Android Development at UTM: a unique opportunity offered by AppsFactory for the future of mobile development

This spring brought a new perspective on mobile application development for students of the Faculty of Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics (FCIM) of the Technical University of Moldova. Through the “Android Development” lesson series, organized by the AppsFactory company, future IT specialists had the opportunity to deepen their knowledge and explore the most modern technologies used in the software industry.

For young students passionate about technology, this event was, quite rightly, a significant step in their IT career. Held in the renowned “Grigore Moisil” Auditorium (3-609) in study block no. 3 of FCIM, these lectures offered students specializing in Information Technology, Information Security and Software Engineering (English-speaking branch) the opportunity to deepen their knowledge in the field of mobile applications, learning directly from industry professionals.

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With a comprehensive perspective on this promising field, the program covered essential topics such as:

  • Android Development Fundamentals – a detailed introduction to the Android ecosystem and the use of the Kotlin language for mobile application development. Students explored application architecture, resource management, and the fundamental components of the platform.
  • UI, Navigation, and Asynchrony – a comparative analysis between classic and modern approaches to developing graphical interfaces, with a focus on Jetpack Compose. At the same time, students reflected on defining topics, such as navigation management and implementing asynchronous processes to optimize performance.
  • Android Application Architecture – implementing the MVVM pattern for a clear separation of responsibilities in applications. Students discovered the advantages of using Room for data persistence, integrating Dependency Injection, and optimizing performance through Gradle and advanced debugging.

The course was a true transition from theory to practice. Integrated into the project discipline “Modeling and Implementing Systems Using WEB Technologies”, the initiative significantly contributed to the development of students’ skills in creating and implementing modern software solutions, preparing them for real industry challenges.

In addition to gaining technical knowledge, the event was a great opportunity for networking and professional development. Students interacted with experts in the field, asked questions and better understood current trends in the IT industry, deepening essential concepts in Android development, overcoming the psychological barrier of getting involved in real practical projects.

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“This initiative represents a concrete example of how academia and industry can collaborate to provide our students with solid practical training. We are grateful to AppsFactory for its active involvement in developing the skills of future IT specialists and we hope that such collaborations will continue and expand”, stated with appreciation and enthusiasm Associate Professor, Dr. Dumitru CIORBĂ, Dean of FCIM, underlining the importance of strategic partnerships in training well-prepared specialists for the challenges of the IT industry.

The collaboration between UTM and AppsFactory represents a successful example of the partnership between academia and industry. This synergy contributes to the training of well-prepared IT specialists, capable of facing the challenges of the software industry. At the same time, the partnership with AppsFactory emphasizes UTM’s desire to provide students with a high-quality education, relevant learning experiences and adapted to the requirements of the labor market.

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Both students and teachers expressed their gratitude to the AppsFactory team and everyone involved in organizing this exceptional educational event, expressing their openness to continuing such collaborations aimed at supporting the professional development of young people and providing them with the best learning opportunities.

AppsFactory is a software development company with extensive experience in creating mobile applications for various platforms. Recognized for its expertise in Android technologies, the company actively collaborates with prestigious academic institutions, supporting the training of new generations of IT specialists.

“Materials Today Nano” (Elsevier) publishes a new UTM-branded paper

Researchers from the Department of Microelectronics and Biomedical Engineering (DMIB) within the Faculty of Computers, Informatics and Microelectronics (FCIM) of the Technical University of Moldova (UTM) have achieved a new scientific success of international significance – they have recently published a paper in the renowned journal “Materials Today Nano”, edited by the prestigious Elsevier group. This publication is in an elite segment of academic journals, being ranked Q1 in four key areas: condensed matter physics, biomaterials, materials chemistry, and electronic, optical and magnetic materials.

Hydrogen – the energy of the future and the challenges of detection

The paper is the result of a joint effort carried out over 4 years of collaboration between UTM, Christian-Albrechts University of Kiel (Germany), Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (Germany) and the University of Central Florida (USA). The study focuses on one of the most pressing issues in the use of hydrogen as an alternative energy source: the safety of its detection. Although hydrogen is a promising energy resource, its use comes with major challenges caused by its intrinsic properties – it is colorless, odorless, highly flammable, and difficult to detect.

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To address this challenge, the research team from the Technical University of Moldova has developed an innovative nanosensor, based on ZnO/Al₂O₃ binary core – ternary shell nanowires, realized through the Kirkendall effect at the nanoscale. This advanced structure allows for extremely fast hydrogen detection, even at low temperatures, with a response time of up to one second and high sensitivity at concentrations as low as 100 ppm.

Nanosensor technology – innovation at the atomic level

The nanowires used in this nanosensor were obtained by flame transport synthesis and atomic layer deposition, followed by a heat treatment at 975°C, which led to the transformation of Al₂O₃ into ZnAl₂O₄. This modification generates an n-n heterostructure that acts as a catalyst, amplifying the sensor signal in the presence of hydrogen. Experimental validation was carried out by advanced techniques such as SEM, TEM, HRTEM and XRD, confirming the structural and functional performances of the device.

 

graphical abstract

The publication of this work in Materials Today Nano provides a special exposure to the scientific community at UTM, being accessible through ScienceDirect to millions of researchers worldwide. This contributes to both increasing the notoriety of the authors and the institution they represent, consolidating UTM’s position in the elite of international research.

The Department of Microelectronics and Biomedical Engineering within FCIM-UTM has an essential role in promoting excellent research and international collaborations. The teaching staff here transfer their experience every day to students from three study programs: “Applied Electronics”, “Microelectronics and Nanotechnologies” and “Biomedical Engineering” from cycles I and II – bachelor’s and master’s degrees, as well as to 5 specialties from cycle 3 – doctorate.

Students passionate about microelectronics and nanotechnologies have the opportunity to actively participate in such revolutionary research within the Center for Nanotechnologies and Nanosensors of UTM. This dynamic academic environment allows them to engage in innovative projects with global impact, thus contributing to the scientific and technological progress of society.

Online references:

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2588842025000276

https://ars.els-cdn.com/content/image/1-s2.0-S2588842025000276-mmc1.docx

https://fcim.utm.md/departamentele-fcim/departamentul-mib/

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=10640885800

https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57211992969

The teams involved are affiliated with different research centers:

a Center for Nanotechnology and Nanosensors, Department of Microelectronics and Biomedical Engineering, Technical University of Moldova, 168, Stefan cel Mare Av., MD-2004, Chisinau, Republic of Moldova

b Chair for Synthesis and Real Structure, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Kaiserstraße 2, D-24143 Kiel, Germany

c Chair for Functional Nanomaterials, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Kaiserstraße 2, D-24143 Kiel, Germany

d Fraunhofer Institute for Silicon Technology (ISIT), Itzehoe, Germany

e Chair for Inorganic Functional Materials, Department of Materials Science, Faculty of Engineering, Christian-Albrechts Universität zu Kiel, Kiel, Kaiserstraße 2, D-24143 Kiel, Germany

f Department of Physics, University of Central Florida, Orlando, FL 32816-2385, USA

UTM rewards performance: Maxim CHIRIAC, an example of excellence

Talent, hard work and an unquenchable passion for innovation – these are the elements that define the academic path of Maxim CHIRIAC, the student who obtained two important awards: “Best Master’s Student” and “Best Master’s Thesis”, awarded by the Senate of the Technical University of Moldova on January 29, 2025. This is not the first […]

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The first week of the entrepreneurship course at TUM: a strong start inspired by the Berkeley method

At the Technical University of Moldova, the future of innovation is taking shape through a new edition, the second, of the Entrepreneurship course inspired by the famous Berkeley method, which started on February 3, 2025. Benefiting from the experience of international and local experts, students have the opportunity to enter the world of startups through a dynamic combination of theory and practice focused on critical thinking, collaboration and innovation.

The first week of the course was an intense one, full of inspiration and challenges, in which students learned how to identify real market problems and mastered interview techniques to validate their business ideas.

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Day 1: Startup culture and team building

The first day was dedicated to introducing the startup ecosystem and team building. Students participated in interactive sessions and learned to adopt the entrepreneurial mindset needed to transform ideas into successful businesses. A highlight of the day were the sessions held by two great strategists: Tanmay VIJAYWARGIYA, Strategy Consultant at Accenture, who provided valuable insight into startup culture and how to identify the most suitable team partners, as well as Emil CHICHIOI, founder of Bloomcoding, who shared essential lessons from his entrepreneurial experience.

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Day 2: Problem Identification – The Foundation of a Startup

The second day focused on identifying real market problems – a crucial step in building a successful startup. Traian CHIVRIGA, CEO of XY Partners, guided the students through the process of analyzing the market, identifying gaps, and evaluating existing solutions. This process is essential for developing relevant and scalable products and services.

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Day 3: Interview Techniques and Insight Validation

Day 3 was dedicated to user research and hypothesis validation. Students learned how to prepare interviews with potential customers, select the right respondents, and ask the right questions to gain valuable insights. Renowned experts, such as Gigi WANG, Industry Fellow & Professor at UC Berkeley, Tatiana COTLIUBA, CPO at Simpals, and Elena PAVLOSKAYA, Founder of Techdoor, provided students with a clear perspective on effective interviewing/questioning techniques and how to interpret and leverage the answers obtained to fine-tune their business ideas.

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Bearing the imprint of UC Berkeley, this course was developed with the support of Rick RASMUSSEN, Industry Fellow & Professor at UC Berkeley and member of the SCET team (Sutardja Center for Entrepreneurship and Technology), the course is taught at UTM by a dedicated team of professionals, consisting of Associate Professor, Dr. Nina PUȚUNTEAN, Associate Professor, Dr. Rina ȚURCAN and Lecturer Cristina DIACONU. An essential role in organizing and carrying out the activities also belongs to Iuliana STEȚENCO, a 4th year student, FAF, FCIM. Winner of the first edition of the ICEBERG Bootcamp in Moldova, Iuliana had the opportunity to participate in a UC Berkeley Bootcamp, gaining experience in the entrepreneurial ecosystem of one of the most prestigious universities in the world.

The current edition of the Entrepreneurship course at UTM confirms the growing interest in entrepreneurial education and the need for an applicative framework in which theory and practice blend perfectly. Students were challenged to think critically, collaborate effectively, and develop essential problem identification and validation skills – the crucial first step in building a successful startup. The next few weeks will be intense, as teams refine their ideas, develop business models, and test solutions in the market

The Technical University of Moldova continues to train the future innovators of the Republic of Moldova!

Studenții FCIM-UTM, alături de PENTALOG: o experiență de studii deosebită în cadrul proiectului EFFERVESCENT

Universitatea Tehnică a Moldovei (UTM), prin Facultatea Calculatoare, Informatică și Microelectronică (FCIM) și Filiera Francofonă „Informatica” (FFI), face un mare pas în față prin aderarea la proiectul „Dynamiser les Formations Francophones: Synergie Étudiant-Entreprise: EFFERVESCENT”. Susținut de Agenția Universitară a Francofoniei, proiectul își propune să faciliteze colaborarea dintre studenți și mediul de afaceri, având ca partener strategic compania „Pentalog”, parte a „Globant Division”.

În cadrul acestui parteneriat, pe data de 5 iunie 2024, studenții FCIM-FFI au avut o ocazia să viziteze sucursala din Iași a companiei „Pentalog”, sub îndrumarea Loredanei IONIȚĂ, Product Owner în cadrul companiei.

Vizita reprezentat o oportunitate unică pentru studenți de a beneficia de sfaturi valoroase și de a interacționa cu profesioniști din domeniu. Evenimentul a inclus prezentări și discuții pe diverse teme, susținute de angajați ai „Pentalog” și de profesoara de limba franceză, Krisztina DIACONIŢĂ. Subiectele discutate au vizat:

  • Redactarea unui CV atractiv și utilizarea Generative AI: prezentate de Denisa GHETU, recrutor HR, a oferit studenților sfaturi practice despre cum să creeze un CV care să atragă atenția angajatorilor și cum să utilizeze Generative AI pentru îmbunătățirea acestuia.
  • Alegerea platformei Mobile: IOS sau Android: Ionuț HURBĂ (Android) și Cătălin POMÂRLEANU (iOS) au elucidat avantajele și provocările fiecărei platforme, oferind studenților o perspectivă asupra tehnologiilor potrivite pentru dezvoltarea aplicațiilor mobile.
  • Studierea FrontEnd-ului și oportunitățile oferite de stagii: Florentina MUNTEANU și Bogdan LIVADARIU au subliniat importanța flexibilității ca dezvoltator și au prezentat oportunităților oferite de stagiile urmate în companiile de profil.
  • Importanța încrederii în cadrul echipei și tipurile de management: Andrei ONOFREI, Scrum Master, a explicat prin intermediul unui joc interactiv cum încrederea și managementul eficient pot influența succesul echipelor.
  • PHP și relevanța sa actuală: Claudiu BULGARIU le-a vorbit studenților despre utilizarea PHP în dezvoltarea web și relevanța sa continuă în industrie.
  • Perspective asupra profesiei viitorului și importanța stagiilor: Tudor PLEŞCAN a subliniat importanța stagiilor în timpul anilor de studenție, atât în contextul testării manuale, cât și automate.

La finalul evenimentului, Cristian NEGHINĂ, Customer Success Manager al Pentalog, a Globant Division Iași, a împărtășit experiențe și gânduri despre importanța cooperării internaționale între universități și companiile de specialitate. D-sa a subliniat beneficiile stagiilor și oportunitățile de învățare pe care acestea le oferă studenților.

Această experiență captivantă, care a durat aproape patru ore, a oferit participanților o perspectivă reală asupra industriei IT și a beneficiilor colaborării dintre universități și companii.

Organizatorii proiectului EFFERVESCENT exprimă mulțumiri speciale doamnei Elena MUTRUC, Talent Development Center Manager – Pentalog Moldova, pentru implicarea și sprijinul acordat în organizarea acestei vizite. De asemenea, mulțumiri speciale Agenției Universitare a Francofoniei pentru sprijinul acordat proiectului EFFERVESCENT.

Proiectul „Dynamiser les Formations Francophones: Synergie Étudiant-Entreprise: EFFERVESCENT” a fost selectat în cadrul apelului de proiecte lansat de Agenția Universitară a Francofoniei, intitulat „Créer, transformer, innover, exceller! 30 ans de l’AUF-ECO”, cu ocazia celebrării a 30 de ani de la înființarea AUF în Europa Centrală și de Est. Prin oferirea de oportunități de învățare practice și de interacțiune cu profesioniști din industrie, această inițiativă contribuie la pregătirea studenților pentru o carieră de succes în domeniul IT.

 

EXTENDED DUE DATE FOR APPLICATIONS CYBER SECURITY ACADEMY 2023/2024

The decanat of the Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics at Technical University of Moldova, informs its students about the extension of the due date for the Cybersecurity Academy 2023/2024 until 14th November 2023.

Students of all years of study are invited to apply, including the past participants of the previous rounds of the Academy!

For more info or in case of any questions, please contact: the Project Coordinators from TUM – Ms. Arina Alexei at: arina.alexei@tse.utm.md, Ms. Rodica Bulai at: rodica.bulai@ati.utm.md or EMA coordinator: Ms. Adriana Weissova at: weissova@migrationagency.eu.

Technical University of Moldova together with EMA – Development and Mobility Agency and in partnership with cyber security company ESET announces the selection process for up to 25 students for new round of the successful Cyber Security Academy Programme financed by the SlovakAid.

The programme consists of 3 modules + internship at ICT company in Slovakia or Moldova. The modules are mutually linked and will be offered to the same group of full-time students, especially those of the last year of study. All successful graduates of the Academy will receive certificates.

The Cyber Security Academy

 

  1. Soft Skills Module – focused on teamwork, communication, and presentation skills with an experienced coach from the business sector,
  2. English Language – Cambridge methodology, focused on enhancing English skills important for working in an international team,
  3. Hard Skills Module – led by experts from ICT company and will contain topics such as Hypervisor, Git knowledge, Virtual Box, network settings for Virtual Box, Capture the flag on Robot machine and Network scanner,
  4. Internships – After completing the above modules, top 6 students will be offered an internship (from 1 to 3 months) with one of the IT companies in Slovakia or Moldova, with the living costs covered for up to 1000 EUR per month. Internship is applicable only to the final year students of bachelor’s or master’s degree. The internships will count as one class with full credits!Interested students should send their application by 14th November 2023 to decanat@fcim.utm.md. The selection process will be done by the Selection Committee, composed of representatives of the TUM and EMA, and the shortlisted candidates might be invited for a short interview.

 

The application should include:

  1. Application for the programme (addressed to the committee), expressing a request to participate and consent to process personal data by the selection committee;
  2. Academic Certificate issued by the faculty administration;
  3. CV in English (max 2 pages);
  4. Student Certificate issued by the secretariat of the faculty, which confirms the current cycle and academic year.
  5. Github link (if available)

Note: All documents are submitted only electronically.

Eligibility criteria

  • To be a full-time student (of all bachelor/master’s levels) at the Technical University of Moldova, Faculty of Computers, Informatics, and Microelectronics,
  • English language skills at B1 level or higher,
  • Basic networking and OS (Windows and Linux) knowledge,
  • Experience with at least one popular programming language (C, C++, python, etc.),
  • Nice to have: some experience with Virtual Machines or Docker,
  • To submit all documents stated above.

 

Selection Process
02.11.2023 Information Webinar
23.10.2023-14.11.2023 Application process
07.11.2023-20.11.2023 Selection process, including interviews
Cyb-Sec Academy Calendar  
Starting in week 20-26.11.2023 Soft Skills module (once a week 90 minutes at TUM, 16 lessons)
Starting in week 20-26.11.2023 English language (once a week 90 min, 6 months) at TUM
Starting in March 2024 Hard Skills module
Between March-May 2024 Internship at IT companies in Slovakia

 

This project “Support of the business environment in Moldova: Digital innovations, labour market and investment”, in duration from 01.10.2023 until 30.04.2025 is implemented with the funds of the Official Development Assistance of the Slovak Republic.