30,000 BGN prize for a project with a positive impact on society or the environment

Applications are now open for the fourth edition of the "Entrepreneurs in Science" program by the Carol Knowledge Foundation, this year focusing on Impact Investing. Students, PhD students, and young scientists developing scientific projects with social and environmental impact are invited to participate.

Impact Investing is a rapidly growing industry driven by investors who seek not just returns, but targeted positive impact on society and the environment.

The pre-accelerator program "Entrepreneurs in Science" will take place from late September to mid-December 2021, every Wednesday from 10:00 to 12:00, and will be held online. The program will conclude with the "Entrepreneur in Science" competition, with a prize of 30,000 BGN.

Technical University – Sofia is a partner in the project and will award a student, team, or PhD student whose project has potential social or environmental impact with participation in the program.

The jury members who determine the winner are the program's lecturers. During the training, mentors are available to participants to assist in developing the project as a business idea.

This year, the training topics include the concept of Impact Investing, validation of ideas for impactful projects, intellectual property and copyright, technology transfer, business model and business planning for Impact Startups, innovations with positive impact on the environment and society, circular economy, and funding opportunities for projects – accelerator and incubator programs, funds, and business angels.

An important transferable skill developed during the training is presenting to investors – Business Pitch. In the competition, each project is presented with a pitch deck to the jury. This allows, in addition to winning the "Entrepreneur in Science" award and 30,000 BGN, to also win other opportunities – an invitation to the Innovation Starter accelerator program or the incubation program of Sofia Tech Park, an invitation from funds or business angels for the development of the projects.

The Technical University – Sofia will present in the program the opportunities for collaboration on projects. The lecturer and jury member will be Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Lidia Galabova, Deputy Rector for Scientific and Applied Activities at the Technical University – SofiaShe is also the contact person for the program and can assist with additional information and contacts.

The training in the 'Entrepreneurs in Science' program is free and practice-oriented. After the previous three editions, there are four awardees, three startups, and two projects have become part of an accelerator program.

Applications are open until September 6, 2021. For more details about the program and how to apply, see here.