On May 30, 2026, Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosted the third annual edition of the “Ideas That Change the World” festival of children’s and students’ discoveries, inventions and design at its Rectorate building. The festival was jointly organized by the National University Center for Creativity and Innovation (NUCCI) at Sofia University and the “Eureka” Foundation.
Prof. Krassen Stefanov represented the Center of Excellence UNITe on the scientific jury, while the Center’s PR specialist, Stefan Spiridonov, documented the atmosphere and activities in all festival halls with photographs.
The festival took place in four famous halls at the University Rectorate – “The Egg” Hall, the Conference Hall, Hall 21, and the Aula.
The official opening took place in “The Egg” Hall with welcome addresses by Acad. Prof. Tony Spassov, Vice Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”; Prof. Sonya Karabelyova, Dean of the Faculty of Philosophy; Assoc. Prof. Stanimir Kolev, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Physics; Ms. Maria Yaneva, Principal of “Pencho Slaveykov” Primary School in Dimitrovgrad; Ms. Maria Gargova, Director of Kindergarten No. 156 “Veseli Mishleta” in Sofia; Mr. Grigor Tsankov, Executive Director of the “Eureka” Foundation; and Prof. Veselin Dafov, Director of the National University Center for Creativity and Innovation (NUCCI) at Sofia University.
Acad. Prof. Tony Spassov expressed his appreciation for the work of NUCCI and wished success to the participants and the festival, emphasizing his respect for the university’s outstanding achievements in scientific research.
Mr. Grigor Tsankov greeted the participants on behalf of the “Eureka” Foundation and expressed his joy and satisfaction at having the opportunity to be part of the event. He urged the students to never stop seeking new discoveries in science, to be curious and hardworking, because the future of the country lies in their hands.
In their welcoming remarks, the other official guests at the opening ceremony expressed their support for the initiative and highlighted the festival’s importance for fostering creative thinking, scientific curiosity, and an innovative spirit among young people. They noted that over the years, the festival has established itself as a valuable platform for showcasing student talent and as a place that encourages children and young people not to be afraid to dream boldly and to believe in their own potential, because every great idea begins with a first step and deserves support to become a reality. It was emphasized that true innovation builds on the knowledge and achievements of previous generations, but also requires the courage to seek new solutions.
Prof. Veselin Dafov thanked everyone present for their efforts to arrive on time and for their commitment to the festival. He expressed his gratitude to the Academic Council, the university administration, colleagues from various faculties, the jury members, the volunteers, the organizers, and the project manager, Dr. Daniel Alexandrov, for their support.
A total of 88 projects were selected to enter the final stage of the festival. On the day of the event, the program featured 72 project presentations – both individual and team projects – by children, school students and university students aged four to twenty-seven from 21 regions of Bulgaria and from the Czech Republic. The total number of participants exceeded 200, of whom 150 attended in person on the day of the event, along with their supervisors, advisors, and parents. At the end of the program, all participants and academic supervisors received certificates of participation in the festival and gift packages prepared by the “University Press” and the “University Library.” Twenty-six individual and team projects were awarded certificates of distinction.
