Catalyst Romania

Footprints AI is an advanced retail media platform focused on assisting physical retailers in generating high-profit margin revenue within three months. As part of the Microsoft Pegasus program, Footprints utilizes proprietary offline-to-online behavioral data fusion and artificial intelligence to convert anonymous shopper traffic into predictable audiences. Since its founding in 2017, the company has pioneered technologies that enable retailers to automate omnichannel media services, enhance brand presence in local communities, and expand profitably into new markets. Footprints collaborates with Tier 1 retailers and properties to transform both online and offline customer interactions into effective retail media solutions. By processing billions of visits, searches, and purchases daily, Footprints aims to improve the shopping experience, increase customer engagement, and drive sales, positioning retail media as a top priority for retailers seeking personalized content and data monetization throughout the purchasing journey.

dotLumen is a research startup that uses AI, robotics, and neuroscience to empower the blind. dotLumen was founded in 2020 and is headquartered in Cluj, Romania.

Adapta Robotics addresses diverse automation scenarios & problems in environments where automation is challenging to be brought & their use cases not addressed by common, existing solutions. The product lines are built on AI solutions & technologies, which come on top of the robots’ core functionalities. Adapta’s portfolio contains two product lines (MATT-the device testing robot- & ERIS-the effective retail intelligent scanner), offering the undeniable advantage of adaptable & easy-to-integrate automation when people & software solutions are inefficient/ insufficient. Both lines incorporate robotics as well as AI & computer vision while adding value through the team’s custom robotics development services. MATT, the smart device testing robot, covers the automation of scenarios throughout the device testing process (touch screens & buttons, but not only) that humans & software solutions can’t solve or handle. MATT solves the need for continuous device testing, enhancing testing automation through physical interaction with devices. It helps manufacturers, developers or solution providers to keep up with the increasing complexity of gadgets, apps, functionalities & updates. MATT & its software ecosystem was designed to be easily scalable & upgraded. Its features make it an ideal solution for testing anywhere from R&D to performance verification, connectivity & end of line testing. By using AI, MATT can perform context awareness and dynamic reactions to events (popups), differentiating &navigating on a UI based on visual cues, or even implementing typical usage scenarios, following user interaction. For MATT, the device testing use cases it performs are as diverse as the industries it is utilized by (automotive, aerospace, medical, R&D, device refurbishment, consumer electronics, smart home appliances). We have built MATT’s capabilities on AI & computer vision; hence the device-testing robot is able to cover a wide range of scenarios: speech & image recognition, icon recognition, OCR, QR & many more. Its abilities are also extending to use cases in industrial environments such as color-coding recognition for picking up products- using suction cups- and storing them in warehouses according to associated color codes; or automatizing the recycling process of tiers scraps by selecting the ones that where color coded to have the adequate chemical composition. ERIS- effective retail intelligent scanning- contributes to the retailer's digitalization by utilizing AI solutions to combat the biggest challenges & support the implementation of automation. ERIS uses AI to solve price & promotion discrepancies (from shelf to cash register) & minimize customer dissatisfaction caused by empty shelves & price tag mistakes. This is achieved by checking the correctness of prices on the shelf, detecting in-store out-of-stock situations, real-time operation, construction of visual maps & panoramic previews, easy-to-use interface & controls (accessible & adaptable: 4g internet connection, light intensity control, computing operator travel speed). The technology behind ERIS is based on AI at the edge, having the capabilities of- including, but not only- price label detection, and product stock detection. The technology behind the robot, the hardware vision modules inside it, the computer vision models & AI algorithms that track stock modifications, price discrepancies, and product placement, can be repurposed to other applications for a wider variety of setups and scenarios related to the retail space. These include fixed camera systems that can track stock changes, automatic hand-held scanners for stores with reduced footprints, and autonomous solutions for tracking inventory and its placement in warehouses for the logistics space. These directions are approachable through the technology that has already been implemented. Underlining our capabilities are the three pillars of Adapta: MATT, ERIS, and custom robotics services. These pillars leverage our in-house developed and real-life validated technologies to construct project-specific solutions tailored to the unique requirements and needs of each use case (e.g. development of AI modules, custom electronics, custom robotics etc.). AI and custom robotics allow interaction with different environments, cases, and domains, by utilizing, for example, MATT’s technology to offer testing services for HMIs and devices with touchscreens and/or buttons. Apart from the industries where MATT and ERIS activate in, custom robotics allows the team to interact with different cases and domains: in real estate tech & IoT custom developed smart hotel & smart office solutions; developing health monitoring bracelets dedicated to elders’ assistance. This diversity of environments allowed us to also work on scenarios requiring NFC & RFID.

Leanpay is a technology company that offers an application for online purchases in installments, allowing consumers to arrange repayments without needing to visit a physical store. The platform provides various monthly finance installment products, enabling users to pay for their purchases through simple and flexible payment plans. By offering nominal interest rates, Leanpay facilitates easier access to goods and services, making it more convenient for consumers to manage their financial commitments.

ESX is a fitness subscription startup based in Romania that provides users with access to various sports clubs through its innovative platform. The company offers a range of features including tools for subscription renewal, cancellation, and upgrades, allowing users to manage their memberships easily. In addition to club access, ESX provides a home video training module along with educational programs focused on training, nutrition, and motivation. This comprehensive approach enables users to customize their fitness journeys according to their individual preferences and needs.

evoMAG is an e-commerce platform that specializes in a diverse selection of electronic products, including refurbished phones, portable speakers, electric scooters, and home appliances such as refrigerators and air conditioning units. The company also provides services related to computers and laptops, as well as smartwatches. By displaying real-time stock information, evoMAG enhances the shopping experience for customers, allowing them to easily select and purchase high-quality products with prompt delivery.

Hunch is a global leader in AI-driven dynamic creative solutions for social commerce marketing, helping e-commerce companies enhance their online presence. Founded by a team of creative technology pioneers in Los Angeles and Belgrade, Hunch offers an advertising automation platform that streamlines campaign management. This platform allows businesses to automate routine tasks, enabling them to analyze, interpret, and optimize ad performance efficiently. By providing data-driven and contextualized customer journeys at scale, Hunch supports global brands across Europe, the US, LATAM, and Asia in driving growth and maximizing their impact in the competitive social commerce landscape.

Adservio is a digital platform that serves as a comprehensive solution for managing school information, aimed at enhancing communication and efficiency among students, parents, and teachers. The platform addresses various administrative challenges by automating tasks related to online grading, attendance management, and engagement analysis. By centralizing and organizing information, Adservio provides up-to-date insights into school activities, facilitating direct communication among all stakeholders. This functionality supports both public and private schools in improving their operational efficiency and fostering greater engagement within the educational community.

SeedBlink is a crowdfunding platform based in Bucharest, Romania, founded in 2020. The company specializes in sourcing, vetting, financing, and scaling technology start-ups, positioning itself as a key player in the European investment landscape. By leveraging software and an exclusive network, SeedBlink aims to reduce barriers for both investors and founders, enabling access to venture capital opportunities. The platform serves a diverse range of sectors, including business products and services, energy, financial services, healthcare, consumer products, information technology, cleantech, oncology, mobile, cybersecurity, e-commerce, and health tech.

SmartDreamers is a business application platform focused on recruitment marketing automation. It serves as a central solution for companies seeking to enhance their hiring processes, allowing them to become employers of choice by hiring faster and more effectively. The platform connects job seekers directly with employers, facilitating the publication of job advertisements across various websites and social media channels. Additionally, SmartDreamers offers advanced analytics to evaluate the performance of these campaigns, helping companies align their recruitment efforts with the right candidates and increase candidate visibility.

Elefant.ro is a Romanian online retailer that provides products for children and adults, for home and garden. The company offers more than 100,000 items: books, eBooks, toys, movies, music, eReadere, tablets, clothing products, footwear, accessories, cosmetics and products for children.

Smart Bill is a Romanian FinTech startup established in 2007, specializing in billing solutions and SaaS-based services tailored for small and medium-sized businesses. Headquartered in Sibiu, the company offers a comprehensive suite of invoicing and inventory management software. Its flagship product, Smart Bill Cloud, is an online billing program that allows users to manage their invoicing needs from any internet-connected device, facilitating ease of access and convenience. Smart Bill's software is designed to streamline the processes of issuing, delivering, and receiving online bills and related documents, enhancing billing efficiency and productivity for its users.

Vector Watch, founded in 2013 by a team of experienced technology executives, focuses on transforming the use of smartwatches and wearable technologies. The company specializes in designing, developing, and selling smartwatches for both men and women, featuring electronic ink-based liquid crystal display screens. In addition to its hardware, Vector Watch offers a smartwatch operating system that can be managed through a mobile application, enhancing user experience and functionality. The team includes skilled engineers and award-winning designers, highlighting their commitment to innovation in the wearable technology sector.