Spotlight on Romanian Tech: Driving Innovation Through the EUDIS Hackathon
Cristian Dascalu, the President of the Romanian Tech Startups Association (ROTSA), is at the forefront of a transformative movement in Romania’s tech landscape. As the organizer of the EUDIS Hackathon, he champions the potential of Romanian founders, particularly in the dual-use tech fields—technologies applicable for both civilian and military purposes. With increasing support from the European Union, especially in funding defense-oriented equity vehicles, Romania is positioning itself as a significant player in defense technology.
Cristian Dascalu’s Background and Vision
Cristian Dascalu is more than just a figurehead; he is a veteran VC investor and the Managing Partner & Co-Founder of Techcelerator. His extensive experience spans over 12 years within the startup ecosystem, during which he has assisted around 500 startups, especially in technology. In addition to his role at ROTSA, Dascalu has been recognized in various European networks as a Board Member of the European Startup Network since May 2025. His unique blend of experience and passion for innovation drives his vision for Romania’s emerging tech sector.
The EUDIS Hackathon: A Launchpad for Innovation
The upcoming EUDIS Hackathon is set to take place in Bucharest from October 17-19, offering a unique platform where early-stage startups and individual innovators can rapidly evolve ideas into executable projects. This event aims to fast-track the journey from concept to prototype, facilitating direct interactions with domain mentors and end-users.
Participants will have the opportunity to showcase their solutions to evaluators experienced in both the defense and commercial markets. The most promising teams will be funneled into the pan-EU EUDIS Business Accelerator—a comprehensive eight-month program. This includes boot camps, expert coaching, and seed-financing vouchers tailored to elevate tech-driven solutions in the dual-use domain.
Bridging the Gap: Access to Funding and Resources
The partnership between ROTSA and Techcelerator enables a focused dual-use track that harnesses expertise in critical areas like AI, deep tech, and cyber defense. Under guidance, founders learn what constitutes a "fundable" dual-use narrative, including important elements such as problem validation, credible technology readiness levels (TRL), and a robust commercialization strategy.
Through hands-on mentorship, participants will receive invaluable insights from industry operators and investors, covering essential topics like funding readiness and strategic go-to-market plans. These connections facilitate direct introductions to important stakeholders, including venture capitalists and corporate partners, providing the necessary support to navigate the complexities of securing funding in the dual-use technology space.
Demystifying Dual-Use Complexity
Many startups face challenges in acknowledging both civilian and military applications of their technology. To combat this, ROTSA, in collaboration with Techcelerator, has launched a Dual-Use Readiness program. This initiative simplifies the journey from prototype to market-ready product, clarifying procurement processes and understanding what “reference customers” entail.
The program focuses on Technology Readiness Level (TRL) mapping, ensuring startups understand how to advance through necessary testing and validation phases. Founders are trained to navigate aspects of security and compliance, including export controls and data classification.
Solutions for European Technological Sovereignty
This year’s EUDIS Hackathon emphasizes critical themes such as “Technologies for Space & Defense.” It’s an opportunity for Romanian innovators to showcase solutions that reinforce EU technological sovereignty by reducing dependencies and localizing critical competencies.
Proposed solutions span a wide range of applications, including:
- Maritime Domain Awareness: Enhancing detection systems for "dark vessels" using satellite data.
- Resilient Communications: Developing LEO backhaul kits for enhanced field team communications.
- Cyber-Hardening: Establishing foundational security protocols for satellite stations.
Each proposed solution reflects Romania’s capabilities, making it vital for addressing regional security challenges while also fulfilling European demand for advanced technologies.
Leveraging Experience in Defense Tech
ROSTA’s collaboration with Europe’s dual-use community brings a wealth of experience in defense-oriented programming. With profound connections in NATO and DIANA, Dascalu and his team ensure that the mentoring provided meets real-world needs and expectations.
Their long-established presence in hackathons, including major global events like NASA Space Apps, positions ROTSA as a leading force in scouting and coaching innovators in the intersection of space and defense tech.
Addressing Regional Strategic Priorities
The challenges presented at the EUDIS Hackathon are intricately tied to the strategic priorities of the Eastern Flank. Emphasizing resilient communications, counter-unmanned aerial systems (UAS) technologies, and the protection of critical infrastructure ensures that Romanian founders address real and pressing defense needs while leveraging local talent.
The hackathon will feature:
- User-backed Sessions: Engaging industry stakeholders as mentors to refine use cases.
- Contextual Datasets: Enabling participants to work with realistic scenarios and datasets.
- Pilot Pathways: Helping teams translate their conceptual outputs into viable pilot projects.
Support Beyond the Hackathon
The EUDIS Hackathon serves as a dynamic launchpad, but its impact extends far beyond the event itself. The post-event phase offers structured mentoring and support, focusing on pitch refinement and milestone planning. Selected participants will benefit from ongoing technical advisory, preparing them for subsequent funding and deployment opportunities.
The commitment to foster innovation is underscored by local support mechanisms, including office hours, investor days, and hands-on clinics, creating warm introductions to vital networks across Romania and the broader EU.
Conclusion
Cristian Dascalu’s leadership underscores a pivotal moment for Romania as it carves out a niche in the dual-use technology landscape. With programs like the EUDIS Hackathon, the commitment to innovation and collaboration in defense tech is not just a vision; it’s a reality in the making. By uniting startups, established companies, research organizations, and national agencies, Romania is poised to enhance its role in the EU’s technological sovereignty.
