Innovation Academy 2017 Now Open for Applications
University students may apply for the 4th edition of “Innovation Academy 2017 – Sofia Innovation Hackathon” organised by Innovation Starter. The initiative is in partnership with leading universities in Bulgaria and with the institutional support of the European Commission in Bulgaria and Sofia Municipality. Sofia Innovation Hackathon 2017 is a free access 24-hour marathon where university students develop and present their idea or project. The three categories this year are Digital environment, Products and services of the future and Branding / competitive advantages/ of Sofia city.
The big prize amounts at BGN 10 000 and a visit to Brussels for the team with the most creative and feasible idea. The prize is granted by Mastercard and the European Commission in Bulgaria. Two more ideas will be awarded with product and money prizes from partners of the Innovation Academy 2017.
This year’s program again will be very intensive. On May 30, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., at the National Palace of Culture, Literature Club “Quill Pen”, all students will be able to attend the free lectures on innovations and creativity in urban areas, led by leading international and Bulgarian experts. The Hackathon starts at 1.00 p.m. and ends up at 1.00 p.m. on the next day. During these 24 hours mentors and members of the jury and the organizers will help the students in the process of inventing, developing and preparing their ideas for a grabbing presentation. After the marathon participants will have to make a short 15-minute presentations and demos of their products or services. All presentations, the jury session and the award ceremony at the end of the day on May 31 are open to public access in the hall.
Among the universities that will take part in this year’s event are New Bulgarian University, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, The Technical University of Sofia, University of National and World Economy, American University of Blagoevgrad and Software University. The jury members are representatives of the European Commission in Bulgaria, Sofia Municipality Council, journalists, educational institutions and leading companies such as Telenor, SAP Labs, MasterCard and others.
The registration process already started and will continue until mid-May. Applications must be submitted at Sofia Innovation Hackathon 2017 website.
