Burgas Hackathon

20 -22 June 2024

Schedule of the hackathon in local time in Burgas

Local host

Burgas Free University

We educate to innovate, innovate to educate and foster eco-systems. Our educational programmes and activities consider sustainability a fundamental pillar for a prosperous society.

Challenges

Climate change mitigation 

Enhancing Bulgaria’s urban carbon efficiency

Sustainable clothing waste management

Reduction of non-recyclable plastic waste

Enhancing sustainability services in local businesses

Promoting internal adoption of sustainable practices

Reducing energy consumption and costs in business operations

Catalyzing corporate action on climate change mitigation

Household and technological waste

Urban vehicle pollution in the cities

Mitigating urban heat islands

Combat air pollution in Burgas

Empowering green industrial and production entrepreneurs for economic and environmental resilience

Promoting eco-innovation in agricultural businesses for sustainable growth

Mentors

Virginia Zhelyazkova

I am a scientist and educator with a passion for sustainability in all its forms, in leadership roles in academia and banking with a focus on transformative activities and impactful research, and have authored the first Bulgarian university textbooks on climate change and circular economy.

Vilyana Ruseva

Vilyana Ruseva is an associate professor at Burgas Free University. She is a specialist in Marketing, Management and Entrepreneurship. Vilyana Ruseva has extensive professional experience in both the banking and tourism industries.

Denimir Dimitrov

I’m Denimir and I’m highly experienced in the field of sustainability, climate change, circular economy, waste management. Currently I’m the CEO of Zero Wave – a company which mission is to transform agricultural waste into future of food products.

Milen Baltov

WG leader and a Management Committee member for several COST – financed with EU 8th FP Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe programme actions. Member of European Innovation Council, and a national contact point for the Mission Ocean and Waters. Mentor and promoter for hackathons

Jury Members

Ram Dušić Hren

I have a background in physics. After working in academic research, I shifted into entrepreneurship and later into a technology corporation. For the last 4 years, I’ve been running my company Bright3r, my 3rd startup venture, where I focus exclusively on supporting sustainable companies.

Milena Georgieva

As Software Development Manager, I drive team excellence and innovation. Previously, I spearheaded operations at an academy, crafting strategies and enhancing talent. My leadership roles in technical and operational capacities showcase my ability to foster growth and deliver results.

Esteban Pelayo

I am an innovation expert with more than 25 years of experience in business support. Expert on IPR, EU finance and deeptech startups as manager of the Science Park of Alicante.

Delyan Lazarov

Deputy CFO at the Burgas refinery, specialized and researched the challenges and opportunities of the circular economy, decarbonization, digitalization to enhance the well-being of business and society.

Zahra Safaei

I’m a postdoc researcher and entrepreneur in smart water management, With a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering, I focus on sensor optimization and circular economy principles. I’m passionate about holistic, multiparameter solutions and fostering diverse community engagement for a sustainable planet.

Meet the winning teams from the local hackathons that will participate in the final!

Explore the innovative technological or social solutions that triumphed at each local hackathon, and discover more about the winning teams and their members.