Description
DEEPTECH ACADEMY: LAB-TO-MARKET PROGRAMME
Transform research into commercial impact
When? February 17 – May 15, 2025
Where? iHub Conference Rooms + UTM Technical Labs, Chișinău
In today's innovation economy, research that stays in laboratories never reaches its potential. Academic expertise must translate into market value, and advanced technologies must move from scientific papers to products.
Deeptech Academy is Moldova's first Lab-to-Market programme for the academic community. This 12-week intensive teaches researchers, university faculty, and advanced students how to transform their expertise in AI, Machine Learning, and Data Science into viable products and investable ventures.
This isn't another theoretical course. It's a systematic transformation process: commercialization of science, product thinking, and innovation valorization – moving from research hypothesis to market-ready solution in three months.
Programme structure
Phase 1 – Deeptech fundamentals & product thinking (Weeks 1-4)
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.
Phase 2 – Applied development & MVP creation (Weeks 5-8)
Build a functional prototype in your chosen sector. Work with real datasets, platforms without complex code, and industry-standard tools.
Intensive Bootcamp – Business strategy simulation (2 Full Days)
Practical sessions: market entry, competitive analysis, and scenario planning.
Phase 3 – Commercialization & investment readiness (Weeks 9-12)
Learn business model design, financial projections, IP protection strategies, and grant writing. Present at Demo Day before investors and industry leaders.
Four strategic sectors
🏥 HealthTech – Diagnostic AI, medical data management, telemedicine
⚡ EnergyTech – Smart grids, energy optimization, predictive maintenance
🌾 AgriFood – Precision agriculture, yield prediction, supply chain optimization
💰 FinTech – Fraud detection, risk assessment, credit scoring
What you'll gain:
→ Applied AI/ML skillset beyond theoretical knowledge
→ Functional prototype demonstrating your building ability
→ Investor presentation for grants, accelerators, or funding
→ Connections with industry practitioners and investors
→ Certificate from Deeptech Academy and UTM
→ Portfolio project that differentiates you
Who should apply?
Researchers, university faculty, master's and PhD students, assistants, engineers, and analysts who want to commercialize science, develop product thinking, and valorize innovation.
Requirements:
→ Strong analytical thinking and motivation
→ Commitment to all sessions (Tuesdays 17:30-20:30 + Saturdays 10:00-14:30)
→ ~15 hours/week (sessions + assignments)
→ No advanced programming required
Language: Romanian (some materials in English)
Investment: 1,000 MDL for 12 weeks
Available Spots: 40 participants selected competitively
Selection timeline:
- Applications: January 28 – February 9, 2025 (23:59)
- Selection: February 10-11, 2025
- Results: February 11, 2025
- Payment deadline: February 13, 2025
- Start: February 17, 2025
⚠️ Only 40 spots. Selection based on application quality, not registration order.
Deeptech Academy is developed in partnership with Technical University of Moldova (UTM) and supported by Innovate Moldova Programme, funded by Sweden and the United Kingdom.
Applications close February 9, 23:59. No extensions.
APPLY NOW: https://technovator.world/events/deeptech-academy-2026/