Florin Cașotă
Oana CoșmanWatch the Documentary
Watch the full documentary movie and discover Romanian startups and investors changing the world.
Lectură de 3 min
- 6 Martie 2025
Flavia Husar, Innovation Labs: "Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise"
Flavia Husar is part of the new generation of managers that will take the Innovation Labs program to new heights, preserving, still, its mission: to create and empower a new generation of startup founders.
The documentary "Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe", made by the start-up.ro team, spans across 33 years of history, from the first entrepreneurs in the transitional years to the initial technology company transactions that brought Romania into the international spotlight.
Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe - The Extended Series will present the people who built the Romanian ecosystem and who discussed with the VideoCorp and start-up.ro team for this documentary. In this series you will find the extensive interviews and find out the stories of those who built entrepreneurship in Romania.
Flavia Husar is the cofounder and Chief Innovation manager of Innovation Labs, a program launched 13 years ago by Răzvan Rughiniș, professor at the Polytechnic in Bucharest, and Andrei Pitiș, a seasoned serial startup founder. When the two initiators decided to take a step back from running the program, Flavia was among those that stepped up. She knows the program by heart and a leadership role for her was just the logical step.
For the Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe, we’ve discussed with Flavia about the journey and evolution of Innovation Labs, an initiative that has significantly contributed to fostering entrepreneurship among students in Romania.
“Every challenge is an opportunity in disguise, it is our resilience and creativity in the face of adversity that define our journey towards success”, Flavia told us when talking about unforeseen circumstances, such as the transition to online events during the pandemic.
She shared her personal experiences within the program, beginning with her involvement in a student NGO and her eventual transition into a leadership role at Innovation Labs.
How can we build an entrepreneurial ecosystem
Flavia emphasized the importance of hands-on experience, collaboration, and community engagement in building a thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem.
“Innovation thrives in an ecosystem built on collaboration and trust. It’s not merely about individual brilliance but the collective energy that transforms ideas into reality”, Flavia said, highlighting the importance of community and shared vision in fostering innovation, emphasizing that success is often a product of collaboration rather than isolated efforts.
We also talked about the cultural shift in student attitudes towards entrepreneurship, the significance of mentorship, and the long-term impact of Innovation Labs on both individual participants and the broader community.
From her role, Flavia Husar is committed to continuous improvement and inclusivity, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to engage and grow within the innovation framework.
“True leaders empower others to find their voice and take risks; nurturing an environment where ideas can flourish is the cornerstone of sustainable growth”. Flavia reflected about mentorship and support within the Innovation Labs, emphasizing that effective leadership is about fostering a culture where individuals feel safe to express their ideas and pursue their entrepreneurial aspirations.
We’ve discussed at length with Flavia Husar for the Romanian Startups: Roaring Tigers of Europe documentary.
- The power of community: Flavia underscores the significance of community within Innovation Labs, noting that strong relationships foster organic growth. By engaging alumni and current students in various capacities, Innovation Labs has cultivated a supportive network that empowers individuals to thrive. This interconnectedness is vital not only for personal success but also for the sustainability of the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Romania.
- Adaptability in times of crisis: The experience of transitioning to online formats during the COVID-19 pandemic showcased Innovation Labs’ resilience. The ability to adapt quickly to unforeseen circumstances is a critical trait for any organization, and the speaker’s insights reveal how challenges can be transformed into opportunities for growth and innovation.
- Cultural shift in entrepreneurship: The changing mindset among students, who now view entrepreneurship as a viable career path rather than a risky endeavor, reflects a broader cultural shift. With increasing support from parents and educational institutions, students are more inclined to pursue entrepreneurial ventures, indicating a promising future for the startup ecosystem in Romania.
- Hands-on learning and real-world application: The emphasis on experiential learning is a cornerstone of Innovation Labs. The program encourages students to engage directly with customers and the market, allowing them to develop their products based on genuine feedback. This approach not only equips students with practical skills but also fosters a deeper understanding of the entrepreneurial process.
- Mentorship and leadership development: The role of mentors in guiding participants through their entrepreneurial journeys is crucial. Flavia highlights that many mentors are alumni of Innovation Labs themselves, creating a cycle of knowledge transfer and support that strengthens the community. This mentorship culture is essential for nurturing future leaders in the startup landscape.
- Inclusivity and accessibility: The transformation of demo days into more inclusive events demonstrates a commitment to accessibility for all aspiring entrepreneurs. By inviting a wider audience and creating a celebratory atmosphere, Innovation Labs not only uplifts participants but also educates the community about the entrepreneurial journey.
- Long-term impact and career growth: The significant changes observed in the career trajectories of Innovation Labs alumni—moving into leadership roles and demonstrating enhanced skills—indicate the program’s lasting influence. The evolution of participants’ professional identities illustrates the power of entrepreneurial education in shaping future leaders in various industries.
Roaring Tigers of Europe is a production by start-up.ro and Videocorp, part of the Romanian publishing company InternetCorp, active for almost 20 years on the market. The documentary was made with the support of partners BCR, Orange, and 2Performant. Community partners included Guran Consulting Global, How to Web, Launch, Impact Hub Bucharest, Flaviu Simihaian, Rubik Hub, SoftServe, and the Romanian-American University.
Watch the full documentary in the video below:
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Florin Cașotă
Jurnalist cu peste 10 ani de experiență în print, online și video. Florin este pasionat de tehnologie, startup-uri și de industria de jocuri video. Vrea să spună povești, în scris, dar și pe video, într-un mod cât mai atrăgător posibil și vrea să prindă ziua în care va putea cumpăra un robot-majordom. Deocamdată are doar robot-aspirator.
Oana Coșman
Editor start-up.ro & redactor-șef Green Start-Up, jurnalist cu o experiență de 17 ani în presa de business (Forbes România, Ziarul Financiar, Business Standard), călător avid și cu o pasiune pentru unicorni și fonduri de investiții, Oana urmărește îndeaproape antreprenorii din întreaga lume și descoperă poveștile lor.
