This autumn, SUDOTIM is bringing together activities from HMI2MARKET and WELDNET to create stronger links between skills development, innovation protection, Human–Machine Interaction and advanced welding training. At the centre of this cooperation is the Romanian Learning Factory, complemented by the HMI2MARKET Romanian Hackathon 2026, which gives participants an opportunity to apply innovation and entrepreneurial thinking to a real industrial training challenge.
Learning Factory: IPR Lecture and Innovation Protection
As part of the Romanian Learning Factory, Dr. Eng. Emilia Binchiciu, SUDOTIM AS, will deliver the online lecture “IPR Lecture and Innovation Protection” on 9 October 2026 at 11:00 CET.
The one-hour lecture will focus on the importance of intellectual property rights in protecting innovative ideas, research results and technical solutions. The lecture adds an important innovation-management dimension to the Learning Factory by connecting technical knowledge with the practical questions that arise when research and industrial ideas move towards implementation.
HMI2MARKET Romanian Hackathon 2026
SUDOTIM is also organizing the HMI2MARKET Romanian Hackathon 2026 – Accessible & Inclusive Robot Welding Training, inviting students, researchers, engineers, trainers, start-ups, digital specialists and industry professionals to develop innovative and market-oriented Human–Machine Interaction solutions with real industrial potential.
The Hackathon goes beyond idea generation. Teams must also show how their concept could realistically be implemented through a Financial Implementation & Feasibility Scheme, including costs, required resources and infrastructure, implementation steps, financing options, risks, and potential for market uptake and scalability.
Building Synergy between HMI2MARKET and WELDNET
WELDNET brings the perspective of welding skills, vocational excellence, digitalisation and modern industrial training, while HMI2MARKET contributes expertise in Human–Machine Interaction, inclusive innovation, entrepreneurship and market readiness. The Learning Factory lecture strengthens this connection by introducing IPR and innovation protection, while the Hackathon provides a practical environment for developing and testing ideas around inclusive robotic-welding training. Together, the activities support a broader pathway from:
Participation in the Hackathon also reinforces the learning dimension: every team member must successfully complete and obtain certification in at least one course available through the HMI2MARKET e-learning platform.
Applications are open until 15 September 2026, with the final pitching and awards taking place on 25 September 2026 at INTELIFORM, Timișoara, Romania. Three prizes of €300 Amazon vouchers will be awarded for Best Industrial Solution, Best Inclusive Innovation and Most Scalable Business Concept.
HMI2MARKET and WELDNET connect education, welding technology, human-centred innovation and entrepreneurship, helping participants move from learning and ideas towards solutions with practical industrial value.
