The Gen I Student Program Arrives at TechArena Sofia on October 19

On October 19, 2026, the new high-tech TechArena Hall at Technical University of Sofia will host the official presentation of the third edition of the innovative student program Gen I: Generation Innovation. The event will also mark the official launch of the initiative in the Capital, and it will include the signing of a Memorandum of Cooperation by the rectors of the partner universities, the CEO of Schwarz Digits, and the patron of this edition.

Gen I is a 3-month multidisciplinary program that brings together students from various universities and majors to work collaboratively on real-world business challenges, supported by mentors and leading companies. The program develops skills in systemic innovation through the Design Thinking methodology, inspired by the Stanford d.school, and the principles of radical collaboration.

Participation is completely free of charge, and during the program, selected students will receive a monthly stipend of €100. Each team has the opportunity to reach the final and win the Gen I Sofia grand prize of €5000.

The Gen I Sofia edition is carried out in cooperation and with the support of eight leading universities: Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Technical University of Sofia, University of National and World Economy, University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, Medical University – Sofia, University of Architecture, Civil Engineering and Geodesy, National Academy of Theatre and Film Arts “Kr. Sarafov”, and National Academy of Art.

Applications are open to all current students at state universities in Sofia, regardless of their major.

For more information, and to apply, visit geni.bg.

Application deadline: October 26, 2026. 

October 19, 2026

Venue: TechArena Hall, Technical University of Sofia

 

10:00–10:04 a.m. Event Launch
10:04–10:10 a.m. Opening Remarks by Mihail Petrov, CEO of Kaufland Bulgaria and Founder of Gen I
10:10–10:14 a.m. Opening Remarks by Prof. Dr. Georgi Venkov, Rector of Technical University of Sofia (Host University)
10:14–10:39 a.m. Opening Remarks by the Rectors of the Other Seven Partner Universities

10:39–10:44 a.m. Radoslav Hristov, Parliamentary Secretary of The Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria – a Congratulatory Address from the Minister of Education and Science, Patron of the Initiative in Sofia

10:44–10:52 a.m. Official Signing of the Memorandum
10:52–11:00 a.m. Introduction of the Business Partners of the Initiative

11:00–11:06 a.m. Brief Presentation of Gen I – Sofia 

11:06–11:21 a.m. Presentation of the Firsthand Experience by Participants from the First Gen I Class

11:21–11:36 a.m. Presentation by Arch. Dora Ivanova, the Buzludzha Project Foundation

11:36–11:46 a.m. Presentation by Georgi Nenov, The SuperHuman Podcast

11:46–11:51 a.m. Audience Questions

11:51–12:00 p.m. Closing remarks and Invitation for a Group Photo

12:00 p.m. Cocktail Reception and Informal Networking