On October 30, 2025, the “Gheorghe Asachi” Technical University of Iași (TUIASI) hosted the launch conference of three Romania–Republic of Moldova cross-border projects, carried out under the Interreg NEXT Romania–Republic of Moldova Programme 2021–2027. The event marked the beginning of a new phase in academic, scientific, and digital collaboration between the two countries, rooted in excellence, innovation, and partnership.
The Technical University of Moldova (UTM) was represented by Associate Professor Dr. Dinu Țurcanu, Vice-Rector for Digitalization, who conveyed the message of UTM’s Rector, Professor Dr. Habil. Viorel Bostan. In his message, the UTM Vice-Rector emphasized the importance of these joint initiatives in strengthening Moldovan-Romanian ties in education, research, and digital transformation, highlighting the role of technical universities in accelerating the digital shift and fostering sustainable development in both nations.
During the event, three major projects were launched:
MINDS – Digital Vanguard Library – Meeting Intellectual Needs through Discovery and Study
Coordinator: Associate Professor Dr. Eng. Ionuț Ovidiu Tomșa, Vice-Rector for Scientific Research (TUIASI)
UTM Partner: Viorica Lupu, Director of the UTM Scientific Library
The MINDS project aims to boost the resilience of remote and online education by leveraging the potential of university libraries. Expected outcomes include modernizing digital infrastructure, equipping libraries with cutting-edge technologies, and transforming them into open, inclusive digital educational hubs.
xDIH – Cross-Border Digital Innovation Hub
Coordinator: Associate Professor Dr. Eng. Simona Caraiman, Vice-Rector for Digitalization and Communications (TUIASI)
UTM Partners: Dr. Daniela Pojar, Vice-Rector for Finance and International Relations; Ion Bodrug, President of ACETI; and Cristina Baghiu, Coordinator of Digital Innovation Zone
The xDIH project seeks to develop digital skills and strengthen cross-border collaboration between universities, innovation centers, and the business sector. It aims to create modern learning infrastructures, promote innovative curricula, and leverage shared expertise in emerging technologies.
CONNECTINNO – Cross-Border Interconnected Mobile Networks for Education and Innovation
Coordinator: Associate Professor Dr. Eng. Ciprian-Romeo Comșa, Vice-Rector for Innovation, Entrepreneurship, and Business Partnerships (TUIASI)
UTM Partner: Associate Professor Dr. Lilia Sava, Dean of the Faculty of Electronics and Telecommunications, UTM
The CONNECTINNO project focuses on establishing two 5G–IoT laboratories (in Iași and Chișinău), as well as a shared virtual space for collaboration among students, faculty, and business representatives. These infrastructures will support experience exchange, joint projects, and the development of applied digital skills in real-world contexts.
Through the launch of the MINDS, xDIH, and CONNECTINNO projects, partner universities from Romania and the Republic of Moldova demonstrate their commitment to building a shared ecosystem of education, research, and digital innovation.
These projects represent not only academic cooperation but also a tangible step toward creating a cross-border digital community based on excellence, openness, and solidarity between Romania and the Republic of Moldova.
