On 20 September 2024, a joint kick-off meeting for the SciEntBG Hub and the TALENTify project took place at Sofia University, led by Prof. Dr. Dmytro Zherlitsyn. During the event, Dr. Zherlitsyn presented the strategic plans and upcoming events for the SciEntBG Hub, emphasizing the project's goals to foster scientific entrepreneurship, support researchers, and enhance collaboration between academia and industry. He highlighted the Hub's special focus on young scientists and refugee researchers, offering them tailored resources, mentorship programs, and opportunities for professional development. Additionally, future events such as the "Meet Science with Business" café will serve as a platform where researchers can present their work to potential investors.
Dr. Assoc. Prof. Kostadin Kolarov, head of the Entrepreneurship Institute at the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), highlighted practices from the Institute of Entrepreneurship and Sofia Tech Park, focusing on scientific entrepreneurship in Bulgaria. Several teams also participated, discussing future activities and events related to the Hub's development. The event was supported by the heads of Sofia Tech Park and Promet Steel in Burgas, who conveyed welcoming words, further emphasizing their commitment to collaborating with the Hub.
The SciEntBG Hub, which operates under the EURAXESS platform at UNWE, is dedicated to supporting scientific entrepreneurs by offering services, training, and mentorship to researchers. With a particular emphasis on young scientists and refugee researchers, the Hub aims to provide essential resources to help them develop their careers and contribute to the national scientific ecosystem. The initiative aligns with the more comprehensive European Research Area (ERA) and aims to enhance the scientific ecosystem through various events, such as webinars, workshops, and informal science-business meetings.