The curtain fell to loud applause and high spirits at the close of ICEBERG Bootcamp 2025—an event that proved transformational, sparking bold ideas and forging meaningful connections at the Technical University of Moldova. After several intense days of mentorship, learning, and inspiration, emotions reached a high point during the final presentations in front of a panel of industry professionals, who expressed their excitement at discovering the most promising sparks of entrepreneurial potential.
The opening ceremony was graced by the presence of UTM Rector, Professor Viorel Bostan, who emphasized the vital role of the bootcamp in fostering entrepreneurial thinking among students and celebrated the productive collaboration with UC Berkeley. Joining him, Dean of the Faculty of Economic Engineering and Business, Associate Professor Rafael Ciloci, underscored the importance of interdisciplinary initiatives and encouraged the teams as they pursued their ambitions.
The jury, made up of renowned experts such as Aliona Rotaru (expansion lead at gardy.me), Nicoleta Mogâldea (project coordinator at UMAEF – Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund), Corneliu Munteanu (CDG Moldova manager and INSIGHT member at VEO), Veronica Covali (founder of Stilio), and Elena Rusu (ODA – Organization for Entrepreneurship Development), faced a tough task as they carefully evaluated each innovative idea.
The most anticipated moment arrived with the announcement of the winners, who showcased vision, execution, and outstanding potential:
First place, with a unique opportunity to attend the international bootcamp at UC Berkeley (California, USA, August 18–22, 2025), was awarded to Team TerraVolt. Their brilliant concept for hybrid wind-solar energy systems for clean power brought together students from multiple faculties—Andreea Grigoriu (FIMIT), Paul Filat (FD), Mihai Vrabie (FIMIT), Mihaela-Dorina Odainai (FIEB), and Andrei Sarov (FCIM). Congratulations on this extraordinary achievement!
Second place, receiving 10,000 MDL vouchers, went to Team GluCoach for their non-invasive blood glucose monitoring solution. The team, comprised of Maxim Iacovlev, Andrei Bobeica, Elena Romasenco, Catalina David, and Marin Clima, represented various study programs within FCIM.
Third place, also awarded with 10,000 MDL vouchers, was claimed by Team Synapse, which proposed a platform to automate administrative tasks (scheduling, CRM, payments) for improved efficiency. The team included Bianca-Cornelia Cojocaru (FIEB), Lucian-Adrian Gavril (FCIM), Maxim Zvarici (FIEB), Aurelian-Mihai Tihon (FCIM), and Roman Cojuhari (FIEB).
Two other standout teams received special prizes provided by Tekwill, further highlighting the depth of talent on display.
The event was further elevated by the presence of distinguished guests, including Associate Professor Alin Diniță, Rector of the Petroleum-Gas University of Ploiești, Romania, who expressed his admiration for the students’ innovative ideas, especially those focused on renewable energy. Congratulations and encouragement also came from UMAEF representative Stella Jemna and OTP Bank’s Irina Pohila, Head of the Digital Products Department—both key partners in this successful initiative.
The entire bootcamp—capped off by this unforgettable finale—was brought to life with passion and expertise by Tanmay Vijaywargiya (SCET Certificate in Entrepreneurship & Technology, UC Berkeley, USA) and Iuliana Stetenco (FCIM, UTM).
Special thanks go to UTM professors Nina Puțuntean, Rina Țurcan, and Cristina Diaconu, who managed the event organization, and to mentors Cornelia Crucerescu, Angela Ghelbert, and Tatiana Munteanu, who skillfully guided the young entrepreneurs.
A heartfelt acknowledgment also goes to the event’s partners and sponsors—UMAEF, OTP Bank, Mixbook, and Tekwill—whose support was instrumental in making this inspiring event a reality.
The closing celebration included a festive lunch and networking session at Tekwill, giving participants a chance to reflect on their achievements and strengthen the bonds they had formed.
ICEBERG Bootcamp 2025 proved to be a true launchpad for Moldova’s future leaders and innovators. The energy, creativity, and drive of our students give us every reason to believe in the bright future ahead. Congratulations to all participants, winners, and everyone who made this remarkable event possible. The future looks promising!
