Challenge Lab Bulgaria 2024

On 25-26 October 2024 Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovation - Varna (RAPIV) together with the University of Economics - Varna will organize EIT Food Challenge Lab 2024 Bulgaria.

The EIT Food Challenge Lab aims to support entrepreneurs in developing ideas for new, innovative products, services and technological solutions to address real challenges facing the agri-food sector.

The event takes the form of a two-day hackathon, bringing together diverse groups of people (students, undergraduate and postgraduate students, entrepreneurs, startups and experts in food technology, nutrition, biotechnology, marketing, management, IT, psychology, etc.) and helping to build partnerships between industry, academia and startups to solve real business cases.

The hackathon will culminate with presentations of the solutions to a panel of judges, and the best teams will receive prizes.

The deadline for applications to participate individually or in a team is 10 October 2024. Selection results will be announced on 15 October 2024 and applicants will be notified by email and phone.

Especially for the shortlisted participants, online meetings on topics such as business pitching and pitching model will be held between 15 - 20 October 2024 to ensure a successful presentation during the EIT Food Challenge Lab 2024 Bulgaria.

Participation in EIT Food Challenge Lab 2024 Bulgaria is free of charge! The number of participants is limited! Book your place now!

➡️ REGISTER HERE

How does the Challenge Lab work?

Challenge Identification - We work with companies in the agri-food sector to identify a significant and real challenge or problem they are facing.

Interdisciplinary teams - We select the best participants, ensuring the optimal mix of experience and team building skills. If you apply as a team, you can work together. Each team is between 2-5 participants.

Challenge solving - The problem can be approached from different perspectives by people with experience and interests in engineering, economics, food, marketing and logistics.

Support from experts - We partner with leading experts in the field to support you in identifying and developing ideas and with our business experts to help your ideas solve a real problem.

Industry Connection - Our challenges address the specific needs and problems of companies in the agri-food sector, this gives participants the opportunity to interact with experts and confirm the viability of their solution.

Schools and Universities - Our efforts are focused on identifying active schools and universities and young and talented innovators. Some of the leading universities in disciplines related to the agri-food sector are involved with their young talent. The challenge is a great vehicle to bring young talent and large companies together.

The event is for you if:

• You are a student, undergraduate or PhD student and want to apply what you have learned to solve global challenges in the agri-food sector;
• You want to learn new skills as a startup and entrepreneur and get expert support to develop your agri-food business idea;
• You have expertise or professional experience in the agri-food sector and want to join a team to create innovative developments as well as help solve real business challenges;

 Why you should get involved:

• To develop your entrepreneurial skills (implementing ideas, identifying customers);
• To be part of a team made up of experts and professionals and work on solving challenges through innovative methods (design thinking, business canvas model);
• Gain experience and confidence in presenting your business idea to clients and investors;
• Get expert support to contribute through your business idea to a more sustainable food system;
• To receive funding to realise your business idea and become part of the EIT Food community.

AGENDA

Please note that the event will be held in Bulgarian.