2025 was a busy year for INNO, with many initiatives running in parallel, all guided by the same four core priorities: supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, attracting investment to the region, and working closely with public authorities. From programmes for startups to training for public institutions and data packages for investors, our work focused on addressing real needs across the North-West Region. A more user-friendly platform In 2025, the inno.ro platform went through a major restructuring process. Its structure, content and navigation were redesigned to better reflect how users search for information and opportunities. New sections, updated articles and curated opportunities have strengthened INNO’s role as a regional reference point for innovation and investment. Better information for better investment decisions One of INNO’s key objectives in 2025 was improving the quality and accessibility of information available to investors. Regional assets with investment potential were identified and updated across all counties in the region, following direct outreach to hundreds of local public authorities. The result is an expanded database, updated presentation files and an improved GIS map that offers a clear overview of investment opportunities in the North-West Region. In parallel, we developed tailored information packages, ranging from regional workforce analyses to materials focused on specific localities or sectors. These tools support both investors exploring the region and local authorities looking to better present their investment offer. Supporting SMEs and Smart Specialisation Parks INNO continued to support SMEs interested in locating within Smart Specialisation Parks by regularly updating dedicated web pages, developing methodologies for park administrators and organising workshops for interested companies. These efforts helped clarify available opportunities and foster direct dialogue between park founders, administrators and the business community. Building innovation skills within public administration In 2025, we placed a strong emphasis on strengthening innovation and technology transfer skills within the public sector. A relevant example is the implementation in Romania of the European GEA InfraBooster course, aimed at public institutions involved in innovation, research and smart specialisation. The programme attracted over 200 participants from central and regional institutions, reflecting growing interest in innovation-oriented policies and tools. Supporting innovative entrepreneurship and startups Alongside this, INNO continued to directly support startups in the region through dedicated programmes. In 2025, we completed the second edition of the LevelUP Accelerator, focused on health and life sciences startups, and ran GreenLeap, a programme dedicated to green and clean-tech startups. Through these initiatives, INNO facilitated access to mentoring, expertise and relevant networks, supporting more than 25 startup teams in testing and developing their solutions in a structured environment. Events, partnerships and international outlook Throughout the year, INNO organised and co-organised matchmaking events, workshops and pitching sessions, enabling B2B meetings and collaboration between startups, investors, researchers and public institutions. At the same time, we strengthened national and international partnerships and explored new collaboration opportunities, including at European and cross-border level. Looking back, 2025 confirmed that the steps we are taking matter and that there is real interest in what we are building. We move into 2026 with energy, new ideas and the ambition to continue improving and growing the regional innovation ecosystem.