On June 16, 2025, the Agricultural University – Plovdiv proudly hosted the national round of the “BIO-BASED INNOVATION STUDENT CHALLENGE EUROPE” (BISC-E) 2025 which empowering green innovation through student engagement.
Five student teams representing the Agricultural University – Plovdiv, the University of Food Technologies, Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski,” Trakia University – Stara Zagora, and the Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) participated in the national competition. Over several months, the students diligently developed their creative ideas in the field of bio-based innovation and technology, aiming to advance to the European finals.
The Rector of Agricultural University – Plovdiv Associate Prof. Boryana Ivanova, officially opened the forum and inspired the participants to pursue their goals with determination and illustrate their proposed solutions’ broader socio-economic and environmental benefits.
All five teams presented impressive and forward-thinking innovation projects. The Agricultural University – Plovdiv was represented by the teams “BioTrackers” and “InnoBioCrops” (in collaboration with CPSBB). The University of Food Technologies competed with the team “Bio Entrepreneurs,” while Plovdiv University presented the team “Planta Pharma” in partnership with CPSBB. Trakia University participated with the team “Business Club – Trakia University.”
The creative presentations were evaluated according to six criteria by a distinguished jury composed of Mr. Georgi Gatev, Mayor of the “Trakia” District of Plovdiv; Mr. Stefan Dimitrov, Director of Neochim Dimitrovgrad; and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Georgi Georgiev, Director of the Center for Entrepreneurship at the Technical University of Sofia, Plovdiv Branch.
The winner of the closely contested competition was the team “Planta Pharma” from Plovdiv University, in collaboration with CPSBB. The winning team will participate in an online training session alongside national winners from other European countries and will continue developing their concept to compete at a high level.
Vice-Rector Prof. Dimo Atanasov addressed the audience that strategic dissemination of student-led innovation highlights the growing importance of international academic collaboration in advancing sustainable development and bioeconomy education.
As the national coordinator of BISC-E 2025, Prof. Atanasov awarded all participants certificates and gifts, encouraging them to seek innovative approaches to global challenges continually.
The event clearly illustrated the transformative potential of green education, interdisciplinary research, and innovation-driven learning, which are core principles of the UNIgreen Alliance. Through initiatives like BISC-E, students are empowered to contribute to a more sustainable and circular bioeconomy which reflects the UNIgreen Alliance’s commitment to fostering excellence, sustainability, and impact in European higher education.
