Gabrovo Innovation Camp 2024: A Hub for Sustainable Ideas and Collaboration

On November 25, 2024, Gabrovo welcomed participants to the eighth edition of the Gabrovo Innovation Camp, a three-day event designed to address pressing global challenges through innovative solutions. Organized in partnership with the EU Committee of the Regions, the Regional Information Center – Gabrovo, the Youth Center – Gabrovo, the Technical University of Gabrovo, and the Regional Innovation Center “Ambitious Gabrovo,” this year’s camp promises transformative ideas and impactful initiatives.

Turning Challenges into Opportunities

At the heart of the event are the core principles of sustainability, digital innovation, and youth engagement. During the opening ceremony, Gabrovo’s mayor, Tanya Hristova, highlighted the city’s mission to achieve climate neutrality by 2030. “In Gabrovo, we believe sustainability is not only possible but inevitable. We actively work to transform words into actions, building innovative ecosystems that combine local expertise with global partnerships,” she stated, emphasizing the role of culture and collaboration in driving change.

This year’s participants are tackling challenges such as developing a circular economy-based innovation valley, leveraging artificial intelligence to empower youth, transforming traditional industries, and creating engaging strategies for climate neutrality. Cultural and youth initiatives aimed at making Gabrovo an even more attractive place to live and create are also on the agenda.

Regional Innovation Center: A Catalyst for Collaboration

The Regional Innovation Center “Ambitious Gabrovo” (RIC) played a prominent role in this year’s camp. Beyond joining the participant teams, RIC sponsored one of the challenges, further demonstrating its commitment to fostering innovative solutions for regional development. The center’s director, Svetoslav Mateev, underscored the importance of strategic partnerships, sharing Gabrovo’s success in building innovation ecosystems at the Knowledge Exchange Platform (KEP) seminar held during the camp.

RIC also showcased its cutting-edge facilities, including labs for AI in manufacturing, 3D printing for circular economy applications, environmental material testing, and digital twin research. These resources are instrumental in supporting businesses and innovators across the region.

A Thoughtful Gift with a Circular Twist

To mark their participation and reinforce the camp’s focus on sustainability, RIC gifted all participants with Tube with a Happy Cap hand creams. These creams, packaged in slightly defective yet fully usable plastic tubes, highlight the potential for reusing materials that might otherwise go to waste. The initiative reflects RIC’s dedication to promoting circular economy practices and sustainability in every aspect of life.