On 30 June, the Scientia House in Gabrovo hosted the final Pitching Event of the AI EDIH North Central Region Entrepreneurship Programme, organised by the Regional Innovation Centre “Ambitious Gabrovo”.
Over the past several months, participants completed a comprehensive programme combining practical training and one-on-one mentoring, focused on developing sustainable business models, validating entrepreneurial ideas, and preparing founders to present their ventures to investors. The Pitching Event marked the culmination of the programme, giving participants the opportunity to showcase their projects before a panel of investors, financial institutions, media representatives, and private investors.
The jury included representatives from Forge Capital, the Fund of Funds, SIS Credit, Investormedia PRO, as well as private investors, who provided valuable professional feedback, practical recommendations, and guidance on financing opportunities and future business development.
A special highlight of the event was the presentation of upcoming funding opportunities for social innovation projects, offering participants additional perspectives for scaling and implementing their ideas.
During the event, more than 20 innovative business concepts were presented across a wide range of sectors, including digital technologies, green energy, food innovation, health and wellness, social entrepreneurship, education, tourism, and the creative industries.
Among the projects focused on health, nutrition, and well-being, Balkan Rituals introduced a modern wellness brand that transforms wild herbs from the Balkan foothills into convenient daily rituals for energy, balance, detoxification, focus, and skincare. GUSHI showcased an innovative concept of slow-roasted caramelised dried fruits without added sugar, preservatives, or artificial ingredients, offering a healthy and convenient snack alternative. Time for Me presented the concept of a themed bakery featuring traditional desserts from eight different countries, including a dedicated gluten-free product line, with future plans for online delivery, children’s workshops, and AI-powered personalised customer experiences.
Among the digital and technology-driven solutions, OmniCart introduced an online platform connecting grocery retailers and food producers to simplify food shopping for consumers. PlantFlow presented an intelligent automated irrigation system designed to optimise plant care through smart technology. Loyalko introduced a digital customer loyalty platform that enables businesses to strengthen customer relationships through modern electronic loyalty programmes. Ramo showcased a mobile application that instantly connects people needing physical assistance with verified helpers for moving, assembly, deliveries, and other everyday tasks. NewGen PR presented a next-generation digital PR agency designed to help startups, SMEs, and innovative companies build online reputation, thought leadership, and sustainable digital visibility through strategic communication services. Hydrokinetic Turbine Module introduced an innovative modular system for generating clean electricity from river and sea surface currents, offering a sustainable approach to renewable energy production with strong potential for future pilot implementation and commercial scaling.
AuriQ presented an innovative directional audio system that delivers sound precisely to a specific listener or designated area without the need for headphones. Using ultrasonic beamforming technology and intelligent software control, the solution creates independent sound zones without interference, making it suitable for applications in corporate environments, museums, exhibitions, retail spaces, public venues, and events.
Several projects also stood out for their social and educational impact. MindGym presented an innovative community space dedicated to young people’s mental well-being, combining community building, creative self-expression, emotional resilience, and sustainable living. “Village for a Day” introduced an educational experience where children reconnect with nature through gardening, caring for farm animals, and hands-on rural activities. Batoshevo Equestrian Centre presented a project for establishing Northern Bulgaria’s first specialised retirement boarding facility for senior horses, combining natural pasture-based care with riding lessons, educational programmes for children, and sustainable tourism services.
The creative and cultural industries were also strongly represented. Rachen Kod (Handmade Code) introduced a digital platform connecting Bulgarian artisans and craftspeople with architects, designers, hotels, institutions, and end customers, helping preserve and promote traditional craftsmanship while expanding market opportunities. AY Style Atelier presented the concept of a boutique fashion studio specialising in custom-made evening, prom, and cocktail dresses, with the ambition of building a recognisable Bulgarian fashion brand. Srachko showcased a business focused on digital embroidery designs for international marketplaces such as Etsy, while Jijan GameJam presented its initiative that brings together students and young developers to create video games, fostering practical skills in programming, design, teamwork, and entrepreneurship.
Following each presentation, participants received detailed feedback from the jury, who shared expert insights on business strategy, market positioning, investment readiness, and growth opportunities. The event provided a valuable opportunity for entrepreneurs to validate their ideas, strengthen their business models, and establish meaningful connections with investors and business professionals.
The AI EDIH North Central Region Entrepreneurship Programme is designed to support innovators, aspiring entrepreneurs, and early-stage startups by combining practical training, individual mentoring, and direct access to experts, investors, and potential partners. The successful completion of its first edition demonstrated the strong entrepreneurial potential of the North Central Region and highlighted a growing community of innovators capable of developing competitive businesses with both national and international ambitions.
The AI EDIH North Central Region team would like to thank all participants, mentors, investors, and partners whose commitment contributed to the success of the programme, and wishes every entrepreneur continued success in turning their ideas into sustainable and impactful businesses.
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.
