EUROCITY CLUJ NAPOCA 2024

EUROCITY Cluj-Napoca

ECO system EGO system not

The focus of Cluj-Napoca is on people. People who choose to live, work, and build a collaborative and participative community. We strongly believe that there is no better solution for any challenge, but the one we find together, that we understand and solve here, locally, or in collaboration with our partners.

Our city earned its identity throughout more than 2000 years of history. All generations were deeply fond of this place, investing their energies to build a better home for themselves, to raise families and develop professionally.

Cluj-Napoca became a magnet for others sharing its values, who came and chose this place and made it their own, ultimately contributing to the ongoing success of its multicultural story.

The “Cluj model” is not about magic tricks or scientific experiments. It is about using all that people, technologies and financial resources can offer in the 21st century, to design and build a community tailored for a better Europe.

Emil Boc, Mayor of Cluj-Napoca City

WELCOME TO CLUJ NAPOCA

Cluj-Napoca, “the heart of Transylvania” is the second most important city in Romania, an academic city with a dynamic business environment, a diverse community, and ambitious goals for further development.

The city’s particular demography, with 37% of inhabitants under the age of 35, is one of the “secrets” of its development, added to its openness towards innovation and the agility in adopting new technologies.

Friendly, open, and participative, the local environment is a real magnet, being the first in Romania in attracting new people to relocate here every year. Historical, medical events and business tourism make Cluj-Napoca a destination to discover for more than 600.000 visitors yearly.

This year, either when hosting international events, or when we simply meet new people, we will use these opportunities to welcome new friends, partners, and visitors into our great city’s daily life.

Find out more about Cluj-Napoca on: www.visitclujnapoca.ro/en www.clujbusiness.ro

CLUJ CLUSTER OF EDUCATION

Cluj Cluster of Education C-EDU is the local ecosystem response to the need of addressing cross-sectoral learning and education of a city.

Today, the Cluster of Education C-EDU is a trustworthy partner for all the local ecosystem change processes and a committed supporter of making Innovation the drive for sustainable development and inclusivity in Cluj, Transylvania, Romania.

We are proudly supporting the achievement of strategic flagships of the New European Innovation Agenda, contributors to the European Regional Innovation Valley Transylvania, and the 1 million European deep tech innovation talents by 2030.

Created in 2020, the Cluj Cluster of Education C-EDU is a non-governmental association founded by:

CLUJ COUNTY COUNCIL

Other members have joined the cluster in the first three years of its existence – to join forces in a pragmatic approach of tackling the needs of future education in the city. We are grateful for the contribution of:

Arobs Transilvania Software

Ascendis Consulting

Asociația Camera de Comerț Americană în România

Amcham Romania

Asociația Centrul Cultural Clujean

Asociația de Dezvoltare Intercomunitară Zona

Metropolitană Cluj

Asociația Evo Cariera

Asociația Femeilor de Afaceri AFA NV

Asociația Investitorilor Străini din Cluj

Banca Transilvania

Bosch

Brandlogic Advisory

Campeador

De'Longhi România

Digital Education Solutions

Emerson

Esua Asociație Culturală Româno-Germană

Fundația Romanian Business Leaders

Fundația the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award

Romania

Institutul Român pentru Pace PATRIR

Kinetomed Therapy

Liberty Technology Park

Linnify

Moldovan Carmangerie

NTT Data Romania

Prysmian Cabluri și Sisteme

Salus Controls România

Safeway International Impex

Studio Impress Design

Sunimprof Rottaprint

Teatrul de Păpuși Puck Cluj-Napoca

Trasmec Production RO

Vitrina Advertising

What is Next?

C-EDU invites the community of Cluj-Napoca to a conversation on the Future of learning in the city where values, collaboration, transfer of expertise and testing of new ways to deliver education are at the core of the discussion.

Cluj Parc for Education

As a sustainable contribution to the city, the C-EDU cluster members took upon them the responsibility to plant a beautiful new park in one of the newest areas in the city, within Cluj Innovation Parc, each year increasing the number of trees and nurturing the future of a Green Cluj.

Poetry in the parc

The Cluster C-EDU brings poetry to the daily life of young people, families and seniors that enjoy spending time in the Central park. “Benches are speaking poetry” is a project that promotes the heritage of local poets by displaying quotes of poetry on the benches in the park, as a gentle gift for our souls and minds.

The leading incubator program for young people in Romania Yourplaceto innovate

About FIX

FIX Cluj is a community-driven incubation program designed to equip aspiring entrepreneurs with the knowledge, skills, resources, and networks necessary to navigate the start-up journey. This 10-month hybrid incubator helps young innovators tackle some of the most pressing social challenges and create digital solutions with a positive impact on their communities.

The FIX experience has a dual mission of boosting the entrepreneurial skills of every participant and growing sustainable start-ups. The program consists of two parts: the Pre-incubator - a free online e-learning hub created for aspiring entrepreneurs who want to join the start-up ecosystem, and the Incubator - a personalized journey created for young founders and teams looking to build and grow their start-up ideas. FIX provides grants of up to € 50.000 for transforming big ideas into reality.

Our program is also the contribution of Cluj to the New European Innovation Agenda incubating the deep tech talents and innovators of tomorrow.

www.fixcluj.eu fixcluj@c-edu.ro

Our ecosystem

FIX Cluj is part of the Cluj Innovation and Experiment Fund, implemented by the C-EDU Education Cluster, in partnership with the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca and Fondation Botnar, under OurCluj umbrella, and the support of AROBS Transilvania Software, BCR, Bosch Romania, Numa Film, NTT DATA Romania, Vitrina Advertising.

andexperiment!

MAJOR PROJECTS OF CLUJ FUTURE

Mobility projects

Public transport dedicated lanes

Rethinking Somes

New Hospitals

Parks New Residential Areas

Technology Parks

Metropolitan ringway

TR35 Phase 1

Line 0 Accessibility projects

Parking near Line 0

Electric bus charging stations

Electric vehicles charging stations

Metropolitan ringway nodes

Train/Metro stops Line 0 stops

Cluj Bike stations

EUROCITIES ANNUAL CONFERENCE HOSTED IN 2024 IN CLUJ-NAPOCA

The future of Europe lies in cities. With the strong involvement of Mayors of all the European Cities, who are the closest to citizens government representatives, we can build a green, innovative and resilient future for us all.

Eurocities 2024 Cluj-Napoca offers a unique opportunity for city leaders to share their experiences and their expectations for the next five years. Cities have here the chance to outline their commitment to a greener, more innovative and resilient Europe, and to offer the upcoming European Parliament and Commission a strong alliance to shape the future of our continent and the planet.

Cities as strategic partners of the European institutions

To strengthen cities impact on the composition and the priorities of the future European Commission, particularly the

appointment of a strong Commission in charge of coordinating the strategic alliance with cities, Eurocities works with national city networks, which take part in the event,

organising sessions to discuss the role Mayors can play in influencing their national governments regarding the composition of the Commission.

European Commission ”100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030”

EUROPEAN NETWORKS THAT CLUJ-NAPOCA IS PART

OF

Eurocities

Covenant of Mayors

Green City Accord

EU „Climate Change” Mission

Urban Transitions Mission

City Science Initiative

New European Bauhaus Network Intelligent City Challenge Startup City Europe Partnership Living.in-EU

Network of European Youth Capitals

Regional Innovation Valley StartupVillage Forum Partnership for Regional Innovation (PRI)

iCapital Network URBACT network

Innobuyer- European Innovation Council

UNESCO Cities of Film

European Cities of Sport

EUROPEAN STARTUP VILLAGE

The European Startup Village Forum facilitates the exchange of knowledge and expertise on how to promote startup-driven innovation in rural areas.

This initiative is part of the European Commission’s long-term vision for the EU’s Rural Areas, which includes a specific flagship action on research and innovation for rural communities.

Startup Village “Landscape”

Starting 2021, we initiated a grassroots co-design process to devise a sustainable action plan for the development of a territory within the functional urban area of Cluj-Napoca. The aim is to foster synergistic growth to achieve the goals of the Double Transition and the city's strategic objective of safeguarding and enhancing the quality of life for its residents.

The process is overseen by the C-EDU Education Cluster, the umbrella organization that facilitates connections among the three UATs (the municipality of Cluj-Napoca and the two rural communes, Ciurila and Petrestii de Jos). This arrangement enables access to the local and regional innovation ecosystem, promoting an open innovation

approach in this experimental bottom-up process. The goal is to identify and test potential developments for the expanded territory through a collective effort, potentially paving the way for a new economy.

This initiative has already established connections with the Startup Village Forum, with several opportunities and commitments that we can further develop.

The Rural Urban Hub is an endeavour to bridge the divide and support European efforts to test, in real-life conditions, how digital tools and new collaborative governance approaches can respond to the Double Transition in one of the countries lagging in innovation. The aim is to reduce the development gap between rural and urban territories.

Rural Urban Hub Cluj –

a contribution

to European collection of practices for Innovation for place-based transformations

This practice is an example of how bottom-up processes can involve communities in finding local solutions, develop learning opportunities and address rising divides. While the European Missions are working to identify solutions and innovations that will help us collectively achieve the twin green and digital transition, it is also important to promote societal mindset change – especially in communities that are very divided and deprived of access to learning opportunities. The Rural Urban Hub Cluj is a bottom-up process initiated by the local community and co-designed by the Cluster of Education C-Edu to incubate potential societal innovations. Spatially, the Rural Urban Hub covers one city (Cluj-Napoca) and two communes of the Metro-

politan area (Ciurila – on the first ring, and Petrestii de Jos- on the second ring). Finding scalable and multipliable ways to gain adoption on innovation and future solutions, from all, not just those with access to more resources, is key to ensure sustainable and measurable implementation of the European Cohesion Policy. Start-up

Village Landscape is an experimental initiative that aims to enhance job opportunities and quality of life in rural areas by leveraging the competitive advantages of urban areas through innovation and entrepreneurship. To achieve this, the experiment focuses on developing transport and digital infrastructure, boosting the local economy, strengthening administrative and community capacity, refining tourism potential, and improving the quality-of-life indicators.

WITH

WHAT • The most important resource is human capital and knowledge provided by stakeholders in the community, including public sector experts, university and business advisors, and local rural leaders and community drivers.

Driving Innovation Forward:

TRANSYLVANIA'S ROLE IN THE NEW EUROPEAN INNOVATION AGENDA

In a bold step towards shaping the future of innovation in Europe, Transylvania is spearheading the Regional Innovation Valley as a cornerstone for place based inovation within the flagships of the New European Innovation Agenda. This visionary initiative not only aims to propel Transylvania to the forefront of innovation but also to

contribute significantly to Europe's innovation ecosystem.

As part of the New European Innovation Agenda, the Regional Innovation Valley embodies Europe's commitment to fostering collaboration, creativity, and sustainable growth across the continent. By leveraging Transylvania's unique strengths

in research, entrepreneurship, and talent development, the initiative seeks to catalyze innovation in key areas such as education, technology, and sustainability.

At the heart of the Transylvania Regional Innovation Valley (TRIV) is the curated process by Cluj Education Cluster, a collaborative effort dedicated to reimagining education for the 21st century. Through a co-design process involving stakeholders from academia, industry, government, and civil society, our Regional Innovation Valley aims to develop innovative solutions that prepare students and professionals in new economy for the challenges and opportunities of the future. By integrating cutting-edge technologies and promoting digital literacy, we seek to empower the next generation of innovators and entrepreneurs.

Furthermore, the Regional Innovation Valley serves as a hub for research and development, providing a fertile ground for startups, scale-ups, and established companies to thrive. By fostering collaboration between the public and private sectors, academia, and civil society, the initiative aims to accelerate the pace of innovation and drive economic growth in Transylvania and beyond.

As Transylvania embraces its role in the New European Innovation Agenda, it is poised to become a shining example of how regions can drive innovation and prosperity in the 21st century. By embracing collaboration, co-design, and forward-thinking approaches, Transylvania is leading the way towards a brighter and more sustainable future for Europe and the world.

CLUJ-NAPOCA

CLUJ-NAPOCA: LEADING THE GREEN TRANSITION WITH EU RECOGNITION

In 2022, the city of Cluj-Napoca was selected as part of the European Commission's Mission "100 Climate-Neutral and Smart Cities by 2030", committing to a clear direction to accelerate climate neutrality. The Mayor of the city, Emil Boc, received the EU Mission Label - Climate Neutral & Smart Cities, among the first 10, out of a total of 100 cities, in the presence of European Commissioner Maria Sefcovic, Vice-President of the European Commission.

In addition to Cluj-Napoca, this "green" label was also received by Sønderborg (Denmark), Mannheim (Germany), Madrid, Valencia, Valladolid, Vitoria-Gasteiz, and Zaragoza (Spain), Klagenfurt (Austria), and Stockholm (Sweden).

The city's objectives for the green transition have been translated into the CCC - Climate City Contract documents, which were submitted for evaluation to the European Commission.

The European Commission made the following remarks regarding our

city's application: "Cluj-Napoca's continued efforts to involve the entire metropolitan area in the transition process to climate neutrality and its intention to provide assistance and share knowledge with other Romanian cities are exemplary. The Cluj-Napoca Climate Plan (CCC) clearly articulates dedication to achieving the goal of climate neutrality by 2030. It demonstrates that it has been designed with a strongly participatory approach, highlighting comprehensive stakeholder

involvement. The planned actions are diverse, covering technical interventions, urban spaces, nature-based solutions, governance, regulation, and social innovation, as well as digital transformation measures. Significant efforts have been made to provide quantitative and qualitative details based on actions. The cautious approach to future iterations of the CCC, as well as the stable governance structure and local support, seem very promising. The Climate Neutral Investment Plan is well aligned with the activities described in the Action Plan and establishes a clear area of opportunity for attracting funding in multiple ways. The sectoral breakdown identifies initial priorities. The initial indicators and the ability to identify and track resources give Cluj-Napoca a strong position to build on."

The Mission Label aims to facilitate the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca's access to European, national, and regional funding, as well as private investments. Following the review process of the submitted documents, the European Commission validated the Cluj-Napoca 2030 Climate Action Plan, and the Municipality of Cluj-Napoca received the Mission Label.

The "EU Mission Label" is a recognition of the city's efforts to devise a comprehensive plan for the green transition and a val-

idation of the actions and projects carried out by the Cluj municipality.

The development of these documents was a joint effort, a process involving over 20 local actors and carefully following the recommendations of the European Commission - through city advisors designated for Cluj-Napoca. The World Bank's contribution to our municipality's strategic processes has also been incorporated into the current application, with significant involvement of international experts.

This consistent involvement of the Cluj ecosystem and the citizens' constant concern for the quality of municipal projects underscore the importance of this endeavor and have been appreciated at the European Commission level.

Furthermore, the establishment of the Cluj-Napoca 2030 Net Zero City Coalition, which will operate under the umbrella of the Center for Innovation and Civic Imagination, is a place where interested parties can consult and discuss more about the CCC documents.

ONE-STOP-SHOP ONLINE PLATFORM

The Integration Strategy of Cluj-Napoca, in the frame of the European Pact for Integration Project, was designed by Cluj-Napoca City-Hall and PATRIR (Technical Partner), with the aim to identify and pilot the most relevant actions that will enable TCNs to feel more welcome and smoothen their integration process, as well as to create a multicultural and friendly environment for newcomers.

The priority areas of the Integration Strategy of Cluj-Napoca are education and the labor market. Based on these areas of priority, the City of Cluj defined 2 main objectives: to facilitate access to the labor market and to facilitate educational opportunities. The objectives will be achieved by designing and implementing one integrated tool to support, guide and inform TCNs about life in Cluj-Napoca on all levels: the One-Stop-Shop.

The One-Stop-Shop www.welcometocluj.ro is an online tool designed to support the integration of TCNs living in Cluj-Napoca. It will be available in several foreign

languages, based on the main communities of migrants from Cluj-Napoca, with all the information and guidance they need, from legal advice, housing, education, labor opportunities, business opportunities, culture and leisure.

The online platform www.welcometocluj.ro is aiming to facilitate access to relevant immigration information related to education, labor, and other relevant fields for TCNs; provide access for TCNs on immigration documents centralized in a single place; speed the integration process, as the most relevant documents will be available in several foreign languages and in a single place; provide a multicultural understanding and make migrants feel welcome.

TCNs will have access to information, in an integrated manner, both online on www.welcometocluj.ro, and offline through the One-Stop-Shop. With guidance and support, they will be able to feel at home in Cluj-Napoca, and easily follow the steps that will facilitate their integration.

CLUJ BUSINESS INTERNATIONAL AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN INVESTMENT DEPARTMENT

For more information: International Affairs and Foreign Investment Department contact@clujbusiness.ro +40 264 591 273 www.clujbusiness.ro

START UP CITY

CLUJ-NAPOCA

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Burundi

Address: 38-38, Gh. Marinescu Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: 0040 722 285 354

E-mail: consul@burundi.ro

Web: www.burundi.ro

Honorary Consul: Mr. Ștefan Berciu

The Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of Denmark

Address: 7/2 Sovata street, 400241 ClujNapoca

Tel: +40 722 300 792

E-mail: carvel@umgate.dk

Honorary Consul of the Kingdom of Denmark: Carmen Rodica Vele

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Estonia

Address: ABC Incubator, 57-59, C-tin Brâncuși Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +40742225405

E-mail: bianca.muntean@transilvaniait.ro

Honorary Consul: Mrs. Bianca Muntean

Honorary Consulate of Ethiopia to Cluj-Napoca

Address: Str Călăraşilor 1 – Pavilion C, Parter

Tel.: +40 744 705 519

Email: consul@ethiopia.ro

Honorary Consul: Mr. Viorel Zaharia

The Honorary Consulate of Finland

Address: 16/1, Traian Grozavescu Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel: +40 741 258 260

Email: honorary.consulate@rofinn.com

Honorary Consul: Dr. Mircea Hotoleanu

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of France

Address: 22 I.C. Bratianu Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel: (+40) 744 787 717

E-mail: agenceconsulaire.cluj@gmail.com

Honorary Consul: Mr. Pascal Fesneau

CONSULATES

The Consulate of the Republic of Hungary

Address: 23 Unirii Square, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +4.0264.59.63.00

E-mail: mission.kol@mfa.gov.hu

General Consul: Mr. Mile Lajos

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Italy

Address: 16, Emil Racovita Street, Apt. 8, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +40 744 773 862

E-mail: onorario.cluj@esteri.it

Honorary Consul: Mr. Massimo Novali

The Honorary Consulate of Ireland

Address: 115, Septimiu Albini Street, Cluj-Napoca

Email: sp.omahony@honoraryconsul.ie

Honorary Consul: S-P O'Mahony

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Kazakhstan

Address: 41, Card. Iuliu Hossu Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +40 364 881 640

E-mail: kazah.consulatcluj@neocrest.ro

Honorary Consul: dr. ing. Ștefan Gadola

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Lithuania

Address: Cluj Business Campus (CBC

Bistro) Str. Henri Barbusse 44-46, Corp A, Cluj-Napoca

Tel: +40724567363

E-mail: consulate.lt@sab-company.ro

Honorary Consul: Mrs. Anca Rarău

The Honorary Consulate of Mexico

Address: Sigma Business Center, 109, Republicii Street, Cluj-Napoca

E-mail: consulmexhcluj@gmail.com

Honorary Consul: Mr. Dorin Zăgrean

The Honorary Consulate of Republic of Moldova

Address: 95-97, Bdul. 21 Decembrie 1989, ap. 4, Mezanin, Cluj-Napoca

Tel: +40 757 777 906

E-mail: consulat.moldova.cluj@gmail.com

Honorary Consul: dna. Laurentia-Niculina

Moldovan

The Honorary Consulate of the Kingdom of the Netherlands

Address: 11, Moților Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +40774020383

E-mail: info@dutchconsulatecluj.nl; w.reijers@dutchconsulatecluj.nl

Honorary Consul: Mr. Wouter Reijers

Honorary Consulate of the Republic of North Macedonia to Cluj-Napoca

Address: Calea Moților, nr. 11

Tel.: (004) 0746-198.445

E-mail: luminita.silaghi@googlemail.com

Honorary Consul: Mrs. Luminița Silaghi

Dumitrescu

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Poland

Address: 10, Republicii Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel: +40 722 466 433

E-mail: konsulat.clujnapoca@gmail.com

Honorary Consul: Mrs. Mihaela-Monica

Călușer

The Honorary Consulate of Sierra Leone

Address: 5, Paul Chinezu Street, ClujNapoca

E-mail: consul@sierraleone.ro

Honorary Consul: Mr. Viorel Zaharia

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Slovenia

Address: 16, Nichita Stănescu Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: 0364-803.803

E-mail: lucia.morariu@eximtur.ro

Honorary Consul: Mrs. Lucia Nora Morariu

The Honorary Consulate of Spain Address: 15, C-tin Brancoveanu Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +40 264 462 664

E-mail: josearnau@me.com

Honorary Consul: Mr. José Arnau

The Honorary Consulate of Sweden Address: 69, Juc-Herghelie, Jucu

Tel.: +40 720 660 620;

E-mail: info@consulateofswedencluj.org

Honorary Consul: Mr. Carl Widell

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Tunisia

Address: 42, Octavian Goga Street Tel.: 0264 700 766

E-mail: office@consulattunisiacluj.ro

Honorary Consul: Mr. Decebal Victor Cotoc

The Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Turkey

Address: Buna Ziua Street, Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +4.0264.43.84.02

E-mail: fahri.konsoloslugu_turkiye. cumhuriyeti@vitacom.ro

Honorary Consul: Mr. Vasile Andrei Vita

The Honorary British Consulate for Cluj-Napoca

Tel.: +40744873340

E-mail: shajjad.rizvi@brcconline.eu

Honorary Consul: Mr. Shajjad Rizvi

CLUJ-NAPOCA

CLUJ INTERNATIONAL COMMITTEE

Helping Cluj go from local, to Global!

Cluj International Committee (CIC) was created to bring together the increasing international business community (companies, organisations, as well as individuals) who chose to work and live in Cluj-Napoca.

Founded by international business chamber leaders and consulates based in Cluj, the CIC has been creating for years various opportunities to network, interact and share experiences, all critical for a soft landing in Cluj and for an easier adjustment to life in Romania. The CIC respects all nationalities and promotes cohesion and international partnerships in Cluj and Transylvania alike.

The thrilling world of international business attracts the most brilliant minds and sharpest people to excel in relationships, leadership, and financial acumen and helps create a better future for all, especially in a city like Cluj which aims to be one of the leading cities in Europe. Cities can outshine and outperform whole nations, attract investments, become efficient tech hubs, and attract the greatest minds to live, work and play. To ensure Cluj follows this path, it needs to engage, forge dialogue and create community between its foreign citizens and local government.

“We are bound by a commitment to understand the needs of the citizens of Cluj (from local to global) and facilitate the development of the city in a collaborative, knowledge-based environment that promotes excellence to improve business service models and outcomes” says the current CIC President, Georgeta Moldovan, General Manager of Anticipolis & LEAP (Laboratoire Europeen d’Anticipation Politique – France).

The CIC’s main annual event, “Meet the Mayor”, manages to gather the international community for a live face-to-face

The Cluj International Committee currently has a board formed of six directors: Wouter Reijers, Carl Widell, Ludger Thol, Georgeta Moldovan, Antonio Patane and Shajjad Rizvi. They are constantly assisted by partners, collaborators and representatives of all the foreign business clubs active in Cluj Napoca. For more information on this association: www.clujinternational.com / contact@clujinternational.com

debate with the Mayor of Cluj, Mr. Emil Boc. This open dialogue brings forward topics like city planning, education, international relations, geopolitics, traffic developments and environment challenges, all of these being openly discussed for the success and well-being of all the citizens of Cluj Napoca.

0725 455 559

hr.cluj@exlservice.com www.exlservice.com Croitorilor 12-14, Cluj-Napoca

1.500 IT COMPANIES

3.600 FOREIGN AND ERASMUS STUDENTS

2.000 LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS ACTIVE IN THE CULTURAL FIELD

24.000 PEOPLE WORKING IN IT

Cluj-Napoca is the host of an incredible breadth of oerings when it comes to events. The mix of cultures comes with a diverse range of music, food and experiences making Cluj-Napoca a great place to immerse yourself.

FOREIGN CULTURAL CENTERS

2.200 NGOs

NGOs that give individuals a sense of belonging and involvement within the community.

17 LIBRARIES

300 HOTELS AND HOSTELS

9 UNIVERSITIES

4 PERFORMING ARTS INSTITUTIONS

2.000 ART GRADUATES EACH YEAR

Being one of the most important educational centers in Romania, Cluj-Napoca offers the possibility of training in scientific and human fields at universities recognized both at national and international level.

80.000 STUDENTS

The ‘Lucian Blaga’ National Theatre and the Romanian National Opera, the Hungarian Theatre and the Hungarian Opera.

from the University of Art and Design, the Gheorghe Dima Music Academy, the Faculty of Theatre and Television, the Faculty of Letters, the Faculty of Art History of Babeș-Bolyai University and the Faculty of Film and Media of the Sapientia University

The friendliness, affordability, nightlife and employment opportunities are what make Cluj-Napoca a great city to study in!

THE ACADEMIC LIFE

Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB)

Babeș-Bolyai University is the top Romanian university in the University Metaranking 2018 of the Romanian Ministry of Education and Research. UBB has become an emblem of success for Cluj and for the entire country. It is a dynamic and constructive institution well integrated into society and oriented towards the future, a future which it can design, prepare, and build. BabeșBolyai University offers programs of study in Romanian, Hungarian, German, English and French. It is classified as an advanced research and education university by the Ministry of Education.

(source: ubbcluj.ro)

Technical University of Cluj-Napoca

The Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, an “Advanced Research and Education University” as awarded with the Order of the Ministry of National Education is defined by dynamism and a proactive spirit. Fully integrated into the international academic life, the domains of study range widely from engineering to architecture, from fundamental sciences to social sciences, humanities, and arts.

(source: utcluj.ro)

Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy

Iuliu Hațieganu University of Medicine and Pharmacy is a place where the present honors the past and builds the future.

Throughout its existence, the medical school of Cluj-Napoca has constantly received national and international recognition. The study programs have been improved and adapted to the modern requirements of international students. The mission of the university is to provide high quality education, training and research while contributing to the overall development of the Romanian society and its European integration.

(source: umfcluj.ro)

University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca

The University of Agricultural Sciences and Veterinary Medicine Cluj-Napoca is the successor of the prestigious Higher School of Agriculture of Cluj, founded more than 150 years ago, in October 1869, under the name of Institute of Agronomic Studies, Cluj Mănăștur.

(source: www.usamvcluj.ro)

Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca

With an existence of almost 100 years, the Art and Design University of Cluj-Napoca was, at the time of its foundation, the first such aca demic institution in Transylvania, created to cover the need for specialization in the field of fine arts and to modernize the Transylvanian Romanian artistic movement of the interwar period. At the moment, UAD has a reinforced teaching staff with many young artists and a good national and international prestige.

(source: uad.ro)

Gheorghe Dima Music Academy

Gheorghe Dima Music Academy came into being in 1919, part of a lively modernizing process involving the whole Romanian education system that was triggered by the exceptionally dynamic post-war reconstruction climate. The Academy’s first rector, Gheorghe Dima, has set high quality standards, acquired during his studies in Germany, to the recently established institution. The Academy currently has 40 partner universities, all throughout Europe.

(source: amgd.ro)

Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania

The Sapientia Hungarian University of Transylvania was established in 2001 as an independent higher education insti-

tution in Romania, with the aim of providing tertiary education in Hungarian language. Efficient partnership with domestic and International higher education and research institutions created the conditions for joining the European Higher Education Area and represent further opportunities for the development of research and teaching, through student and teacher exchange programs.

(source: sapientia.ro)

Protestant Theological Institute of Cluj-Napoca

The Protestant Theological Institute of Cluj-Napoca (PTI) is a university training Reformed, Lutheran and Unitarian ministers for those three churches in Romania. The Institute is an independent entity, accredited by the Romanian Ministry of Education.

(source: proteo.cj.edu.ro/ro)

Dimitrie Cantemir

Christian University

Dimitrie Cantemir Christian University is a free and open private higher education and scientific research institution. The University operates under the auspices of Dimitrie Cantemir Cultural Association and undertakes other activities which are related or complementary to the education and research activities.

(source: ucdc.ro)

Spark Generation

A new way of teaching and learning

Spark Generation is the greatest educational platform for high schoolers designed for the new generation of high schoolers, parents, teachers and schools — Spark Generation. Based in Cluj-Napoca and founded by three female entrepreneurs from Transylvania, Spark Generation is a platform that helps students from both public or private schools to get access to accredited courses that they can study when, where and how they like, whilst their teachers also get the digital support needed to enhance their teaching process.

The obstacle: outdated learning and teaching methods

The Spark Generation represents a shift away from the conventional, one-size-fits-all educational model, which has long disregarded the diverse learning styles, paces, and capabilities of individual students. The traditional approach, characterised by fixed curriculum and limited access to resources, fails to cater to the evolving needs of today’s learners. The current needs have shown a great requirement of a tool that fosters collaboration between all stakeholders: students, parents, teachers and schools. The global stage needed a platform that brings together, serves and helps all in achieving a common goal: an educational journey that transcends traditional boundaries, offering digitised access to amazing academic, wellbeing, and future readiness resources whilst ensuring schools and teachers are also getting proper digital support in their teaching process.

Photo:SparkGenerationfounders-FlorinaPopîrțac,RuxandraMercea,Raluca Manole

The helping hand: a platform that enhances lesson delivery & gives students access to quality education that is relevant to the challenges of the future

Amidst the challenges of outdated curricula and the daunting task of addressing diverse student needs, Spark Generation emerges as a beacon of hope for schools worldwide. The platform provides schools and teachers with the tools to reimagine high school education, making learning a personalised, engaging process in line with the demands of the 21st century. Spark Generation’s digital learning platform offers various resources such as self paced academic, wellbeing & future readiness content, personalised learning paths, AI teacher assistant, automated feedback on assignments and automated grading. These features are not only destined to enhance lesson delivery but to promote active engagement in the learning process for all high school students.

The Spark Generation online learning platform benefits the entire educational ecosystem: Schools can offer an extensive and up-to-date curriculum with access to a range of subjects which are not traditionally found in schools, such as Media Studies, Economics, Entrepreneurship, Wellbeing and Leading Your Life; students have the freedom to choose the courses that they are passionate about and they have the opportunity to learn and develop in a nurturing environment where their individual interests are valued; teachers have access to innovative digital resources and modern teaching methods to enhance the educational experiences and reduce the time required for administrative processes; and parents are assured that their teenagers have access to quality education that is relevant to the challenges of the future. This support can all lead to a 20% decrease in the need for private lessons.

Global free access to the platform offered to all public schools

And because real change is not about creating an exclusive club, Spark Generation has recently invited secondary schools and high schools from all over the world with an interest in innovative learning and teaching methods to register on their online learning platform for unlimited and free access to their variety of Cambridge-accredited academic, Wellbeing, and Future Readiness online courses. In the first month since registration opened, more than 60 schools and high schools have enrolled in the programme, with over 7,000 students enrolled in their learning platform.

“MymissionandthemissionoftheeducationalgroupthatIleadistohaveanimpactonourchildren’seducation,to providethemwithaccesstoadifferent&uniquelearningenvironmentthatwillallowthemtodowellacademically, butalsoprovidethemwiththeemotionalbalancetheysodesperatelyneed.Throughthisinitiative,wewantedto inviteschoolsworldwidetoexperienceateachingandlearningapproachthatdirectlybenefitsstudents,teachers, and school administrators. Real change is not about creating an exclusive club; it is about normalising more innovativelearningsystemsforall.Andtoseearealandlastingchange,wedecidedtoopenourdoorsandoffer accesstotheexperienceandknow-howgainedtoallthoseinterestedcomingfromthetraditionaleducationsystem, whetherwe’retalkingaboutpublicorprivateschools”,explains Ruxandra Mercea, founder of Spark Generation.

#EmersonCluj is the largest Emerson site in Europe with various technical capabilities ranging from intelligent devices (sensors, radars, valves) to software and control systems for industrial automation.

With 1000+ different types of jobs in more than 15 expertise areas (from Engineering, Finance, IT, Operations, HR, Customer Support, Manufacturing and many more), Emerson is one of the major employers in Cluj-Napoca.

From fostering physical and mental wellness to supporting financial stability and social connections, prioritizing the wellbeing of our people remains at the forefront of our mission.

INIM INSTITUTE

InIm Institute is a non-governmental, nonprofit organization (NGO) that offers a comprehensive suite of programs, studies, events, and courses designed to enhance the organizational culture of institutions and companies. Recognizing the growing emphasis on stress reduction, InIm Institute pioneers, tests, and implements innovative teaching structures specifically focused on cultivating emotional intelligence, wisdom, solidarity, and resilience.

InIm Institute's impactful work began with the Teachers Well-being training program in 2019. This pioneering initiative has since expanded its reach, empowering over 3,000 teachers across the nation, and positively impacting the lives of an estimated 75,000 students. The training program,

endorsed by the Ministry of Education, is offered at no cost to high school teachers through the Romania Secondary Education Project – ROSE.

In 2021, InIm Institute ran the first study aimed at the emotional health of teaching staff in Romania which was carried out between March and May 2021. As a result of this study, was reflected in a framework for implementing teacher well-being education programs, which

could include well-being accreditation standards, supporting domains, and sample courses.

InIm Institute led the Being Romania national research, part of Being Initiatives, an initiative dedicated to establishing a national agenda for the mental health of young people aged 10 to 24 in Romania. Through collaborative research conducted in partnership with the Being Romania Consortium, 15 national events were organized,

and 168 organizations and 207 individuals were consulted to identify the key drivers influencing the mental health of young people in Romania, as well as the most prevalent issues they face.

From 2019 to the present, InIm Institute has been organizing annual national and international conferences focused on well-being and mental health in schools. Five conferences on this theme have been held to date, with over 600 onsite attendees

and over 20,000 online participants (teachers, principals, students, psychotherapists, education and mental health professionals, researchers, and leaders).

Following its first year of operation, InIm Institute established two annual national programs to raise awareness of well-being in schools: February: The Month of Well-being for Teachers and the National Emotional Health Week Program. These programs provide teachers, students, and

preschoolers with the skills to identify, regulate, and appreciate their emotions in a way that supports their emotional development. The most recent edition held in 2023 saw participation from over 5,000 teachers, impacting the well-being of more than 125,000 students.

For more information on the activity of InIm Institute, please access the https://iniminstitute.com/

FOREIGN & ERASMUS STUDENTS

Cluj is clearly the second largest university centre in Romania and the one that enjoys the most important international recognition.

Cluj has 9 universities, of which 6 are public and 3 are private.

Cluj-Napoca is a great option for students to consider for their study abroad experience, with qualifications being recognised around the whole of Europe thanks to the fact that most Romanian universities align their programs with the Bologna System.

Almost 10% of the total number of students in the municipality passed the Baccalaureate exam in another country. The universities you can find here are offering courses in Romanian, German, Hungarian, French and English, being extremely accessible for those wanting to study abroad in Romania.

The universities from Cluj-Napoca host over 3.000 foreign students, around 600 Erasmus students annually and hundreds of academic cultural exchanges.

Work #LikeABosch

@Engineering Center Cluj

Let’s shape a new era of mobility. Together. bosch.ro/cariere

UTCN HUB EDUCATION, RESEARCH, CONFERENCES AND COWORKING

Positioned within the city very close to other landmark buildings and the central area, the UTCN HUB has been designed to respond to and create new premises for the university's interaction with various actors of the Cluj community - the city administration, the business environment, the socio-cultural environment and, last but not least, current and future students. Inaugurated in February 2024, following the rehabilitation of the former Fashion House, the UTCN HUB houses educational, research, conference and coworking spaces. The building, already anchored in the collective mind of the Cluj community, is a landmark building with its own identity and various uses, bearing witness to the

period in which it was built. Purchased in 2017, the building entered full rehabilitation in 2020 and was completed at the end of 2023.

In addition to its multiple functionalities, the UTCN HUB also houses the headquarters of the newly-established UNITECH Foundation, an innovation and entrepreneurship centre aimed at strengthening collaboration between academia and the business sector, involving researchers, students and professionals from various fields. In this context, the UTCN HUB becomes a space for entrepreneurship that supports and leverages collaboration between the university and the private sector by encouraging the transfer of knowledge, technolo-

gies and expertise between the university and industry. Researchers and specialists involved in the projects that originate here provide advice and assisted access to research facilities to develop new products and services while stimulating entrepre-

neurship among students to turn innovative ideas into successful businesses.

The new spaces, dedicated to education, research, startup support, as well as conferences and workshops, are designed to become a centre of innovation and aca-

demic excellence. In this vision, the UTCN HUB is a place of experimentation, with access to modern resources, a place of inspiration and interdisciplinary collaboration, cultivating entrepreneurship and promoting research and innovation.

MEMBER OF

Sustainably Rethinking Design,

Designers have an impact with the choices they make – they are inherent problem solvers who challenge perspectives and assumptions. But designing furniture solutions that use fewer resources to limit their impact on climate change is daunting.

Designing Better Futures

New Steelcase global research suggests leaders are more committed than ever to thinking differently — employee wellbeing, diversity and inclusion and sustainability are emerging as top workplace decision-making factors. These issues are all interconnected and influence the choices of employees, investors and customers. Decision makers want to work with companies that invest in strategies and technologies to not only be financially successful but also to preserve natural resources and aim to be more regenerative in their approach, including product design.

“Our overall sustainability strategy is three-pronged” says Mary Ellen Mika, Steelcase director of sustainability. “Reduce our carbon footprint, design for circularity and choose and use materials responsibly. All of the day-to-day choices we make need to be consistent with, and make progress toward these three goals.”

Mika leads a team responsible for setting, measuring and achieving sustainability goals. They work cross-functionally on a long-term journey that requires weighing each design and engineering decision with robust guidelines.

Since 1912, sustainability has been part of the foundational values at Steelcase and woven through the product development process. “Our experience is that doing good for the planet is also good for business, which is why we’re sharing what we’re learning with our suppliers, partners and other stakeholders,” notes Allan Smith, Steelcase chief revenue officer. “It creates value through new opportunities for innovation and streams of revenue, which allows us to better serve customers making business decisions around this issue, and, at the same time, benefit the greater global community.”

So, what does this look like? How are long-established processes, like those used to design products, being reimagined in the climate era?

Steelcase is a global design and thought leader in the world of work. Along with our expansive community of brands, we design and manufacture innovative furnishings and solutions to help people do their best work in the many places where work happens. Our goal is to help people do their best work by creating places that work better. But making products in the 21st century compels us to ask, “How can we design better futures for the wellbeing of people and the planet?”

We have chosen to focus what we do for the planet on these three significant areas of impact:

We work towards and meet more ambitious carbon reduction goals at a greater global scale than anyone in the furniture industry.

First in the industry to:

• Become and remain carbon neutral

Our Carbon Footprint

• Offer the only CarbonNeutral® certified products.  Reduce

• Set science-based targets to reduce emissions by 50% by 2030.

• Set and partner on aggressive supplier emissions reduction goals.

Design for Circularity

We implement impactful reuse, recycling and emanufacturing strategies across our entire product design and delivery process.

What we do:

• Design for easy disassembly to enable repair, refurbishment or recycling.

• Increased recycled content and eliminate single-use plastics in our packaging.

• Offer access to end-of-use services and programs.

Choose +

Use Materials Responsibly

We source and select healthier materials and manage resources such as water and energy wisely.

Demonstrated transparency through certifications + listings:

• 90% of Steelcase products are BIFMA Level 3 certified — the most in the industry.

• 16 Declare labels

• 56 Environmental Product Declarations + Life Cycle Assessments.

• The most products listed on the Origin + Ecomedes libraries.

Since its establishment in 1998, Corporate Office Solutions (COS) has stood as leader in Romania’s Office Design & Build industry, proudly serving as the sole authorised dealer of Steelcase furniture in Romania. COS is delivering professional services and products to companies that want to create or transform their workspaces. They have extended their portfolio from Office to include Design & Build services in key sectors including Healthcare, Education, and Hospitality. They have dynamic teams strategically located in Bucharest, Cluj, Timisoara, and Iasi, ensuring comprehensive coverage and expertise across Romania.

BABEȘ-BOLYAI

UNIVERSITY JOINS

EUROPEAN INSTITUTE OF INNOVATION & TECHNOLOGY, PIONEERING DIGITAL INNOVATION IN ROMANIA

In a significant development for Romania's academic landscape, Babeș-Bolyai University (UBB) in Cluj-Napoca has been granted membership in the European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT). This accolade places UBB as the sole Romanian university so far to achieve such status within EIT DIGITAL, marking a pivotal moment in the country's journey towards digital innovation and education.

UBB's acceptance into EIT is a testament to its longstanding commitment to excellence in education and research, particularly in the field of information technology (IT). With the largest computer science faculty in Romania, UBB has been at the forefront of technological advancements, nurturing a vibrant ecosystem of innovation and entrepreneurship.

Prof. Dr. Daniel David, Rector of UBB, expressed his enthusiasm for this milestone, highlighting UBB's track record in AI, big data, virtual reality, cybersecurity, and blockchain technology. He emphasized the university's dedication to fostering interdisciplinary collaboration and driving impactful research initiatives that address societal challenges.

The European Institute of Innovation & Technology (EIT) is a prestigious EU body established in 2008 to support innovation

activities across Europe. As part of the European Union's Framework Program for Research and Innovation (Horizon Europe), EIT plays a crucial role in advancing the EU's digital agenda and enhancing its global competitiveness.

EIT Digital, a component of EIT focused on digitization, innovation, and entrepreneurship, will serve as a platform for UBB to engage in collaborative projects and initiatives with other EIT partners and members. This affiliation opens doors for UBB to participate in international frontier projects, including industrial doctoral programs, and contribute to shaping public policies in the digital domain at the European level.

UBB's inclusion in EIT reinforces its position as a leader in digital innovation and education, both within Romania and on the global stage. Through strategic partnerships and groundbreaking research, UBB is poised to drive transformative change, advancing the digital agenda and fostering economic growth in the region.

As UBB embarks on this new chapter of collaboration with EIT, it reaffirms its commitment to excellence, innovation, and societal impact, cementing its status as a beacon of knowledge and progress in Romania and beyond.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

IN

CLUJ

CLUJ, TRANSYLVANIA’S STRONGEST IT CITY

In August 2023, there were more than 240,000 employees in the Romanian IT&C sector, according to Eurostat data. This ranks Romania in 2nd place in Europe in terms of the number of specialists employed in this field.

From Transylvania, the strongest city is Cluj-Napoca, which has become the European city with the highest economic growth in the last 20 years. And one of the reasons is for sure the IT&C industry. The city hosts more than 1,500 growing IT companies that are always looking for tech enthusiasts.

The IT sector in Cluj thrives with academic graduates and young people who have chosen to requalify in IT due to the high demand for jobs and projects, as well as the high salaries, compared to other sectors.

Cluj is leading the way in Romania, according to the 2022 software development market snapshot. In 2022, the Information and Communications macro-sector, as classified in the Romanian economical nomenclature, had about 7% contribution to Romania’s GDP, according to the The National Institute of Statistics.

In the last few years, the number of IT&C employees increased the most in Cluj: from 5,400 employees in 2008, to more than 24,000 IT&C employees in 2020. According to a study conducted by Transilvania IT & ARIES Transilvania, 1 in 11 people works in IT in our city. Almost 25% of the employees in the software sector come from Cluj county.

A study conducted by Babeș-Bolyai University shows that in the pandemic, the IT Sector of Cluj-Napoca increased by 2%, making it the main economic sector for Cluj.

European Digital Innovation Hub for a Smarter, Safer and more Sustainable Society. Digital Transformation Services for SMEs, public administration and health institutions

The eDIH4Society initiative comes to upscale the services that DIH4Society has been delivering and is fully integrated into the European network of hubs. The initiative focuses on two technological pillars, cybersecurity and smart robotics, while also building advanced digital competencies for digitalization and green digital transformation.

eDIH4Society is active since 2023, offering over 36 service packages to SMEs, as well as over 40 digital transformation services to local public administrations and health institutions active in the North-West Region of Romania. Eligible stakeholders

can apply and receive, free of charge, services from four main categories:

• Tech consultancy & testing solutions in labs before implementation

• Development of advanced digital skills and competences for employees

• Assistance in attracting public and/or private funding for sustainable development

• Networking and entrepreneurship support for business development and internationalisation

To offer the optimal overview on your organization’s progress, a team of experts

will offer needed support during each step of the process, from application, selection and digital maturity assessment, to technical support for integrating complex smart equipment aligned with the organisational needs for development.

Additionally, services included in the eDIH4Society portfolio are designed to support alignment with provisions of standards: ISO90001 - Quality Mangement, ISO27001 - Information Security.

Selected by the European Commission among the frontrunner initiatives to support the digital and green transformation of the European ecosystem, eDIH4Society brings together and coordinates a complex ecosystem led by four consortium partners - Cluj IT Cluster, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, University of Oradea and Bistrita-Nasaud Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The extended ecosystem comprises more than 50 relevant actors in the network, from research and technology solution providers to education and business development services, incorporating cluster initiatives, chambers of commerce and industry, Enterprise Europe Network members, SME associations and groups maintaining collaboration with regional development agencies.

For more details, our team is available at contact@dih4society.ro

CLUSTERS IN CLUJ-NAPOCA

Cluj-Napoca is the European Capital of Clusters and home to 10 clusters from 9 different industries. Clusters group companies, institutions, catalyser organisations from the same domain with the purpose of conducting research and education activities, technological and innovation transfers, as well as validating themselves through economic activities. Over 600 members from relevant fields are reunited in the cluster ecosystem. Overall, these clusters boost the innovation in the region, contribute to the high quality of life in Cluj-Napoca, and ensure that the main challenges of the community are solved in a collaborative cross-sectoral manner, by creating a sustainable and innovative ecosystem.

Education Cluster C-EDU c-edu.ro

Cluj IT clujit.ro

Transylvania Lifestyle Cluster transilvanialifestyle.ro

Transilvania Taste Cluster gusturi-transilvania.ro

Transilvania Creative

Industries Cluster creativetransilvania.ro

AgroTransilvania Cluster agrocluster.ro

TREC transylvaniaenergycluster-trec.ro

Romanian New Materials Cluster rnmc.ro

TOGETHER, WE CAN BUILD A WORLD FULL OF OPPORTUNITIES.

Prysmian proposes a public-private ecosystem partnership, offering a complete passive fiber optic solution that includes connection cabinets, micro-module cables, and plug-and-play solutions for subscriber connections.

When technology intertwines with nature, smart villages are born.

The fusion of technological advances and data-driven strategies elevates rural areas beyond traditional boundaries, providing the essential infrastructure for progress and connectivity.

AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS

THE CO-WORKING SPACES AND INDUSTRIAL PARKS

Cluj-Napoca shapes the future

Cluj-Napoca industrial legacy has transformed into modern industrial parks, which continuously attract new investors.

The coworking spaces attract people focused on changing the future of the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Most of the startups, freelancers, digital nomads etc. prefer this type of working environment.

CLUJ INNOVATION PARK

In Cluj-Napoca, 180.000 sq. m.

Over 50 clients, among which Babes Bolyai University, The National Romanian Opera, Antares Romania, Worwag Pharma Romania, Transylvania Creative Industries Cluster

Total investments: 26 million euros

New jobs: 720

TETAROM I

In Cluj-Napoca, 320.000 sq. m.

Over 100 clients

Total investments: over 60 million euros

New jobs: over 3000

TETAROM II

In Cluj-Napoca, 120.000 sq. m.

Fully occupied by Emerson

Total investments: over 130 million euros

New jobs: over 2900

TETAROM III

In Jucu Village, Cluj county, 1.540.000 sq. m.

Over 25 clients, among which: Bosch, De’Longhi, Karl Heinz Dietrich, ES Elektro Romania

Total investments: over 300 million euros

New jobs: over 5800

CLUJ HUB

22-26 Regele Ferdinand Street, Central Commercial Center, 3rd Floor contact@clujhub.ro

STABLES

20A Onisifor Ghibu, Record Park hello@stablesoffice.com

Transylvania Co-Working

Strada Teodor Mihaly 15-17

Xponential Transilvania

Bulevardul 21 Decembrie 1989, no. 16 hello@xponential.ro

ABC Incubator office@abcincubator.ro

Recommend solutions for productive work in the era of Artificial Intelligence.

FROM CLUJ TO ALL OVER EUROPE

Enhancing workplace productivity with Fujiiryoki massage chairs: We are en esteem organisation based in Cluj-Napoca, Romania. Our core business model is to contribute to a healthier quality of life in the work space with focus on helping organisations improve their employees productivity. In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environments, productivity is key to success. As organisations continually seek innovative ways to optimise employee performance and well-being, integrating Fujiiryoki massage chairs into the workplace has emerged as a powerful solution. These chairs not only offer relaxation and comfort but also contribute significantly to enhancing productivity levels among employees.

When employees feel valued and supported, their morale improves, leading to a more positive work environment

The benefits of massage chairs extend beyond mere relaxation; they have a direct impact on physical and mental well-being, ultimately translating into improved work performance. Here are several ways in which incorporating massage chairs into the workplace can boost productivity: stress reduction, enhanced focus and concentration, improved physical health, encouragement of regular breaks. By investing in the well-being of employees, organisations create a positive and supportive work culture that fosters greater efficiency, creativity, and overall success. Contact us Stelmark Impex: T: +40749758177; E: office@medicarelax.com, office@fujiiryoki.ro www. fujiiryoki.ro / www.medicarelax.ro / Str Taietura Turcului nr. 47, 400285 Cluj-Napoca, Romania

CLUJ-NAPOCA: WHERE INNOVATION MEETS QUALITY OF LIFE

There are many reasons why Cluj-Napoca is one of the most beloved cities in Romania. The friendly people, the best music&art festivals, many educational opportunities or because of the high number of IT jobs.

The local IT industry, renowned for its dynamism and innovation offeres professionals the opportunity to reinvent themselves and develop new skills to keep pace with the rapid changes in the market and technology. Adaptability and a thirst for learning become key qualities for professionals in this field. Those with solid technical skills can explore new career opportunities and make significant contributions to other sectors undergoing digital transformation. Cluj-Napoca remains a key center in this evolution.

There is a trend for people from Transylvania to come in Cluj-Napoca as they

want to find a job based on their interests. They come here either as employees or as freelancers and bring original ideas for development. There were over 13.000 work opportunities in Cluj-Napoca available at the beginning of 2024. Most candidates sought employment in retail, call center/BPO, and services. IT/telecom, banking, and construction were the next three preferred domains, followed by domains like real estate, arts & entertainment, and education/training.

However, what makes this city so attractive? A lower pollution rate, fewer traffic jams, and dynamism were the primary reasons cited by residents who relocated from other cities. The quality of life is heading in a good direction, as the number of recreational areas has significantly increased. Cluj-Napoca is a great choice, if not the best city to live in.

Deeptech innovation from the heart of Transylvania to the world

STARTUPS NEED TO KNOW CITIES BIGGEST CHALLENGES TO OFFER DEEPTECH SOLUTIONS

Cornel Amariei is a global citizen, born in Bucharest, educated and trained in different places in Europe and America he is part of the generation that calls “home” - the place on the planet where he can work and build a team to change the world. For the last years, Cluj has been this home, and the community he builds around his dream is the family he faces uncertainty, challenges, successes and failure with. Around this family we are trying to gather an entire ecosystem to support the innovation they build to become a life changing device for more than 40 million people in the world. Starting from Cluj. It is called .lumen, and is the first product of deeptech innovation created and developed with talent from Transylvania and Romania.

How do you describe deeptech innovation?

My definition for deeptech innovation is the casual one: solving fundamentally hard technical challenges which once solved, bring significant societal or environmental progress.

Deeptech is usually attributed to startups and I think in the European context we are still naming too many things deeptech.

What is the most acute need our ecosystem has to fulfil to boost the potential of a growing economy based on deeptech innovation?

To let people dream and help them build their dreams. One of the hardest hurdles for an European Deeptech organization is that we don’t have an environment that allows us to dream big enough. Biggest challenges beget best work, but too few times we go for those big challenges. On top, we need more risk investment, as the

appetite for risk is incredibly low. Because of this, investments in Deeptech are incredibly hard in Europe, and non-existant in Eastern Europe so far. And we really need to change that.

In an ideal world, what are the actions cities need to do to be able to purchase and benefit from deeptech innovation for the public sector and citizen's needs?

I will go even one step above the purchasing, and would say:

Cities can present and promote the problems that they have from all aspects, in a centralized European platform so that the biggest challenges can be easily found by entrepreneurs.

Cities need to pilot projects, with low budgets, that allow multiple startups to test their solutions at no cost for the startups, such that the best solutions can be identi-

fied. And not least, cities need to have a transparent and easily available, hopefully European-wide, platform for public purchasing of solutions.

From Cluj to the world - imagine the ideal next 5 years of the local ecosystem- where will it be?

Well the first hope is that we won’t be alone in the deeptech ecosystem, Romania is still very very early in this race. And to get there it takes an ecosystem covering: educational support – we must inspire the community that deeptech is possible; government support – specifically for presenting problems that startups can solve, helping with international networks, and co-financing pilots if not research; Investment support – there must be both public and private money accelerating deeptech private innovation.

Come to BCR for your personalised financial independence plan.

bcr.ro

BCR. For a financially intelligent Romania.

Own your story. Join one of the fastest growing digital engineering company in the world!

Have you ever imagined what extraordinary things you could do working in one of the fastest-growing companies in the world? The next chapter of your story could have a name: Nagarro.

Writing your own story is an important part of personal and professional growth. At Nagarro, a global digital engineering leader with over 20 years’ experience and a full-service offering, you are encouraged to shape your own career. Nagarro acknowledges that we are all complex and different human beings, and our uniqueness brings value to the business landscape.

Our mission? Making distance and difference irrelevant between intelligent people. We are present in 36 countries, and we have over 18.000 colleagues on a global scale.

What makes us stand out?

Nagarro’s organizational design, culture, and engineering excellence continue to drive the company's strong growth. In 2022, Nagarro was one of the fastest-growing companies in the IT industry.

Our informal and non-hierarchical culture makes working in Nagarro like working with friends. We offer you the tools to succeed through our unique entrepreneurial, caring, human-focused organizational culture.

We are a global, tech-savvy community.

We have some of the best professionals with top-quality expertise, a genuine passion for technology, cool projects, and a fullservice portfolio of industries and technologies to create value and feel challenged.

In Romania, we are more than 900 specialists connected to the Nagarro global community with development centers in Bucharest, Brasov, Craiova, Cluj-Napoca, Sibiu, and Timisoara. In Cluj, we are known in the local community for our engineering excellence, providing top services to clients in various industries, including finance, healthcare, e-commerce, and more.

Our beautiful journey in Romania continued to evolve. But this journey would not be possible without our fantastic, collaborative, intelligent and authentic colleagues. Because what we do, we do with thought, heart, and humor.

Digital Transformation in Cluj

THE EUROPEAN DIGITAL INNOVATION HUB IN TRANSILVANIA

National Institute for R&D of Isotopic and Molecular Technologies, Babeș-Bolyai University, Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, and University of Medicine and Pharmacy Cluj-Napoca.

The European Digital Innovation Hub in Transilvania (TEDIHT) is one of the most powerful resources that companies from the NorthWest region of Romania can benefit from.

With a range of innovative services and a deeply connected approach at European level, TEDIHT not only aims to lead businesses into the future, but also to provide them with unique opportunities to excel in a continuously evolving digital world.

TEDIHT offers services for testing advanced digital technologies, skill development and training, support in finding investments and creating an innovation ecosystem and networking. And all this through a consortium of partners with expertise, solid partnerships, experience and suitable solutions for SMEs and public administration to start the digital transformation journey. TEDIHT is a collaborative initiative led by Transilvania IT Cluster, with partners including OLI Hygia, Energy Cluster, Creative Industries Cluster, Transylvanian Furniture Cluster, AgroTransilvania Cluster,

As part of the European Network of Digital Innovation Hubs, TEDIHT plays a crucial role in providing necessary solutions and serving as a central point for digital transformation. TEDIHT is the coordinator of the national network of Romanian DIHs on the DIHNET.EU platform and the initiator of the representative association of Romanian DIHs, RODIH. TEDIHT is the first operational DIH in Romania, recognized in 2019 as “Fully Operational DIH” by the European Commission JRC. The hub is also a part of more than 12 international networks.

In the next few years, over 1000 SMEs will learn about TEDIHT, and 87 of them will receive full digital transformation services free of charge. The ecosystem approach of TEDIHT provides significant advantages, allowing partners to share resources and knowledge, collaborate on projects and initiatives, access funding, and create new opportunities for learning and growth.

The integrated and complex set of services provided by TEDIHT enables a comprehensive and correct approach to digital transformation processes. The ultimate objective is to create progressive models for society and the digital economy, while establishing a framework for sustainable growth.

For more information about this digital innovation hub, please visit transilvaniadih.ro

Our active community of 2000+ women supporters creates a safe space where we share knowledge, help each other, and grow together. We are here to make the work of technical women visible and to encourage them to stand up and have a voice!

Join us!

Cea mai faină parte din Cluj e viitorul: de la istorie industrială, la experiențe pentru întreaga familie

O nouă direcție de dezvoltare integrată pentru o parte a orașului Cluj-Napoca se realizează printr-o investiție

IULIUS de peste jumătate de miliard de euro.

Printr-un demers amplu de reconversie urbană, axat pe principiul „orașului de 15 minute”, o fostă platformă industrială este redată comunității sub forma unui proiect mixed-use, care deschide întreaga zonă către râul

Someș și o conectează cu orașul prin ample investiții de utilitate publică. Se dezvoltă un proiect al locuitorilor, care onorează memoria locului și care va deveni o parte efervescentă, verde și atractivă din viața orașului.

O parte a Clujului din care vrei să faci parte:

• Peste 5,2 hectare de spații verzi amenajate * 700 de arbori maturi * 100.000 plante decorative * grădină japoneză * zonă de promenadă pe linia râului Someş

• Conservarea și aducerea în circuitul public a două clădiri industriale

• Centru dedicat artelor performative și sală de spectacole

• Hub antreprenorial și fresh market

• Centre interactive de entertainment pentru familii

• 120.000 mp pentru shopping

• Branduri în premieră și noi concepte pentru Transilvania

• Spații de birouri premium

• Modernizarea infrastructurii zonale, pentru mai puțin timp în trafic

• Piste velo și peste 1.600 locuri de parcare pentru biciclete

www.partedincluj.ro

Cine suntem?

Grupul IULIUS are o experiență de peste 25 de ani în real estate și este specializat în dezvoltarea și operarea ansamblurilor mixed-use de regenerare urbană în România, proiecte care au contribuit la transformarea orașelor și au devenit poli de atractivitate socială, aducând natura în mijlocul centrelor urbane.

www.iuliuscompany.com

THE REAL ESTATE MARKET

Cluj represents one of the most dynamic regions in the country, leading the Central-West area.

With Cluj fast becoming one of the most popular cities in Romania, real estate and land prices are becoming more and more valuable. World-class economic development is supported by modern working infrastructure. According to Romania Property Club, the total stock of Class A office buildings in Cluj is 340.00 sqm, with estimated development projects at 75.000 sqm.

Cluj is the largest regional hub for office spaces, with a total area of 340.400 sqm and also the largest volume of hotel development in Romania. In the last 10 years, the hotel market in Cluj-Napoca recorded the highest growth in Romania in the “5*” category. In these conditions, Cluj-Napoca and Cluj County remain some of the strongest business hubs nationally.

The average price of apartments for sale in Cluj-Napoca in March 2024 was 2.566 euros/sqm, an increase of 34 euros/sqm

compared to February 2024 (2.532 euros/ sqm) and is 309 euros higher than the same period last year (2.257 euros/sqm), according to statistics. Among the preferred areas for those seeking a new home are the neighborhoods of Florești, Mănăștur, and Gheorgheni.

In total, during the period of January to December 2023, over the course of 12 months, there were 29.329 real estate transactions in Cluj, a number that ranks the county fifth nationally.

LIBERTY TECHNOLOGY PARK

Liberty Technology Park , one of the first technological parks in Romania, is a dynamic community for motivated people and innovative businesses, created through the reconversion of the old Libertatea furniture factory into A-class office buildings.

In time, Liberty Technology Park became one of the main office buildings parks in Cluj, with international brands and steady tenants. Now we have taken one step further and begun its conversion into a mixed-use project of office, retail and residential buildings: Liberty Residential.

Started in 2021, the residential component of the park, has been finished: 268 fully finished apartments’ project,

located in two buildings, with underground parking, ground floor with generous gardens and 6 levels of various apartment types.

The two buildings are designed to have a large park in the middle with carefully selected landscape that also gives you privacy when in your home. The large alleys, beautiful trees and bushes, and chic benches will transform your stroll in the park into a unique experience in all seasons.

One of the greatest advantages of being located in a mixed-use project is that our residents will benefit from the facilities existing and to be added on later. For all those living in Liberty Residential or working in Liberty Technology Park there

are a series of facilities in the park (medical services, fitness center, restaurants, electric car charging stations, ATMs, conference rooms).

A 5,000 sqm retail and services area, and a kindergarten will be added, as part of the new office buildings development adding up 30,000 sqm GLA.

The project will also have a 1,800 sqm park, including a children’s playground and sports area, that shall be offered to the Cluj-Napoca City Hall.

We invite you to visit Liberty Technology Park and Liberty Residential and become part of a project that represents an important landmark of Cluj-Napoca, both on residential and office market.

CLUJ-NAPOCA RANKS HIGH IN EUROPEAN QUALITY OF LIFE SURVEY

In the most recent European Quality of Life Survey conducted by the European Commission, the city of Cluj-Napoca has secured an impressive position, highlighting the city's commitment to providing a high quality of life for its residents.

The survey, which assessed various aspects crucial to urban well-being, including healthcare, infrastructure, and environmental sustainability, recognized Cluj-Napoca for its outstanding performance across multiple criteria.

With its robust infrastructure and efficient public services, Cluj-Napoca has

positioned itself as a hub of opportunity and growth, attracting both talent and investment to the region. Additionally, the city's vibrant cultural scene and social amenities contribute to its appeal, offering residents a diverse range of recreational activities and entertainment options.

Moreover, Cluj-Napoca's dedication to sustainability has been underscored by its efforts to promote eco-friendly practices and reduce carbon emissions, demonstrating a proactive approach to environmental stewardship.

This achievement not only reflects Cluj-Napoca's present success but also underscores its potential for continued growth and development in the years to come. As the city celebrates this milestone, it reaffirms its commitment to enhancing the quality of life for all its residents and solidifying its position as a leading European city.

Healthcare Accessibility: This aspect assesses factors such as the availability of healthcare facilities, quality of healthcare services, and accessibility to healthcare for residents.

What makes Cluj so special?

Infrastructure

Infrastructure includes transportation systems, utilities (such as water and electricity), housing availability, and overall urban planning.

Employment Opportunities

This aspect evaluates the job market, unemployment rates, income levels, and opportunities for professional growth and development.

Education

Education-related factors include the quality of schools and universities, literacy rates, and access to educational resources.

Environmental Sustainability

This aspect focuses on initiatives and policies aimed at promoting environmental conservation, reducing pollution, and enhancing overall sustainability practices within the city.

Social and Cultural Amenities

This includes aspects such as the availability of cultural institutions, recreational facilities, entertainment options, and overall social cohesion within the community.

Safety and Security

Safety measures, crime rates, and overall public safety are essential components of evaluating the quality of life in a city.

Affordability

The cost of living, housing affordability, and overall affordability of goods and services are crucial factors that impact residents' quality of life.

RADISSON BLU HOTEL, CLUJ IS THE PLACE TO BE

Travel opens our minds and hearts and on so many levels it leaves you speechless. It turns you into a storyteller and gives you reasons to appreciate life. Transylvania is home to so many charming places which can’t wait to be discovered. Whether your journey takes you to beautifully preserved medieval towns like Sibiu, Brasov or Sighisoara, or you plan to look for adventure in the wilderness of the Carpathian Mountains, one place will surprise you in the most beautiful way: Transylvania’s vibrant capital, the city of Cluj-Napoca with all its surroundings. The Turda Salt Mine, the Botanical Garden, the beautiful Bánffy Palace, Cetățuia Hill, the National Ethnographic Park “Romulus Vuia” and so many others.

Either you’re on a business travel, a music festival lover, an art enthusiast, a sports fan, or you just fancy a weekend away and you want to discover new cultures and people, Cluj can be that place you were looking for.

We know how long business meetings can get, how energy consuming a big event is, or how tempting it is to wander for hours on the streets of the Old Town. But what would you say if you could enjoy all of these and at the end of the day have the well-deserved peace and quiet in a cozy room next to the city center? Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj offers you an exceptional stay in the city’s most stylish neighborhoods.

And what better neighbors can you think of than Cluj Arena and BT Arena Polyvalent Sports Hall, two multi-purpose arenas and home of the Untold Music Festival and Sports Festival and many other international events. Be amazed by the elegance and contemporary design of our hotel and discover stunning views of the city and the green surroundings from our 149 rooms and suites,

including our panoramic Presidential Suite. And don’t forget to experience the amazing bird's-eye view from the rooftop. The Central Park is an oasis of green tranquility.

The beautiful Hotel that can be seen today has been brought to life by an amazing team, that managed to deliver exceptional memorable experiences over the past year since opening.

Collaboration has given each of us the sense of purpose in delivering the best outcomes, delivering the required service on time, and exceeding our guests’ expectations.

And speaking of expectations, we would like nothing more than our guest experience to be flawless and memorable. That’s why we’ve built the hotel with

our guests’ needs in mind. With a mix of standard, premium, suites and Presidential apartment room types we can meet different expectations and appeal to a large range of visitors. If you are looking for a state-of-the-art conference room, private ballroom, or space for networking in the center of Cluj our hotel's modern and stylish event space is suitable for all types of gatherings for up to 300 people. Additionally, we offer 5 fully equipped meeting rooms perfect to facilitate your board meeting or brainstorming.

For an event in good taste, dining options are available at our all-day restaurant and specialty sushi restaurant, as well as refreshing drinks and cocktails at our cosmopolitan bar to round off a successful meeting.

Our aim is to welcome guests to savor flavorful cuisine and have a unique experience. That’s why we have variety in the menu and delicious food served in a visual delightful way. We know that it’s all about the experience of our customers.

Find the best sushi in the city at Hikari, and an exceptional range of cocktails at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cluj. Our Onyx Bar is an absolute must - no one takes the business of blending unique cocktails and crafting quirky drinks more seriously than our bartenders!

And one more thing. You don’t have to worry about reaching us. The hotel is easily accessible by foot, bike, bus, taxi, or car. Park your car in one of our over 80 underground parking spaces. Or put your backpack on and simply use an electric scooter to get to us.

CITY OF FESTIVALS

Being the most prominent university center in Transylvania, Cluj-Napoca has a great variety of events to offer. Here, one can choose from many unique events to entertain: from music festivals and international film festivals to the multitude of tech and national and international cultural happenings. Many of them grew into real landmarks to Cluj's cultural identity.

Untold Festival is the largest electronic music festival held in Romania, taking place in Cluj-Napoca at the Cluj Arena. A serial award winner, Untold took home the award for Best Major Festival three times in a row at the European Festival Awards, further cementing its status as a European heavyweight, despite only being on the scene since 2015. Since its debut, it has become the perfect gathering place for dance fans from across the world, drawn in by its thrilling line-ups and ground-breaking visual production.

Electric Castle is another one-of-a-kind electronic music festival, held on the spectacular domain of the Banffy Castle, on the outskirts of Cluj-Napoca. The festival is known for mixing arts and technology with an eclectic musical line-up, redefining the way people interact with a music festival. Its past editions confirmed names such as Skrillex, alt-J, Franz Ferdinand, Bring Me The Horizon, Fatboy Slim, Rudimental, Die Antwoord, Florence and The Machines, Bastille, and many other international artists that performed on one of its stages.

Opera Aperta represents an innovative cultural project initiated bythe Romanian National Opera in Cluj-Napoca, supported by the City Hall and Local Council of Cluj-Napoca, and the Ministry of Culture and National Identity. Launched in 2015, Opera Aperta has undoubtedly become one of the most beloved open-air performances in the city, revealing itself to all the spectators, small or big, and inviting them to experience the magic of art and the charm of the lyric.

Winner of Europe's Best Small Festival in 2019, Jazz in the Park has grown up to be the most important Romanian festival of the genre, bringing both renowned and emerging jazz artists to perform in Cluj-Napoca. From its very beginning in 2013, the purpose of the festival was to create a special connection with the local community, starting with reshaping the image of Central Park and continuing with other several projects meant to support this friendly dynamic.

Techsylvania , the leading Eastern European tech conference, unites global tech enthusiasts and business figures. Its core lies in presenting groundbreaking ideas and addressing key challenges at the tech-business nexus. With a focus on high-profile speakers, top investors, and promising startups, Techsylvania offers unparalleled networking opportunities. Join us to connect, innovate, and shape the future of technology in a dynamic environment.

Transilvania International Film Festival (TIFF) is the first and largest international feature film festival in Romania, founded in 2002. It has grown rapidly to become the most important film-related event in Romania and one of the most spectacular annual events in the region, gathering annually over 100,000 participants and film spectators.

Every May, Cluj-Napoca transforms into a city-wide celebration! Cluj Days has already become a tradition in the Heart of Transylvania. It represents a spectacular 4-day festival organized by the City Hall and the local community. Outdoor scenes throughout the city, over 100 events, a parade, a Treasure hunt, and many other activities give participants from every background the chance to get involved in the community while celebrating Cluj-Napoca!

The Color Run - also known as "Happiest 5k on the Planet" – is a colorful, euphoric race that celebrates health, joy, and originality. Its participants, who started all in white clothes, end up plastered in colored powder from head to toes, in a light-hearted way of celebrating life. Millions of runners from 50 countries worldwide finish the race every year, and Cluj-Napoca is part of the story!

ClujShorts is about love for the short films. Therefore, as of 2013, every spring, ClujShorts brings together at Cluj-Napoca film enthusiasts, film festivals, talented directors and actors, bold producers, and a large number of good films. ClujShorts encourages uprising directors and is also promoting already established ones. During the ClujShorts International Film Festival, we also organize workshops, master classes, exhibitions, meetings between the public and our guests.

Cluj Never Sleeps is an event supported by the Cluj-Napoca City Hall. It promotes culture in a unique and attractive way by creating a vivid program of activities and events throughout the year's shortest night. Local artists, a community picnic, a silent party in Piața Unirii, digital interactive arts, and many more activities take place in the city's heart.

CELEBRATING A COMMUNITY. EVERY YEAR. TOGETHER

Cluj Days is an annual event held in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, showcasing the essence of our city. It's a celebration that brings together residents, visitors, businesses, and organizations to celebrate our rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic community.

Cluj Days has a rich history dating back decades, evolving from small gatherings to a city-wide extravaganza. Originally started as a local festival, it has grown into a flagship event, attracting participants from all walks of life.

Cultural Festivities - Explore the rich tapestry of Cluj's cultural heritage through music, dance, art exhibitions, and theater performances.

Street Food Fair - Indulge in a culinary journey through the flavors of Transylvania, featuring local delicacies and international cuisine.

Workshops and Demonstrations

various community initiatives, volunteer opportunities, and collaborative projects.

Why Cluj Days Matters

Promotes Unity - Cluj Days fosters a sense of unity and belonging among residents, promoting inclusivity and solidarity.

Boosts Tourism - As a flagship event, Cluj Days attracts visitors from across Romania and beyond, boosting tourism and showcasing our city to the world.

Economic Impact - The event stimulates the local economy by supporting small businesses, artisans, and entrepreneurs.

Cultural Exchange - Cluj Days serves as a platform for cultural exchange, fostering understanding and appreciation of diverse traditions and perspectives.

Community Partnerships

Cluj Days is the flagship community event of Cluj-Napoca a unique and vibrant celebration of our city's culture, heritage, and community spirit. And most important of all – a celebration of our people.

- Engage in hands-on activities, workshops, and demonstrations highlighting traditional crafts, modern innovation, and everything in between.

Community Engagement - Connect with fellow residents and visitors through

Cluj Days wouldn't be possible without the support of our community partners, including local businesses, cultural institutions, government agencies, and volunteers. Through collaborative efforts, we create an unforgettable experience for everyone involved.

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HOME OF ARTS AND CULTURE

Those who love culture can indulge in the many theatre or opera performances in Romanian, Hungarian and even English when in Cluj-Napoca. The city’s cultural life flourishes as a result of the mix of tradition and modernity. The city’s most important cultural institutions benefit from an infusion of youth and innovation. The National Opera in Cluj-Napoca, the first lyrical institution in Romania, was founded in 1919, on the 18th of September, along with The National Theatre, the most important theatrical institution in Transylvania. The building is the work of the renowned Austrian architects Helmer and Fellner, specialized in project and built of opera theatres in secessionist architectural style.

The hall has a capacity of 928 seats and was designed in Neo-Baroque style with a twist of Secessionism. The Opera scene has presented since 1919 over 200 operas, operettas and ballet shows of international repertoire. The National Theatre organizes annually the International Meetings of the National Theatre in Cluj. This is one of the most important events of the institution, outside its international repertoire, when it becomes the meeting point between theatre specialists from all over the world, as well as between them and the Cluj spectators. The audience is invited to participate in exhibitions, recitals, film screenings and workshops, to conferences, debates and book launches.

The Open Doors Day activities take place on World Theatre Day (27th March) every year, when “they break barriers between stage and hall” and when “the civil and the artistic world intertwine and come into fusion”. The Hungarian State Theatre and Hungarian Opera House in Cluj-Napoca offer performances in the current building since 1910. The Hungarian Theatre of Cluj was founded in 1792 and was the first Hungarian theatre company in Transylvania. Now, it functions as a repertory theatre, entirely subsidized by the Romanian Ministry of Culture and National Heritage. Performances are presented in Hungarian, with subtitles in Romanian or English usually available.

First launched in 2007, the Interferences International Theatre Festival of Cluj is a two-week biennial festival produced by the Hungarian Theatre of Cluj, Romania. With its program of international productions, the festival presents a kaleidoscope of some of the most interesting trends of contemporary theatre, offering the Cluj audience the chance to discover the works of internationally acclaimed theatre makers. Source: union-theatres-europe.eu

A pioneering living laboratory for youth wellbeing

A

novel approach to urban innovation in Romania and Europe.

We ask, how would we innovate together with young people, municipality and other city actors, if wellbeing was prioritized over economic growth?

A family of over 20 social innovation projects.

Created together with the city stakeholders in Clujnonprofits, youth organizations, municipality, universities and businesses. Focused on care and values - rather than just profit, participatory projects include a range of research, mapping, and social innovation projects in the Cluj Metro Area, addressing education, healthier lifestyle, building inclusive social innovation ecosystem and supporting young social innovators for the wellbeing of Cluj young residents.

A 10-year initiative because systemic change needs time and persistence.

Funded by Fondation Botnar and stewarded by SDG Colab, OurCluj is building local capacities and local ownership over time. It is part of OurCity global initiative in several countries worldwide.

Partners include: Cluj County Students Council (CJE), Youth Data

Collective, Cluj Youth Federation, PONT Group, Wello Association, ArtiViStory Collective, Cluj Education Cluster, Cluj Cultural Centre, UBB School of Public Health, Ava Research, Casa Tranzit, Engagement Lab at Emerson College, Studio Punkt, DASM and The Municipality of Cluj-Napoca, INIM Institute, Rural Senses and others, stewarded by SDG Colab and funded by Fondation Botnar.

Projects include:

LEAP

School of Possibilities

Cluj Youth Mapping Wellbeing System Map

Fix Cluj

Com’ON Next

School of Health

Learning QUB

How can you engage?

School of Possibilities

Youth Data Collective, Consiliul

Judeţean al Elevilor Cluj, Casa Tranzit, Engagement Lab, SDG Colab

WellbeingSystemMap

SystemMappingAcademy,Direcţiade

AsistenţăSocialășiMedicală,Babeș-Bolyai UniversityPublicHealth,PONTGroup,SDGCoLab

Learning QUB

Cluj Cultural Centre with Cluj School Network

FIX Cluj Innovation and Experiment Fund Cluj Cluster of Education

LEAP

Babeș-Bolyai University Public Health, DASM, PONT Group, Wello Association, Rural Senses, SDG CoLab

Schoolof Health Wello Association

THE HERITAGE OF CLUJ-NAPOCA

Established as a Roman settlement and later as a fortress of German influence, the city developed into a flourishing town during the Middle Ages and was reshaped in baroque style during the 18th century.

It has the vocation of a Central European cultural space, with many of its present cultural landmarks being built during the Austro-Hungarian Empire. A city with a diverse and rich heritage, it has been shaped by all artistic trends and historical influences of the 20th century, from the tragedies of war to the Communist regime and the transition to democracy.

Contemporary urbanism, modernism and social-realism add a specific touch to an urban landscape that is mainly eclectic at its center and post-industrial on its peripheries.

Cluj-Napoca is a multiethnic and multi-confessional city with a population of over 286.598 inhabitants, with an ethnic structure consisting of Romanians 71,88%, Hungarians 11,55%, Rroma 2,62%, Germans 0,08%, Ukrainians 0,03% and other nationalities 13,84%. Of all its citizens, 61,9% are of Orthodox religion, 8,4% are Reformed, 2,7% Roman-Catholic, 2,6% Greek Catholic, 3,1% Pentecostal, 0,9% Unitarian, 0,8% Baptist, according to the partial data of the 2022 census.

Museums

The National History Museum of Transylvania

The Art Museum of Cluj-Napoca (Bánffy Palace)

The Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania

Squares

Unirii Square

Avram Iancu Square

Mihai Viteazu Square

Churches

The Reformed Church

The Roman-Catholic “Saint Michael”

The Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral

The „Romulus Vuia” National Ethnographic Park

Other famous local sights

The “Alexandru Borza” Botanical Garden

“Simion Bărnuțiu” Central Park

The Tailor’s Tower

The Fortress Hill

The City Walls

Házsongárd Cemetery

THE ASSOCIATION OF POPULAR CRAFTSMEN

Traditional art has always been linked to the everyday life of the countryman who, due to his inner sensitivity, sough to beautify his work-related objects, those related to domestic activities, and the clothes he wore, especially those used for celebrations.

Thus, the elegance of the line and the richness of the ornaments on the pieces that make up the traditional costume, the shape and simplicity of the clay pots, the fineness of the notches on the wooden objects, the piousness with which the icons are painted, the scrupulousness with which the ornamental motifs on the painted eggs are being made, the beauty of the beads, the craftsmanship with witch the hazel or red twigs are woven, the artistic bone processing, as well as the metal processing are all part of the activities of the members of the Association of Popular Craftsmen Cluj.

From the establishment of the association up until now, over 200 members contribute to shaping the identity of the regional and national traditional culture, to the revival of crafts and also to promoting the handicraft products that are specific to Cluj county, both on the Romanian market and on the foreign ones.

They are open to collaborations as they want these craftsmen who are so passionate about traditional art to be known by as many people as possible, and for the products they make with a lot of toil and using old techniques to be appreciated.

If you are a popular craftsman and you want to be part of the Cluj Association of Popular Craftsmen, you can find out more details by following the association's Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/ AsociatiaMesterilorPopulariClujeni/

Trasmec’s 20-Year Journey in Romania: Pioneering innovation and sustainable development

The year 2024 marks a significant milestone in Trasmec’s journey, not only because of its 70th anniversary, but also due to the inauguration of its new plant in Romania. Over the decades, Trasmec has become synonymous with excellence, reliability, and innovation, setting benchmarks in the field. The company has evolved into a global leader in designing conveyor and storage systems for bulk materials, catering to diverse industries worldwide. Established initially as a cornerstone of the wood industry, Trasmec has expanded its horizons in sectors like biomass, agro-food, chemical, mining, and waste treatment. This diversification mirrors Trasmec’s commitment to staying ahead of the curve, constantly adapting to meet evolving industry demands and expanding its production units from Italy, to Romania, China and most recently India.

The Romanian venture in Răscruci is not just about expansion, but it’s a testament to Trasmec’s forward-thinking approach. The new stateof-the-art facility in Răscruci, Cluj, underscores Trasmec’s dedication to sustainability. With a keen focus on reducing environmental impact, the new plant boasts a system of solar panels combined with heat pumps to ensure the plants energy consumption, aligning with Trasmec’s ethos of responsible manufacturing.

The investment in sustainability reflects the company’s proactive stance towards environmental stewardship. Trasmec understands that sustainable practices are not just ethically imperative but also make good business sense, enhancing efficiency while reducing operational costs in the long run. In line with its ethos, Trasmec’s new facilities incorporate advanced technologies aimed at enhancing energy efficiency and reducing carbon footprint. From energy-efficient lighting to state-of-the-art filtration systems, every aspect of the new plant has been meticulously designed to minimize environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency.

Furthermore, Trasmec’s investment in employee welfare, evidenced by improved working conditions and enhanced facilities, underscores its commitment to creating a conducive and fulfilling work environment. By prioritizing the well-being of its workforce, Trasmec not only fosters loyalty and motivation but also ensures long-term sustainability by nurturing its most valuable asset—its people.

The first phase of the investment in Răscruci involved the construction of a 3.300 sqm production unit, where the company relocated the painting and pre-delivery storage activities. This phase constitutes a 3 million euros investment, of which 1 million euros were allocated for an automated painting installation and equipment. The painting facility, built to current industry standards, is designed not only to streamline production but also to improve working conditions and to reduce emissions.

The second phase will consist of a 5.600 sqm production facility combined with 1.000 sqm of office and dependencies, at an estimated cost of around 7 Million euros, and is expected to be completed by 2026. Upon completion of this investment, the company will relocate entirely to Răscruci. This expansion allows not only for an increased production capacity but also for a diversified product range and improved working conditions for employees.

As Trasmec embarks on its journey into the future, guided by decades of experience and innovation, it reaffirms its position as a global leader in bulk material handling and storage systems engineering. With sustainability at the core of its operations, Trasmec not only meets the needs of its customers but also paves the way for a more sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come.

THE SPORTS LIFE

It goes without saying that the title "Heart of Transylvania" doesn't only refer to the city's geographic position. It also refers to the fact that Cluj-Napoca is a vibrant, animated city, capable of creating a melange of old and new! Like culture and art, leisure and sports activities play a significant role in communities and the city's growth.

In recent years, Cluj-Napoca has become the city with the best-developed infrastructure for sports in Romania, opening itself for both performance sports and sports for the larger public. In 2018, it was one of the 22 cities awarded the European City of Sport 2018 title by ACES Europe, a non-profit association

recognized in the European Commission's White Paper, which aims to internationally acknowledge communities that value sport and create contexts favorable to its development.

Some of the Cluj-Napoca assets are: 25 sports facilities, over 100 active sports associations, five important sports clubs, teams in national leagues, a paralympic association (Lamont Center), over 40 professional or semi-professional sports played in the city. The sports facilities include Gheorgheni Sports Complex, Polyvalent Hall, Cluj Arena, “Simion Bărnuțiu” Central Park, “Iuliu Hațieganu” Sports Park and CFR Cluj Stadium.

The Polyvalent Hall, commonly known as BTarena, is the largest multipurpose hall in Romania, with a capacity of 10.000 seats. Simona Halep, the world's No. 1 in professional women's tennis, made over 8.000 spectators proud in Cluj-Napoca at the Fed Cup matches Romania – Switzerland (3-1), in April 2018, at the BTarena. The hall has hosted many sports and artistic events such as Eurobasket 2017, the European Artistic Gymnastics Championships 2017, FED CUP, Women's European Volleyball Championship 2021, and concerts of Sting, Julio Iglesias, James Blunt, Eros Ramazzotti, André Rieu, and many others. Also, it is the host of several shows of the well-known Untold Festival.

Cluj Arena stadium is one of the most modern in Romania. It was built in 2011, in the same place as the old Ion Moina Stadium. Nowadays, it hosts football matches, athletic competitions, concerts, graduation ceremonies, and other cultural events. Both venues, the BTarena and Cluj Arena, play an essential role in delivering large-scale events and have quickly become some of the most famous landmarks of Cluj.

SPORTS

FESTIVAL is the largest multi-sport event in Romania. Founded in 2018, it is the place where legends and great national and international sports glories stand next to tomorrow's champions and today's supporters. The event brings back sports among the entertainment activities, offering people a community to be part of, along with a dose of fun and exciting rewards. Here,

over 25 sports can be learned for free, with the possibility for future post-festival long term training subscriptions. In addition, thematic conferences, nutrition programs, and amazing demonstration events are held by great athletes in the two stadiums of the city, Cluj Arena and BTarena.

U-BT Cluj-Napoca

, the pride of Romanian basketball, is the top basketball team in the country.

U-BT holds 5 titles of Romanian champion, 6 Romanian Cups and 4 Supercups, showcasing their dominance in the national league.

Their prowess extends beyond domestic glory. U-BT Cluj-Napoca boasts the highest attendance in the BKT Eurocup, with a full house of 10.000 fans, captivating audiences with electrifying performances on the court.

But it's not just about winning for U-BT Cluj-Napoca. It's about the journey, the family spirit and the unwavering support of their fans. Whether it's a heated rivalry or a decisive championship game, every moment is a pursuit of excellence.

Step into the arena and you'll witness more than just basketball. Each game is a spectacle, a fusion of sport and entertainment. From the spectacular slam dunks to the three-pointers, the dance and music shows, every moment is thrilling the spectators. U-BT Cluj-Napoca isn't just a basketball club, it's a cultural phenomenon, a source of pride for Cluj-Napoca and Romania as a whole. So, come join the spectacle, because with U-BT Cluj-Napoca every game is a show you don't want to miss.

CLUJ-NAPOCA'S HEALTH TICKET: PROMOTING FITNESS AND FUN

3 million squats, better air quality and adoption of public transport

In Cluj-Napoca, the Health Ticket project encourages physical activity through innovative means. Participants perform 20 squats at designated smart sports stations near bus stops to earn a free bus ticket, named the "Health Ticket." This initiative, supported by Sports Festival, the city hall, and local council, aims to incentivize exercise while promoting eco-friendly transportation.

Since its launch in 2020, the project has seen significant success, with over 150,000 tickets issued at one station alone, totaling 3 million squats. Recently expanded to a second station, with a bike that allows people to gain free tickets if they roll on the stand for a specific amount of time it continues to garner enthusiasm, with 14,000 tickets issued and 5,600 kilometers traveled within three months.

The project's simplicity and inclusivity make it accessible to a wide audience, aligning with broader efforts to combat sedentary lifestyles and promote wellness.

As part of the Sports Festival, Romania's largest multi-sport event, the Health Ticket project contributes to fostering a culture of fitness and well-being.

In a European context increasingly focused on public health, the Health Ticket serves as a positive example of how innovative public policies can improve community health and quality of life. By combining technology, movement, and public transport, Cluj-Napoca's Health Ticket project offers a tangible incentive for residents to lead active lifestyles, paving the way for a healthier future.

Academic Open Access Publishing

Increasing the visibility of scientific research since 1996

MDPI is a leader in the transition to open science by making more research free and accessible to everyone.

Over 3.5 million researchers have entrusted MDPI with publishing their scientific discoveries.

MDPI has 21 offices in 12 countries, including locations in Cluj-Napoca and Bucharest, Romania, since 2019. Currently, MDPI employs over 350 professionals in Romania and is committed to serving the Romanian scientific community.

VISIT CLUJ

The best way to do some sightseeing and enjoy what the city has to offer is on foot because the main landmarks and sights are located close to one another in the city centre.

Must do

Get the best view over the city from an old fortification point known as Cetățuia that dates from the time of the Austrian domination. If in the past it was meant to be a strategic point of defense and observation, nowadays is the chosen place for romantic walks and awesome panoramic photos.

Discover the traditional Romanian way of living in various regions in Transylvania by visiting the National Ethnographic Park Romulus Vuia. Located at the outskirts of Cluj, the park is a great location to switch off your mobile and enjoy a day in nature.

Walk around the historical part of the city and enjoy getting lost in the dense network of small streets in the Museums Square area and Unirii Square. At night, you can engage in an original pubbing experience in the same squares since there are plenty of options to choose from.

Must see around Cluj

There’s an array of places to explore and experiences to have around Cluj-Napoca also. Here are some locations for you to add to your list.

The Turda Salt Mine might be the coolest underground place you have ever seen! Locate at 120 metres (400 feet) underground, it used to be a pearl of salt mining in Transylvania!

If you’re visiting Cluj during winter, make sure you plan a ski day at Baisoara Resort. Rent your equipment and enjoy the 1200 meters slope!

Once known as the Versailles of Transylvania, the Banffy Castle in Bonțida used to be the most spectacular in the region centuries ago! Now, it comes to life every summer thanks to its hosting of a major music festival - Electric Castle!

The Bride’s Veil Waterfall is a two-level cascade, with almost 1,000 meters altitude which is located approximately 75 kilometres away from Cluj-Napoca. Its fall is over 30 meters and the water spreads out in a fan, giving the unique impression of a wedding veil.

Must eat

No visit to Transylvania is complete without getting a taste of the local cuisine! The first thing you must try is a dish called Varza à la Cluj (cabbage à la Cluj), which is carefully prepared with rice and meat and can be flavoured with cumin, thyme or paprika.

Another very popular dish in Transylvania, gulaș (actually a Hungarian dish) represents the multicultural cuisine scene of Cluj-Napoca. The dish is usually cooked in a large cauldron with vegetables, meat and spices, especially paprika.

Have you ever had soup served in a bowl made of bread? Well, you’ll get the chance do to so when visiting Cluj. Ciorba de fasole cu ciolan, which translates as bean soup with smoked pork meat, comes in a wheat bread bowl and is usually served with a side of onion salad.

HOW TO GET HERE

Getting to Cluj-Napoca is really easy due to its position and its status as a major Transylvanian city. There are three ways in which you can get to the Heart of Transylvania.

BY PLANE

Cluj International Airport is the most important gateway to the north-western region of Romania, and the second busiest airport in Romania, with national flights to Bucharest and international flights to over 20 countries.

More than 50 scheduled destinations are operated by different passenger airlines: Tarom, Lufthansa, LOT Polish Airlines, Wizz Air, Turkish Airlines, HiSky, Ryanair etc.

You can easily get to the heart of the vibrant Cluj-Napoca city by bus or by taxi in only 20 minutes and for less than 5 euros, the airport is located only 2.5 miles from the city centre. Find more information about flights to and from Cluj-Napoca on the Airport’s official website www.airportcluj.ro or on the official social media platforms.

BY TRAIN

The Cluj-Napoca Train Station is the main train station serving Cluj-Napoca. The city offers connections with the majority of Romanian cities, as well as service to Budapest, Hungary and Vienna, Austria. The direct train from Cluj-Napoca to Vienna is provided by the Austrian state railway carrier OBB that has launched the new train called Transilvania on the 9th of December 2019. To check the latest train schedules for domestic routes please visit the website of the Romanian Railways: www.cfrcalatori.ro

BY CAR/BUS

Situated at the junction of four European roads and crossed by the Transylvania Highway, Cluj-Napoca is accessible by both car and by bus. Even though this choice of traveling might take you some more time, it is definitely worth it. Find inspiration in nature’s many wonders crossing the Transfăgărășan road which the Top Gear crew named the best road in the world. With stunning mountain scenery, breathtaking lakes, fortresses, historical churches and countless waterfalls, the road descends right through Moldoveanu and Negoiu – the highest peaks in Făgăraș Mountains and in Romania. When you get to Cluj, gain more time for sightseeing by leaving your car in one of the city’s four parking spaces.

Tăietura Turcului nr. 47 C1, 400221 Cluj-Napoca, România, T: +40 264 592468 www.impress.ro, facebook.com/impress.cluj, o ce@impress.ro