Innovative Camp for High School Students at IBS during Global Entrepreneurship Week

We marked Global Entrepreneurship Week (November 13-19) by hosting the ‘Innovation Camp’ competition for high school students, organized by the Professional Technical High School ‘Nikola Vaptsarov’ in Samokov, initiated by Junior Achievement Bulgaria. Seven cities, 70 students, 10 teachers, a 6-member jury consisting of lecturers and students from IBS, and 10 mentors from our students took part. Mrs. Bilyana Stamova and Dr. Tsvetelina Nikolova, teachers from the “Economics and Management” specialty at the high school, opened the event and wished success to all participants. “True success is not only measured in economic indicators but also in the way we create added value for society and nature, for people,” said Dr. Nikolova. “Teamwork, spirit, passion! The skills of the future and the foundations of personal development are gathered in this Innovation Camp,” shared Mrs. Stamova.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniela Georgieva, Dean of IBS, welcomed the high school students and their teachers on behalf of the entire academic community at IBS, adding: “Inspiring, entrepreneurial, motivating—these are the personalities of the new era. These are the people who will change the world—individuals who do not give up, generate new ideas, and are not afraid to defend them regardless of everything! Today, at IBS, such personalities have gathered—innovators of the future. Together with our experience, dedication, and through the Light of Knowledge within our innovative camp, we will take your first steps towards your business ideas and shape you as the next great entrepreneurs.” She also presented the opportunities for education in our innovative and practically oriented programs developed in collaboration with business.

Prof. Dr. Ivanka Asenova, a psychology professor at IBS, shared with the young participants that given the global trend of the increasing application of psychological knowledge in the professional sphere, the curricula of the bachelor’s and master’s programs offered by IBS include the study of psychological disciplines relevant to the respective specialties. She emphasized that at our university, we strive to better understand the uniqueness and potential of each student and prospective student through individual consultations and a specially designed Psychological Test for Career Orientation developed by our psychologists. This helps them understand which professions are most suitable for them based on their personality traits, interests, and abilities. This way, they can choose the appropriate bachelor’s program that will provide them with the necessary skills for successful professional realization.

The high school students completed the Psychological Test together with Prof. Asenova, understood their strengths that give them an advantage, and received valuable guidance from her regarding their educational and professional future.

During the competition, next to the students in their first steps on the path of entrepreneurship were their mentors and our students – Nelina Minkova, Viktoria Bocheva, Teja Melkonyants, Alexander Lalov, Ivana Gyurova, Savina Genadieva, Anna Prokopieva, Ioana Ilieva, Valeria and Alexander. They provided valuable advice and guidance for the development of the participants’ projects and encouraged creativity and an innovative approach, helping the teams to refine their ideas and successfully present their projects.

The jury, consisting of lecturers from IBS and members of the Student Council, including Prof. Dr. Milanka Slavova – Vice-Rector for Academic Affairs, Prof. Dr. Lalka Borisova – Academic Lecturer, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Stella Baltova – Vice-Rector for Research and International Cooperation, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Andreev – Vice-Rector for Quality System Management and Education in PhD programs, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Daniela Georgieva – Dean, and Savina Zdravkova – Member of the Student Council, had the challenging task of evaluating and selecting a winner among the brilliant ideas presented by the 10 teams of talented young innovators.

All teams demonstrated creativity and presented original ideas. The jury emphasized the importance of innovation and technological development, noting that these young minds are the future of the industry and society. “We are happy to be part of the jury for this noble initiative. You impressed us with immense talent, high digital skills, and a strong entrepreneurial spirit, and for all of us, you are winners! We believe that nothing is impossible, that every goal can be achieved, and that throughout our journey, professional, academic, and personal, we strive to improve ourselves. You proved that today,” said Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Andreev during the award ceremony.

The grand winner of the competition is the Eco Era team, which presented a business model in the field of sustainable fashion, related to the production of shoes from recycled materials. The hard work and efforts of all participants were rewarded with applause and certificates presented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Ivan Andreev.

The International Business School received a plaque on behalf of Mr. Veselin Burzanov, Director of the Professional Technical High School “Nikola Vaptsarov” in Samokov, expressing gratitude for being an inspiring university and for the organization and participation in the event.

Teams from different schools participated in the event, including teams from Professional Technical High School “N. Vaptsarov” in Samokov, the National High School in Finance and Business in Sofia, “Velizar Peev” Vocational School in Svoge, Vocational High School of Economics in Pernik, “Georgi Benkovski” High School in Pazardzhik, “Vasil Levski” High School in Karlovo, and “St. Kliment Ohridski” High School in Rakitovo, accompanied by their teachers Mr. Rusi Rusev, Mrs. Adriana Hriskova, Mrs. Desislava Asenova, Mrs. Lilya Chaoucheva, Mrs. Spaska Bistrashka, Mrs. Dafinka Klechkarova, and Mrs. Atanaska Manolova.

The Global Entrepreneurship Week is an international campaign aimed at helping young people develop entrepreneurial thinking and behavior, promoting entrepreneurship, and enhancing the education of children and youth. Each year, over 10 million students from more than 60 countries participate in this initiative.