CPSBB hosted the grand final of the educational program GEN I: GENERATION INNOVATION in Plovdiv

Twenty-six students from 21 academic majors graduated from the second edition of the educational program GEN I: GENERATION INNOVATION – “The Future of Food.” The initiative is unique for Bulgaria and enables students from different disciplines and universities to work together in multidisciplinary teams on real business cases following Stanford University’s “Design Thinking” methodology, alongside experienced mentors from the corporate world.

The program was initiated by Schwarz IT Bulgaria and was held in Plovdiv under the patronage of the Regional Governor, Prof. Hristina Yancheva, in partnership with five higher education institutions: Technical University of Sofia – Plovdiv Branch; University of Food Technologies; Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv; Medical University of Plovdiv; and the Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Asen Diamandiev,” with the support of the Municipality of Plovdiv.

The event was organised and attended by Prof. Hristina Yancheva, Regional Governor of Plovdiv; Mihail Petrov, Chief Executive Officer of Schwarz IT Bulgaria and initiator of the program; representatives of two major companies that participated with business cases and mentors; Oliver Hanisch from Campus Founders (representing one of Europe’s largest startup networks); as well as Prof. Vesela Kazashka, Administrative Director of CPSBB – the official host of the event.

A team of six students (Team “Omega”) won €6,000 and an opportunity for startup funding with an innovative project for processing food waste. The team developed a solution that converts surplus wafer trimmings through fermentation into bioethanol, which can be used as a disinfectant or sold as a raw material. The model has broad application potential in food production facilities worldwide, as it not only relieves factories of excess waste but also provides them with raw materials or additional revenue streams, eliminates disposal fees, and improves their “green” rating in line with current European ESG and environmental regulations.

On behalf of the management and team of CPSBB, Prof. Vesela Kazashka presented the winners with a CPSBB crystal plaque for their innovative and excellently presented idea, wished them determination and success in its implementation, and invited the team to use CPSBB’s bioreactor system to realize the project. The ceremony was attended by lecturers from the five partner universities, business representatives, mentors, and guests.

The winning team prevailed in strong competition against four other student teams. Second place was awarded to a vending machine for personalized mineral and vitamin “cocktails,” tailored to the individual needs of the user on a given day. The machine operates via an artificial intelligence application that calculates the precise proportions and quantities of 16 essential biologically derived micronutrients based on physical parameters and daily lifestyle dynamics. The creators received a €1,000 incentive award and the opportunity to further develop their idea under the direct mentorship of Ivan Chernev, CEO of Kaufland Bulgaria, and his team.

The remaining three student projects proposed innovative solutions to reduce food waste in retail chains, a digital personal advisor for healthy eating and shopping, and an interactive platform enabling consumers to participate directly in the creation of products they desire.

At the conclusion of the event, students also received valuable information on how to join a European startup incubator once their ideas are ready to be transformed into real businesses.