Grüman Róbert , Executive Director of StartUp HUB, and Oltean Csongor , Strategic Director of the organisation, presented the achievements of the past years and their plans for the future at the press conference on 15 January 2025. Since its establishment in 2021, StartUp HUB has created numerous opportunities for start-up and existing companies, helping them to grow and strengthen their market position by accessing European funding.

According to Grüman Róbert , the first major project of the StartUp HUB, through which 100 young entrepreneurs received financial support of 25,000 euros to launch their businesses, has achieved exceptional results. The programme, which ended last year, offered entrepreneurial development courses to 400 participants selected from 800 applicants. 99 of them successfully implemented their business plans. “We firmly believe that entrepreneurs are the builders of the future, creating real value through risk-taking”.

In September, the StartUp HUB launched a new programme with a total budget of 10 million euros, which aims to support the creation of 150 new social enterprises. The aim of the initiative is to create 1,000 jobs through the funding of start-ups with sums of between 60,000 and 100,000 euros. More than 500 applications were received by the end of the year, reflecting the success of the program and the interest for the opportunities.

“Although the legal and fiscal environment is challenging, we are pleased that interest in the program continues to be high,” said Róbert. Participation in the programme is open to anyone who registers on the StartUp HUB website. Further information can be found there.

Oltean Csongor presented StartUp HUB’s future strategic programme. The aim is to train 7,000 workers in the Central Region to develop their skills. The programme will enable the participants to acquire essential practical skills, including digital skills, and specific knowledge that is tailored to the professional needs of each sector.

“This programme offers significant benefits not only to employees, but also to employers. Only 25% of SMEs currently offer training to their employees,” said Csongor.

In the coming months, the StartUp HUB will launch the Entrepreneurial Community in Sfântu Gheorghe, a space designed for both budding and experienced entrepreneurs to share their knowledge and keep up with the latest trends in the market. “Our aim is not to compete with existing entrepreneurial organisations. Instead, we want to develop an innovative platform that promotes the exchange of experiences and collaboration,” says Csongor.

At the end of the press conference, the co-founders emphasised StartUp HUB’s commitment to regional business development and job creation. The need for close cooperation and innovative, creative solutions for local economic progress is clearly demonstrated by the results achieved so far.