The MoonShotX Opening Gala 2025 was a declaration of purpose. On the evening of October 8th, under the glitter of the city’s skyline, over 100 distinguished guests gathered for a celebration of courage, excellence, vision, and economic diplomacy.
Organized by InnovX, with the strategic support of Raiffeisen Bank Romania, the Gala was a private and exclusive black-tie event that brought together ambassadors, program participants, mentors, alumni companies, strategic partners, and the dedicated teams of InnovX and Raiffeisen Bank Romania.
Every element - from the scenography and orchestration of the evening to the carefully designed program - spoke of precision, purpose, and sophistication. The atmosphere was one of excitement and anticipation, blending the warmth of genuine human connection with the poise of a global business forum.
Adding to the night’s charm, the enchanting performance of Cvartet Acoustic - a talented ensemble of violinists, filled the space with grace and sophistication. Their music added a timeless elegance that perfectly framed the spirit of MoonShotX: harmony between art, innovation, and human connection.
It was an evening that fully embodied what MoonShotX stands for: ambition that dares, vision that connects, and innovation that transcends borders.
Moderated by Cristian Hostiuc - Editorial Director for Ziarul Financiar, the Gala unfolded as a journey through stories of growth and inspiration, marking the beginning of a new MoonShotX chapter, one that builds upon the legacy of the program’s first edition while expanding its horizons toward new global destinations.
Cristian Hostiuc
From the opening speeches of Zdenek Romanek and Cristian Marius Sporis to the inspiring words of filmmaker Serge Ioan Celebidachi, the thought-provoking dialogues between business and innovation leaders, and the symbolic unveiling of the 21 new MoonShotX companies, every moment contributed to a story of Romanian excellence ready to scale beyond borders.
Opening speeches: setting the MoonShotX vision in motion
The evening began with two strategic voices driving change: Zdenek Romanek, President & CEO of Raiffeisen Bank Romania, and Cristian Marius Sporis, Vice-President Corporate and Investment Banking, Member of the Board of Directors, Raiffeisen Bank Romania.
Zdenek Romanek - “It is a privilege to honor the courage of the MoonShotX companies.”
Zdenek Romanek
In his opening address, Zdenek Romanek emphasized the courage of the MoonShotX companies for exploring external markets and achieving their own “MoonShot.”
He shared that Raiffeisen Bank Romania has its own MoonShot, aiming to become the most recommended financial institution in the country, pursuing excellence not only in banking services but also in financial advisory, sustaining clients in both their business and personal financial journeys.
He reminded the audience that MoonShotX helps Romanian companies grow and take their business internationally, beyond the boundaries of the local market.
Zdenek Romanek
Referencing his previous year’s quote from John F. Kennedy’s Moon landing speech, he reflected on the power of tackling great challenges:
“Going to the Moon was not easy, it was something that created a lot of energy and rewarded those who discovered their potential and overcame their limits.”
Zdenek Romanek then made a symbolic transition, saying that “when the Moon sets in Europe, the Sun rises above Japan,” as he officially announced the new international destinations for the 2025–2026 MoonShotX edition: Austria, the United Kingdom, the USA, and Japan, marking the expansion of horizons and opportunities for the new cohort.
Cristian Marius Sporis - “MoonShotX marks an international Romanian success.”
Next, Cristian Marius Sporis took the stage with an inspiring reflection on progress and ambition.
He shared that in the past 25 years, Romania’s GDP has grown from €40 billion to nearly €400 billion, which is a testament to the country’s economic evolution and potential.
Held in one of Bucharest’s tallest buildings, the MoonShotX Opening Gala, symbolizes the height of the program's ambitions - to create the will and framework for companies that dream of scaling abroad but lack the know-how or courage to take the leap.
Sporis emphasized that MoonShotX exists to help these companies look beyond borders, access global markets, and become as successful abroad as they are at home.
After reviewing 2,200 applicants, 21 exceptional companies were selected for this second edition. Over the next eight months, they will travel, learn, connect with potential partners and investors, and strengthen their global network, supported by Raiffeisen’s regional footprint and InnovX’s innovation expertise.
He thanked the first MoonShotX cohort for their trust and shared a powerful video reflecting their journey, from Austria and the UK to the USA, proof that Romanian innovation thrives globally.
Cristian Marius Sporis closed with a strong message:
“MoonShotX marks an international Romanian success. As a regional bank with proud Romanian roots, Raiffeisen has supported local companies for 25 years - and now, we encourage them to look abroad, explore new markets, and grow.”
He also highlighted the presence of ambassadors at the Gala, calling MoonShotX a private initiative of economic diplomacy, one that brings Romanian companies to the global forefront.
Finally, he introduced this year’s special guest: film director Serge Ioan Celebidachi, a distinguished Romanian voice on international stages.
A Cinematic Perspective: Serge Ioan Celebidachi and “The Yellow Tie”
The evening’s distinguished guest, Serge Ioan Celebidachi, film director and screenwriter of The Yellow Tie, brought a deeply personal and emotional layer to the Gala.
Serge Ioan Celebidachi shared his life story - one defined by perseverance, vision, and the courage to transform a dream into reality. From his childhood desire to change Romania’s international image to raising a €20-million budget for a film that tells a truly Romanian story, his journey stood as a mirror to the very essence of MoonShotX.
Serge Ioan Celebidachi
He spoke about overcoming skepticism and cultural prejudice, turning every setback into fuel for determination. His message to the entrepreneurs in the room was clear and profound:
“Dreams are not achieved by dreaming - they’re achieved by activating your dream, by breaking it into steps, and by implementing it one step at a time.”
He encouraged the audience to tackle negativity with optimism, to invest in long-term excellence rather than quick wins, and to trust the power of Romanian stories and talent to inspire the world.
Serge Ioan Celebidachi
Through The Yellow Tie, set to premiere in Romanian cinemas on November 14, Celebidachi reminded everyone that true innovation begins with authenticity, and that every success story starts with the courage to believe in your own.
When Communication Meets Innovative Technology
The Gala continued with a powerful dialogue between Laura Mihaila, Director of Communication, Marketing & Customer Experience at Raiffeisen Bank Romania, and Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Chief Innovation Officer at InnovX.
Daniel Dumitrescu & Laura Mihaila
Their conversation shed light on how the second edition of MoonShotX has evolved, becoming more selective, more personalized, and more strategically aligned with the needs of Romanian scale-ups aiming for international growth.
They discussed the importance of mentorship, global networking, and the transformative role of technology in bridging language and cultural gaps during global expansion. Thanks to Microsoft, one of the program’s strategic partners, and Robert Pufan, who coordinated the setup of the Microsoft Interpreter during the session, the Gala offered a real-time demonstration of how innovation enables seamless communication.
By breaking linguistic barriers and fostering understanding, technology proved once again to be a catalyst for global collaboration and enriched business opportunities.
“The mindset entrepreneurs build through this program is as important as their business growth,” Daniel Dumitrescu reflected.
Laura Mihaila emphasized how innovation and communication walk hand in hand, and that clarity of message, trust, and consistency are the foundation for scaling across borders.
Their exchange perfectly captured the spirit of MoonShotX, where technology, human insight, and collaboration converge to create a platform for success.
Diplomatic Voices: Global Bridges for Romanian Business
As the evening unfolded, the stage welcomed three distinguished guests: ambassadors representing MoonShotX’s new strategic destinations:
- H.E. Katae Takashi, Ambassador of Japan to Romania
- H.E. Giles Portman, Ambassador of the United Kingdom to Romania
- H.E. Ulla Krauss-Nussbaumer, Ambassador of Austria to Romania
Together, their speeches reflected a shared commitment to economic cooperation, innovation, and cultural exchange.
His Excellency Ambassador Katae Takashi emphasized the growing ties between Romania and Japan (from IT to infrastructure), celebrating Japan’s inclusion as a key MoonShotX destination. He encouraged Romanian innovators to seize opportunities for bilateral growth and mutual innovation.
H.E. Katae Takashi
His Excellency Ambassador Giles Portman highlighted the tangible success stories of Romanian companies thriving in the UK, urging the new cohort to leverage British mentorship, grants, and networks for sustainable internationalization.
H.E. Giles Portman
Finally, Her Excellency Ambassador Ulla Krauss-Nussbaumer spoke of Austria’s unique position as both partner and gateway for Romanian companies looking to expand within the EU. She encouraged them to use Austria as a launchpad for European success stories.
H.E Ulla Krauss Nussbaumer
Their presence embodied the very essence of MoonShotX: diplomacy and entrepreneurship working side by side to turn Romanian ambition into global influence.
Expert Panel: Scaling with Knowledge and Collaboration
The second part of the evening featured an insightful panel discussion with leading voices from the worlds of finance, law, and technology:
- Ana Bobirca, Chief Investment Officer, InnovX
- Tudor Nedelea, Partner, DLA Piper
- Andrei Văcuţ, PMP, International Sales Engineering Chief of Staff, UiPath
- Alina Irma Orban, Director Partner Development, Microsoft
'Powering Ambition Through Expertise' Panel
Together, they explored the intersection between ambition and structure - how bold vision must be supported by legal clarity, financial literacy, and adaptive strategy.
Ana Bobirca reflected on the Romanian entrepreneurial spirit, both confident and daring, yet sometimes resistant to external input, highlighting how MoonShotX helps founders channel that confidence into long-term strategy.
Ana Bobirca
Tudor Nedelea emphasized the vital importance of legal infrastructure for safe, compliant international expansion, while Andrei Văcuţ, PMP shared UiPath’s experience in adapting to diverse markets, underlining the need to understand local culture and context.
Tudor Nedelea
Andrei Vacut
Alina Irma Orban concluded with a reminder that success requires consistency, focus, and openness to feedback, noting that progress comes from applying expert advice, not just collecting it.
Alina Orban
Welcoming the New MoonShotX Cohort
Diana Dumitrescu, Sorin Suciu
To close the evening, Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., CEO of InnovX, and Sorin Suciu, Executive Director – Mid Corporates & Public Sector, Raiffeisen Bank Romania, officially welcomed the 21 new MoonShotX companies embarking on their journey of international scaling:
Polytrade Global, Riviera Works, Electroprecizia Holding, Quartz Matrix, Verla SRL, IT Teams, Instore Power Provider retail marketing services, Neakaisa.ro, mindit.io, Parapet, Optima Technology, Wolf-e Robotics, pentruanimale.ro, BitStone, Datacor, Răzvan Idicel, Homplex, Frontera Trading, IV Future, EURO NARCIS SRL, and FWF.
Their words carried a message of unity and ambition: that scaling globally is not a solo act, but a collective endeavor driven by teamwork, collaboration, and shared vision!
An Evening of Connection and Collaboration
After the last words of inspiration echoed across the room, the evening transitioned into one of meaningful dialogue and celebration. Guests - entrepreneurs, mentors, partners, and ambassadors - mingled over fine drinks and curated delicacies, surrounded by an atmosphere designed to inspire connection.
The InnovX and Raiffeisen Bank Romania teams created an environment where ideas could flow as freely as conversation, one that blended professionalism with genuine warmth. Each table became a meeting point for stories, opportunities, and collaborations waiting to happen.
Throughout the networking session, the MoonShotX team captured the pulse of the evening through exclusive interviews with participants, offering an authentic glimpse into the perspectives of founders, partners, and mentors alike. These insights will be featured in the upcoming posts on our LinkedIn page, continuing the Gala’s story through the voices of those who lived it.
But in the meantime, take a moment to relive the magic of that night - the energy, the connections, and the shared ambition that set the tone for what’s to come, in our official aftermovie:
A Night That Defined the Future
The MoonShotX Opening Gala was a statement of intent. A promise to continue empowering Romanian innovation, to create bridges across industries, and to elevate local visionaries to global heights.
Congratulations InnovX team, for bringing such an amazing Gala to life. The elegance, efficiency, and attention to detail reflected the same excellence that drives the MoonShotX program forward.
Diana DUMITRESCU, PhD., Daniel Dumitrescu, PhD., Ana Bobirca, Anca Luca, Bianca Păcurar, George Cristian Radu, Gabriel Arabu, Ramadan Omar, Alexandra Ionescu
A heartfelt thank you Raiffeisen Bank Romania team for your unwavering dedication, collaboration, and precision in powering this exceptional evening and program.
Cristian Marius Sporis, Sorin Suciu, Laura Ionescu, Andreea Porojan, Laura Mihaila, Livia Fericean, Liviu Mihai, Mihaela Vasiluta, Florentina Balasa
Our deepest appreciation also goes to all our strategic partners, program alumni, and current MoonShotX participants. Thank you for your trust, collaboration, and courage to take this journey with us. Each of you is part of a shared vision: to prove that Romanian innovation belongs on the global stage.
As this new chapter begins, we invite everyone to follow the journey of the 21 MoonShotX companies as they embark on their path to international growth. The story has only just begun, and the best is yet to unfold!
Keep challenging limits.
Keep building bridges.
Keep aiming for the Moon.
– The MoonShotX Team