On February 11, 2026, marking the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Imago-Mol Cluster, in collaboration with Rubik Hub and the INNOVATE-EU consortium, hosted the online event Women Who INNOVATE. The fireside chat brought together founders, investors, researchers, and innovators from across Europe for an engaging and insightful discussion on innovation, leadership, and ecosystem development.
The event gathered an inspiring panel of speakers, including Selena Stan, Nazanin Saeidi, Elvina Jursenaite, Andreea Căruntu, and Mariliis Mia Topp, alongside keynote speakers Carmen Mihai, Catalina Luca, and Gabriela (Ela) Asaftei. With the active participation of 48 attendees, the session evolved into a dynamic exchange of perspectives, experiences, and practical insights rather than a traditional webinar format.
Key Insights from the Discussion
The conversation highlighted several important aspects shaping today’s innovation landscape:
Innovation Beyond Technology
Participants emphasized that innovation is not defined solely by technological advancement. Investors and ecosystem stakeholders increasingly focus on founder credibility, authentic storytelling, strong and diverse teams, and a clear understanding of market needs and challenges.
The Role of Women in Innovation and Entrepreneurship
The discussion underlined the valuable contributions women founders bring to innovation ecosystems. Clarity in decision-making, empathy in leadership, and resilience in navigating challenges were recognized as strengths frequently demonstrated by women entrepreneurs. At the same time, speakers addressed ongoing barriers related to access to funding, visibility, and representation in leadership and investment networks.
The Importance of Supportive Ecosystems
Another central theme was the need for strong, collaborative, and psychologically safe innovation environments. Such ecosystems enable founders to test ideas, build partnerships, and scale their initiatives with greater confidence and sustainability.
From Technology to Impact
Speakers also stressed that successful innovation requires more than technical development. Real impact emerges through co-creation with end users, continuous market validation, and the ability to align innovation strategies with long-term societal and economic needs.
A Shared Message: Innovation Through Collaboration
A core message resonated throughout the event discussions: innovation does not thrive in isolation. It develops through collaboration, knowledge exchange, and courageous leadership that fosters inclusivity and diversity within innovation communities.
Through initiatives such as Women Who INNOVATE, Imago-Mol Cluster continues to support inclusive innovation, facilitate cross-sector collaboration, and contribute to strengthening the European innovation ecosystem. By creating platforms that encourage dialogue and partnership, the cluster aims to empower emerging innovators and promote sustainable and impactful solutions.
We thank all speakers and participants who contributed to making this event a meaningful and engaging experience. Their openness, expertise, and active involvement demonstrated the strength of collaborative innovation across Europe.
