POLITEHNICA Bucharest Launches HRIA - The Romanian Hub for Artificial Intelligence

On June 25, 2025, the National University of Science and Technology POLITEHNICA Bucharest officially launched the HRIA – Romanian Hub for Artificial Intelligence, a landmark initiative designed to advance Romania’s capacity in AI research, innovation, and technology transfer.

Developed in collaboration with six leading Romanian universities and eight innovative enterprises, HRIA represents a national effort to strengthen cooperation between academia, industry, and government, supporting the country’s digital transformation and competitiveness on the global stage.

A National Vision for Artificial Intelligence Excellence

The HRIA project marks a strategic step in positioning Romania as a key regional actor in AI research and development, integrating the strengths of universities, research centers, and private-sector innovators into a unified national framework.

Through this initiative, partners aim to:

• - Stimulate multidisciplinary research and applied innovation in Artificial Intelligence

• - Facilitate collaborative projects between universities and technology companies

• - Enhance digital skills and AI literacy among students, researchers, and professionals

• - Support the creation of AI-driven solutions addressing real-world societal, industrial, and environmental challenges

• - Promote Romania’s international visibility in emerging AI technologies

The hub will serve as a central point for innovation, combining scientific expertise, entrepreneurial spirit, and policy coordination to shape a sustainable digital future for Romania.

Strategic Support and National Collaboration

The HRIA project benefits from the endorsement of Romania’s key institutional stakeholders, including:

• - The Ministry of Education and Research

• - The Ministry of European Investments and Projects

• - The National Authority for Research

• - The Romanian Digitization Authority

• - The European Commission Representation in Romania

Their joint support underscores the project’s alignment with national and European priorities in innovation, digital transformation, and research excellence.

An Alliance of Academic and Industrial Leaders

The HRIA consortium unites some of Romania’s most prestigious universities, representing the country’s strongest research and technological expertise:

• - Universitatea POLITEHNICA din București (Coordinator)

• - Universitatea Tehnică din Cluj-Napoca

• - Universitatea de Vest din Timișoara

• - Universitatea Tehnică „Gheorghe Asachi” din Iași

• - Universitatea Politehnica Timișoara

• - Universitatea din București

• - Universitatea Babeș-Bolyai

Alongside these academic leaders, eight enterprise partners specializing in artificial intelligence, data science, automation, and technology transfer will provide essential industry expertise and innovation capacity, ensuring that HRIA outcomes have tangible impact and real-world applicability.