From Lab to Industry: The Teams Building the Future Honored at Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp 2025

The third edition of the Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp took place between May 22–24 in Măgurele, at Oteteleșanu Mansion, and in Bucharest, at Builders House. The event brought together researchers, entrepreneurs, and students eager to turn scientific ideas into real market-ready solutions.

The main goal of the bootcamp is to build bridges between national research and development institutes, academia, and the entrepreneurial ecosystem, encouraging collaboration for the development of innovative products and services.

Highlights of the Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp 2025

May 22: The bootcamp kicked off with a technical visit to the world’s most powerful laser, located at ELI-NP, within the “Horia Hulubei” National Institute for Research and Development in Physics and Nuclear Engineering. Participants also had the opportunity to interact with other top institutes:
● INFLPR – National Institute for Laser, Plasma and Radiation Physics
● INCD-FM – National Institute of Materials Physics
● INOE – National Institute of Optoelectronics
● INCD-FP – National Institute for Earth Physics

The official opening followed, with key representatives from the innovation ecosystem in attendance:

• Ionuț Stanimir (Marketing and Communication Director, BCR)

• Andrei Cojan (Head of Community, Launch Romania)

• Mădălin Ioniță (Executive Director, Măgurele Science Park Association)

Participants were divided into teams based on the real-life industry challenges they had registered for—topics designed to stimulate practical and applied thinking.

May 23: An intense day of collaborative work, enriched by workshops led by Aleodor Tabarcea (Stripe), Emanuel Martonca (Soft Fight), and Cosmin Ciobanu (Octonius). Teams benefited from tailored mentoring sessions delivered by experts across various fields according to each project’s needs.

May 24: The bootcamp finale took place at Builders House in Bucharest. The 11 teams presented their projects before a jury comprised of:

• Ștefan Buciuc (BCR)

• Răzvan Crăciunescu (University Politehnica of Bucharest)

• Marius Mitroi (UEFISCDI)

“Over these three days of bootcamp, we witnessed not just ideas, but an incredible energy driven by curiosity, creativity, and a genuine desire to build. I believe Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp is becoming an annual landmark for those who want to innovate with purpose,” said Mădălin Ioniță, Executive Director, Măgurele Science Park Association.

Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp 2025 Winners

1st Place – Diamond Like
A plasma deposition technology for thin diamond layers, applicable in medical, optical, or industrial contexts. The solution ensures atomic precision and high adhesion on large surfaces, at lower costs than traditional methods.

2nd Place – ESG for the Win
A digital platform that automates ESG data collection and reporting, including Scope 3 data from the supply chain. Its integration with existing systems helps companies save time and increase sustainability efficiency.

3rd Place – Green Pharma Tech
A sustainable solution for the pharmaceutical industry using nanocrystals produced with eco-friendly eutectic solvents. The technology enhances the solubility of active ingredients and has applications in oncology, dermatology, and pediatric products.

What’s Next for the Teams?

Winners won’t be left on their own after the event. Organizers will continue supporting them through 1:1 mentoring sessions, meetups at Builders House and Măgurele Science Park, and by connecting them with industry experts.

“Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp is more than just an event — it’s a space where innovation takes real shape. In just three days, participants go through an accelerated process that would normally take a month. It’s a genuine simulation of how academia, research, and business should work together,” stated Andrei Cojan, Head of Community, Launch Romania.

Laser Valley Innovation Bootcamp 2025 is organized with the support of the National Research Authority, under the Ministry of Education and Research, alongside the Măgurele Science Park Association (MSP) and Launch Romania.
MSP is supported by the Ilfov County Council, Măgurele City Hall, IFIN-HH, UNSTPB, and UB.
Launch Romania is a BCR-powered initiative, supported by Google and in collaboration with founding partner How to Web.