The Joint information event for the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs in Bulgaria will take place on 5th March at Trakia University, Stara Zagora. The event is conducted with the support of DG REGIO & Ministry of Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria. This event will serve as a key platform to showcase Bulgaria’s digital advancements, present successful case studies, and discuss financing opportunities for digital transformation at both the national and European levels. It will bring together European Commission representatives, policymakers, industry experts, and startups to exchange insights and foster collaboration. A special co-event will be the Hackathon for students.
EVENT PROGRAMME
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08:45 – 09:30 | Registration & Welcome Coffee |
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09:30 – 10:00 | Opening Panel: The Twin Green and Digital Transformation of Regional Economies Speakers:
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10:00 – 11:00 | Panel 1: Access to the Innovation Ecosystem – Presentation of the Network of European Digital Innovation Hubs in Bulgaria & Success Stories Moderator: Dr. Rumyana Grozeva, Executive Director, SZREDA Speakers:
This session will highlight the achievements and impact of Bulgaria’s leading EDIHs, including SynGreDiT, CYBER4All STAR, AgroDigiRise, and EDICS. Real-world examples of how digital transformation is shaping industries will be presented. |
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11:00 – 11:15 | Coffee Break & Networking An opportunity for collaborations and informal discussions with panelists and participants. |
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11:15 – 12:00 | Panel 2: Advice from the Members of the Advisory Board of EDIH Zagore Speakers:
This discussion will provide insights from international advisors on the best practices for fostering regional innovation and enhancing the Bulgarian EDIH network. |
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12:00 – 13:00 | Panel 3: What’s Next? Future Support for the Development of the Bulgarian EDIH Network This session will present upcoming funding and strategic support opportunities from key European programs:
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13:00 – 14:00 | Lunch & Networking A chance to connect with industry leaders, policy experts, and fellow innovators in an informal setting. |
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14:00 – 15:00 | Panel 4: Access to the Innovation Ecosystem – Session with the Digital Transformation Accelerator & Young Future Entrepreneurs The event is designed as well as startups and young entrepreneurs looking to leverage digital innovation; EDIH representatives and business leaders interested in mentorship and collaboration. This session will explore how Bulgaria’s EDIH network can better support emerging businesses and digital startups in their growth journey. The Master of Event - Dr. Rumyana Grozeva will ensure a dynamic and engaging discussion throughout the event. |
As a result, we truly believe the first of its kind event to help gain insights from top EU and Bulgarian policymakers on the future of digital transformation; explore funding opportunities to scale your digital initiatives; engage with industry experts and advisors in digital innovation and promote network with startups, investors, and key stakeholders driving the twin transition.
As an accompanying event IoT Hackathon:"Smart Connectivity of Cities" - side event of the First Info Meeting of the European Information Hubs in Bulgaria, 05.03.2025
The Hackathon is preceeded by an online workshop meeting with the mentors that will take place on 26.02.2025. That is when the teams will be assigned and will receive help to create their initial streamlit app using ready data. On 05.03.2025 teams will connect the hardware and run their solutions on Raspbery PI platforms. The idea is to collect real-time data and add functionalities. They will be judged based on a proposed business solution or product idea. The last part will take place in October, where these ideas will be built upon now that they have passed the AI course/training over the summer.
Target groups: High school students, students from Trakia University who are interested in programming, IoT and problem solving
Duration: 8 hours
Teams: 5 students in 5 mixed teams, each with their own mentor from ICT Strypes
Goal: Create an app or prototype of an app on the topic "Smart Climate Station – An Automation in Everyday Life" as a more detailed topic of the theme of the Smart Connectivity of Cities. that collects real-time data from sensors (temperature, light, pressure, etc.) and visualizes it on a wireless device (smartphone, tablet or laptop) via WiFi, Bluetooth or the Internet. The solution can be web-based or local, but a working prototype that collects sensor data and presents it in an intuitive way.
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Programme |
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1. Opening & Introduction (1 hour)
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2. Development (4.5 hours)
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3. Presentation preparation (45 minutes)
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4. Presentations & Evaluation (1 hour 15 minutes)
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Rules: Teams must develop an IoT solution that collects sensor data and visualizes it on a wireless device. The solution can be web-based or local. Teams can use any programming language, but must document their setup. Only provided or approved equipment is allowed. The final demonstration must be working (use of simulated data is allowed, but interaction with the hardware is highly recommended).
Judging Criteria:
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Innovation & Creativity (25%) - Does the solution offer a unique approach
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Technical Implementation (25%) - Does the sensor data collection and visualization work effectively
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User Experience (20%) - Is the visualization easy to understand and use
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Realism & Scalability (20%) - Can the solution be implemented in the real world
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Presentation (10%) - How well the team explains their project
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- Bulgaria
Practical information
- Where
- Trakia university, Stara ZagoraBulgaria
- When
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- Organiser
- European Digital Innovation Hub Zagore (SynGReDiT)