Eight universities join the innovative educational programme GEN I: GENERATION INNOVATION by signing a partnership memorandum
2026.10.18
Seven teams comprising students from various fields of study will work on real-world business cases, competing for a €5,000 prize in the third and largest edition of this initiative.
On 19 October, at 10:00 am, in the TECH ARENA hall at the Technical University of Sofia, the Rectors of 8 public higher education institutions will sign a partnership memorandum on the third edition of "GEN I: Generation Innovation". This unique educational programme in Bulgaria brings together students from different universities, academic paths (disciplines), and professional fields into interdisciplinary teams. Supported by experienced mentors, the students will work on real-world business cases by applying the Design Thinking methodology to develop innovative and practical solutions.
Initiated by Schwarz Digits Bulgaria, "GEN I: Generation Innovation" launched two years ago in Varna, followed by a second edition in Plovdiv. This autumn, it arrives in Sofia in its largest format to date. The initiative involves eight public higher education institutions and seven business partners—leading companies from various sectors. The third edition of the programme is held under the patronage of the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Georgi Valchev. The partnership memorandum will be signed by the Rectors of the Medical University – Sofia, the Krastyo Sarafov National Academy for Theatre and Film Arts, the National Academy of Art, Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski," the Technical University – Sofia, the University of National and World Economy, the University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, and the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy.
In the Sofia edition, approximately 40 students will be divided into seven multidisciplinary teams. Over the course of three months, they will work on seven real-world business challenges posed by the seven partner companies*. Participants will follow a structured innovation process—ranging from problem research and analysis to idea generation, development, and prototyping. The methodology is inspired by a programme from Stanford University, and throughout the process, students will work with mentors from various industries. At the conclusion in February, the teams will present their solutions to a jury, and the best project will win a prize of EUR 5,000.
Applications are open online at geni.bg until 26 October 2026. Students from all fields of study and all public higher education institutions in Sofia are eligible to apply, regardless of whether their university is among the official partners. Participation is completely free of charge. The official launch on 19 October will feature the rectors of the partner higher education institutions, a representative from the Ministry of Education and Science, the primary initiator of "GEN I: Generation Innovation" – Mihail Petrov (CEO of Kaufland Bulgaria) – and representatives from the partner companies. Special guests include the motivational speakers Georgi Nenov – "The Superhuman" and Architect Dora Ivanova, founder of the Project Buzludzha Foundation, as well as participants from the first edition of "GEN I: Generation Innovation," who will share their personal experiences regarding the value they gained from the programme. It will also be attended by students and faculty members from universities in Sofia.
* Commercial DBank, Phoenix Pharma IT Services, Siemens, Industrial Holding Bulgaria, ING Bank, Vivacom Bulgaria, and Schwarz Digits Bulgaria