Chisinau, July 7, 2026 – The interuniversity master’s program “Smart Industries and Digital Transformation (SI&DT)” was promoted during the Graduates’ Gala of the Faculty of Mechanical, Industrial Engineering and Transportation (FIMIT) at the Technical University of Moldova (UTM), inspiring graduating engineers to continue their academic and professional development in one of the fastest-growing fields of engineering.

The promotional event was organized by representatives of the NEEDEDU4.0 project, “Enhancing Mechanical Engineering Education in Moldova for Industry 4.0,” which aims to modernize engineering education and align it with the needs of the digital economy and smart industries.

During the event, Prof. Larisa Bugaian and Assoc. Prof. Rodion Ciupercă, members of the project’s implementation team, presented the opportunities offered by the interuniversity master’s program “Smart Industries and Digital Transformation.” They highlighted its innovative curriculum, practical training opportunities, close cooperation with industry partners, and the advanced digital learning infrastructure developed through the Erasmus+ NEEDEDU4.0 project.

Addressing the graduates, Associate Professor Rodion Ciupercă encouraged them to continue their studies at the master’s level in order to strengthen both their technical and soft skills. He emphasized that the program equips future engineers with the knowledge and skills necessary to meet the challenges of digital transformation and the rapidly evolving industrial sector.

The event was further enriched by the participation of Ms. Ina Scutelnic, head of the product development department at the Dräxlmaier Group in Germany, who congratulated the graduates and highlighted the importance of combining advanced academic education with practical industrial experience. She encouraged the young engineers to pursue master’s degrees as a path to greater professional opportunities and successful careers in modern engineering.

Promoting the SI&DT master’s program is part of the student outreach and information activities carried out within the Erasmus+ NEEDEDU4.0 project. Through these initiatives, the project continues to support the modernization of engineering education in the Republic of Moldova by developing innovative study programs, strengthening cooperation between universities and industry, and training highly qualified specialists for the transition to Industry 4.0 and smart manufacturing.