The project is funded by the Sofia Municipality under the
“Sofia – City of the Young and Active” Programme.
Sofia will bring together young visionaries ready to offer scientific solutions to the challenges of the modern city. From 21 to 23 October 2025, the capital will host the first Interdisciplinary Hackathon “Young Researchers on a Mission: innovations for a better life in Sofia” – an event that brings together young scientists from different disciplines in search of bold and actionable ideas for a better life.
The initiative is implemented by the Training Centre at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and the project has been ranked first among 52 projects within the Sofia – City of the Young and Active Program of Sofia Municipality. This is a recognition of its importance and potential to combine science, innovation and the active participation of young people in the development of the capital.
In the context of dynamic economic, technological and social transformations, there is a need for greater applicability of scientific knowledge in real life. Young scientists need to prepare for this role from an early stage in their careers – by acquiring entrepreneurial, leadership and team-building skills. This is why the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences uses the hackathon format as a contemporary tool to modernize the training of its PhD students and young scientists.
The advantages of the hackathon approach are numerous – it stimulates creative thinking and the creation of workable solutions, builds skills for working in multidisciplinary teams, develops leadership and entrepreneurial qualities, and encourages active engagement with public causes. In this way, learning becomes a dynamic process that brings together science, innovation and real-world practices for the benefit of society.
The upcoming hackathon will combine training modules with practical team challenges focused on key topics for the city – urban mobility, ecology, social innovation, digitalization, cultural heritage, etc.
The initiative is expected to contribute to building a sustainable network of young leaders and innovators motivated to apply scientific knowledge for the modernisation of Sofia and its emergence as a modern European capital.
The preliminary programme can be found here.
Registration for the event will open soon!
