Iceberg+ as
EIT InnoEnergy Hub Romania
2019–2020
What is EIT InnoEnergy?
EIT InnoEnergy started in 2010 as one of the first Knowledge and Innovation Communities (KICs) funded by the European Union. It brings together innovators, entrepreneurs, and investors to support clean energy solutions. In 2025, EIT and InnoEnergy renewed their partnership to expand clean energy innovation across Europe and beyond.
Project Overview
The “EIT InnoEnergy Hub Romania” project ran from August 2019 to July 2020. It was led by ICEBERG PLUS SRL, alongside Green Energy Innovative Biomass Cluster, Repom SRL, and PATRES. The project was co-funded by EIT InnoEnergy, part of the European Institute of Innovation and Technology (EIT).
Regional Impact
The project targets three transition regions: Western Macedonia (Greece), Centru (Romania), and Southeastern Bulgaria. These areas face the dual challenge of economic restructuring and fossil fuel phase-out.
COALition strengthens local ecosystems, builds capacity, and helps secure funding, laying the foundation for sustainable growth and job creation in emerging sectors like renewables, hydrogen, and energy efficiency.
Market Context
Coal regions across Europe are under pressure to phase out fossil fuels while preserving economic stability.
Despite their challenges, they also present major opportunities — with estimates of up to 314,000 jobs created through clean energy investments by 2030.
EU policies like the Green Deal, Just Transition Fund, and Hydrogen Strategy support this shift, yet local coordination, strategic planning, and skills development remain key barriers.
Beneficiary
Primary beneficiaries include workers in coal-related industries, regional and local authorities, innovation ecosystem stakeholders, academic institutions, and SMEs in the energy and tech sectors.
Broader beneficiaries include residents of transition regions, future investors, and the extended EU innovation community focused on clean energy and climate neutrality.
Stakeholder Network
COALition is implemented by a diverse consortium of partners from Greece, Romania, and Bulgaria, including public institutions, universities, regional agencies, private companies, and NGOs.
Key members include CERTH (leader), Iceberg Plus, UMFST Târgu Mureș, Sofia University, Mureș County Council, Stara Zagora REDA, and many more.
The project, known as "GREENO InnoEnergy Hub", aimed to grow the clean energy innovation ecosystem in Romania.
It supported startups and SMEs by connecting them with larger companies and experts. The focus was on accelerating development, building sustainable business models, and cutting energy use and emissions.
Two programs were delivered: InnoEnergy Primer (held in Brașov and Bucharest) and the PowerUp! 2020 Bootcamp.
The Primer was a 5-day pre-acceleration program with workshops and coaching. Each edition ended with a pitch event judged by experts. Together, the two editions involved 20+ mentors and helped 34 individuals.
The PowerUp! 2020 Bootcamp, delivered online, supported 5 finalist startups. It prepared them for the national competition and attracted 225 participants. The event was covered in major media outlets such as Forbes Romania and Hotnews.
Regional Impact
The hub connected Romanian startups, SMEs, experts, and industry players. It promoted collaboration and helped early-stage entrepreneurs refine energy-related business ideas.
The InnoEnergy Primer reached over 45 participants and involved more than 20 mentors. The PowerUp! Bootcamp gave visibility and expert guidance to five finalists. It also made clean energy innovation more accessible nationwide during the pandemic.
By linking with EIT InnoEnergy's European network, the project gave local innovators access to funding, international expertise, and new markets. It laid the groundwork for sustainable, low-carbon business models in Romania.
Market Context
Romania’s energy sector was shifting due to EU climate goals and local interest in renewables. However, early-stage ventures lacked support, mentoring, and international connections.
The project filled this gap with structured pre-acceleration programs, expert coaching, and ecosystem collaboration. It helped Romania align with European clean energy goals while supporting innovation, education, and business creation.
Beneficiary
- Primary beneficiaries were 34 early-stage entrepreneurs in energy. They joined the Primer programs in Brașov and Bucharest and received direct mentoring and coaching.
Five energy startups joined the PowerUp! 2020 Bootcamp. They gained pitch training, expert feedback, and access to a wider network.
- Secondary beneficiaries included energy professionals, SMEs, mentors, and the broader innovation community—all exposed to tools, funding, and best practices from the European innovation scene.
Stakeholder Network
The project activated a diverse network:
- Startups and entrepreneurs through Primer and Bootcamp
- Over 20 mentors and trainers from the energy and business fields
- Local universities and innovation hubs supporting recruitment and knowledge sharing
The
Results
InnoEnergy Primer editions delivered (Brașov and Bucharest)
individuals supported
Participants
Mentors involved
Pitch sessions held with expert jury
Startups coached during the PowerUp! Bootcamp
Attendees at the national PowerUp! final
Media features (Forbes, Hotnews, etc.)
Watto named “Startup of the Year in Energy” in Romania
Estimated media reach: over 1 million people, ad value €26,500
Check out the work
OUT
SMART THE MARKET
THINK THE STRATEGY
DO THE STATUS QUO
SMART THE MARKET
For startups, SMEs, academia, authorities.
For Bold ones.