In the context of celebrating the 60th anniversary of the Technical University of Moldova, the “Creative Solutions for the Digital Era” hackathon brought out the imaginative and innovative spirit of the participants. This collaborative initiative, organized by the UTM Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications (FET) and the Faculty of Mathematics and Computer Science (FMI) at the Moldova State University (USM), served as a catalyst for ingenuity and talent among technology enthusiasts.
The “Creative Solutions for the Digital Era” Hackathon went beyond mere competition, providing a unique platform for students to apply their theoretical knowledge in practice. In recognizing this significant aspect, UTM Rector, Prof. Viorel BOSTAN, consistently extends his support, emphasizing the importance of such extracurricular activities in fostering students’ skills. Through UTM’s active involvement in organizing such interuniversity competitions, the Rector underscores the university’s commitment to innovation and the preparation of future generations of engineering and technology professionals.
The 8 teams, 6 of which representing FET-UTM, have proposed innovative solutions to the challenges of the digital era. These include “Autonomous Electronic Signature Service” (Team “Usign”), “Development and Implementation of VPN Infrastructure and Network” (Team “NetShield”), “Sales Volume Forecasting Using Machine Learning Methods” (Team “CyberSeeker”), “Development of a Motion Detection System Using Computer Mouse Components” (Team “BOTE”), “Automation of Vacant Job Offer Selection Through Intelligent Bot Integration” (Team “IMTC-admins”), “Energetic Carpet for the Electric Car Era” (Team “DAX”), “Dynamo Flashlight” (Team “TeM”), as well as “Creation of an Online Library” (Team “The Dream Team”).
During the winners’ award ceremony, Dr. Lilia Sava, the Dean of the UTM Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, expressed her profound pride in the students of FET, who were able to set a new participation record by representing 6 out of 8 teams in the hackathon. Her message was: “Your overwhelming presence demonstrates that the passion for innovation and technology burns brightly in your souls. It delights me to see how you harness your boundless imagination to find creative solutions tailored to the digital era.”
Dr. Dinu Țurcanu, UTM’s Vice-Rector for Digitalization, shared words of encouragement and motivation with the participants: “Never underestimate the power of your ideas and your potential to change the world through innovation! As Albert Einstein once said, ‘The impossible is just a state of mind.’ You’ve shown in this hackathon that there are no limits when it comes to creativity and the desire to achieve greatness. Keep dreaming and turning those dreams into reality! The world is yours to change!”
The participants’ efforts were recognized and rewarded accordingly. The teams “Usign” and “NetShield” from FET-UTM, and “CyberSeeker” from FMI-USM, secured the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd positions, earning prizes of 4000 lei, 3000 lei, and 2000 lei, respectively. These teams showcased excellence and innovation in their projects. Others were also encouraged to persist in their quest for creative solutions, receiving participation certificates and 1000 lei prizes each. Moreover, the event organizers, including Prof. Dr. Lilia Sava, Dean of FET-UTM, and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Valentina Tîrșu, Head of the TSE Department at FET-UTM, extended sincere gratitude to the event sponsors: Alexei Ciobanu, Director of IT Lab; Iurie Ivanenco, Director of SRL SC System; and Mihai Tornea, Commercial Director and Information Systems Administrator at Mezanin-V SRL.
The recent “Creative Solutions for the Digital Era” hackathon has proven that creativity and innovation are essential elements in shaping the next generation of technology professionals. We support the integration of such initiatives into students’ academic experiences, aiming to build a more dynamic and innovative digital future.
The hackathon “Creative Solutions for the Digital Era,” organized in collaboration with the National Institute of Cybersecurity Innovations “CYBERCOR,” stands as a platform for competition and innovation. It represents a significant step towards raising awareness and experience in the field of cybersecurity. Such initiatives underscore the potential of leveraging the collective talent of young inventors and industry specialists to devise innovative solutions for contemporary digital challenges.
