In March 2026, Razgrad District will become a stage for digital transformation. The initiative joins the efforts of the European Digital Innovation Hub for the North Central Region (EDIH NCR), RIC “Ambitious Gabrovo,” and the Regional Administration of Razgrad to support local business and give wings to youth ideas.
It is implemented under Contract No. BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001-C01 “Accelerated Digitalization of SMEs in the North Central Region,” funded by the “Scientific Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation” Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Union.
Dates: 19 – 20 March 2026
Location: Razgrad Town, Les Hotel Complex (for the business meeting) and “Shandor Petőfi” National Technical High School (for the hackathon).
Youth Hackathon “Idea for the Future” (19–20 March)
The hackathon is a two-day intensive competition that stimulates the entrepreneurial spirit of young people and challenges them to solve real cases for their city.
Who is the event for?
- Target Group: 30 active and creative students from 10–12 grade from the region.
- Format: 6 teams of 5 participants, formed randomly on the first day.
- Selection: Via a pre-filled registration form.
What does the program include?
- Mentorship Support: Experts from business and academia will guide the teams in areas such as business modeling, marketing, and presentation skills.
- Thematic Cases: Participants will develop solutions provided by the local government and business related to digitalization, artificial intelligence, ecology, and the quality of life in Razgrad.
- Final and Awards: Teams will present their ideas to an expert jury. Evaluation will be based on criteria: innovation, applicability, social effect, and teamwork.
- Long-term Effect: Winners will receive funding guidance, and the best ideas can be integrated into regional policies or specific business organizations.
Information Meeting for Business (19 March)
Parallel to the youth’s work, owners of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) will learn about the practical benefits of new technologies.
Main Topics and Highlights
Participants will be introduced to:
- The impact of artificial intelligence on various industries – manufacturing, services, management and logistics (with specific examples and current trends).
- The services provided by EDIH NCR, targeted at SMEs:
- Free testing of digital solutions and technologies in specialised laboratories before making real investments.
- Training programmes and modules for the development of digital skills – from beginner to advanced levels in AI and digital transformation.
- Support in seeking funding, investments and building partnerships (including access to European networks).
Event Programme
| Time | Youth Event (Hackathon) | Business Event (Seminar) |
| 19 March | ||
| 09:30 – 11:00 | Registration, opening, and team formation | — |
| 11:00 – 13:00 | Team work (session 1) | — |
| 13:00 – 14:45 | Team work (session 2) | — |
| 14:45 – 15:00 | Coffee break | Registration and info materials
|
| 15:00 – 15:30 | Team work | Official opening and AI lecture
|
| 15:30 – 16:40 | Team work | Presentation of services (testing, training, funding, networking)
|
| 16:40 – 17:30 | Team work (session 3) | Discussion and Q&A session
|
| 20 March | ||
| 09:00 – 11:00 | Last details on projects | — |
| 11:00 – 12:30 | Presentation of ideas to the jury | — |
| 12:30 – 13:00 | Awarding | — |
| 13:00 – 15:00 | Lightning talks + Cocktail | — |
Important Registration Information
Participation is free of charge. Places are limited, therefore pre-registration is required by 15 March 2026 via email edih.office.razgrad@mail.bg and/or telephone +359 898 55 68 33.
The event is part of a series of initiatives by EDIH NCR aimed at supporting businesses in the region through access to high-tech infrastructure, expertise and European funding, while reducing the risks associated with implementing innovative solutions.
This news item has been created with the financial support of the Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation Program 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund under project BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001 -C01 “Accelerated digitalization for SMEs in the Central Region through the creation and development of EDIH.” The Regional Innovation Center “Ambitious Gabrovo” bears full responsibility for the content of the document and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the managing authority.
