasets, low-code/no-code platforms, and industry-standard tools. The focus is on solution architecture and validation, not “perfect” code.
  • Intensive Bootcamp – Business Strategy Simulation (2 Full Days) Hands-on sessions: market entry, competitive analysis, and scenario planning under tight time constraints.
  • Phase 3 – Commercialization & Investment Readiness (Weeks 9-12) Learn business model design for advanced technologies, financial projections, intellectual property (IP) strategies, and grant writing. Prepare and refine your pitch for investors. Present at Demo Day before a jury of investors and industry leaders.

Four Strategic Sectors – Choose Your Impact Area

HealthTech: AI for diagnostics, medical data management, telemedicine, clinical decision support.

  • For researchers in: Medicine, Bioinformatics, Biostatistics, Health Sciences.

EnergyTech: Smart grids, energy consumption optimization, predictive maintenance, renewable energy integration.

  • For researchers in: Energy Engineering, Applied Physics, Automation, Electrical Engineering.

AgriFood: Precision agriculture, crop prediction, supply chain optimization, climate adaptation.

  • For researchers in: Agronomy, Biotechnology, Remote Sensing, Agricultural Economics.

FinTech: Fraud detection, risk assessment, credit scoring, regulatory compliance.

  • For researchers in: Economics, Applied Mathematics, Statistics, Finance, Computer Science.

What You Will Gain:

  • Applied AI/ML Skillset: Skills that go beyond theoretical knowledge.
  • Functional Prototype: Proof of your ability to build, not just conceptualize.
  • Investor Pitch Deck: Ready for grants, accelerators, or funding meetings.
  • Networking: Connections with industry practitioners, investors, and fellow innovators.
  • Commercialization Roadmap: A clear understanding of how to bring research-based tech to market.
  • Certification: Graduation certificate from Deeptech Academy.
  • Portfolio Project: A tangible project to differentiate you in the job market or academic career.

Who Should Apply?

Researchers, faculty, Master’s and PhD students, assistants, engineers, and analysts who want to:

  • Commercialize science, not just publish it.
  • Develop product thinking, not just theoretical frameworks.
  • Leverage innovation, not just conduct research.

Requirements:

  • Strong analytical thinking and motivation to learn.
  • Commitment to attend all sessions (Tuesdays 17:30-20:30 + Saturdays 10:00-14:30).
  • Availability to dedicate approx. 15 hours/week (sessions + homework).
  • Advanced programming experience is not required—the focus is on logic and application.

Don’t miss the opportunity to turn your research from scientific papers into products. If you are ready to move from lab to market—this is your program.

Deeptech Academy is developed in partnership with the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) and is supported by the Innovate Moldova Program, funded by Sweden and the United Kingdom.