At the most prestigious European competition for student start-up companies, Gen-E 2025, Bulgaria was represented by only two teams from CEHS “Prof. Ivan Apostolov” – “ElevateX” and “Green Filters”!
The young entrepreneurs from “ElevateX” qualified for Gen-E 2025 after winning the national competition “Rising Stars”, part of the Youth Business Forum held on May 30–31 in Burgas. They won the PMIEF Best Application of Project Management Award at Gen-E 2025 – the most prestigious European competition for student start-up companies!
“Green Filters” proudly represented our country in the senior age group and formed a strategic partnership with a start-up from the University of Bucharest, which is developing a machine for collecting cigarette butts from beaches – an important step towards sustainable and eco-friendly solutions.
During Gen-E 2025, our students received strong support from Milena Stoycheva, CEO of JA Bulgaria, and Aleksandra Kishisheva, Director of Organizational Development. They also held meetings with representatives of Junior Achievement Europe and Junior Achievement Worldwide, and Mr. Salvatore Nigro, CEO of JA Europe, expressed his admiration for the achievements of our teams.
The event brought together over 1,000 official guests from around the world – among them CEOs, EU Commissioners, and leaders in education and business.
Among 42 companies in the “Upper Secondary Level” category, ElevateX rightfully stood out with its professional approach and well-structured work – from clearly defined goals and risk management to adaptability under pressure and meeting deadlines. The team demonstrated that project management is not just a technique but a key strength for turning every good idea into reality. They became the only Bulgarian team to receive an award this year, competing against teams from all European countries.
The team – Viktoria Alexieva, Emanuela Boneva, Maria Bozhinova, and Momchil Dimov – expressed heartfelt thanks to their teachers, and especially to their mentor Gergana Kuzmanova, for her dedicated support and valuable guidance throughout the project development and preparation for the international competition.
“ElevateX” and “Green Filters,” we are proud of you! You are an example of entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and inspiration for every student who dreams of developing innovative ideas and teamwork skills.
Read more:
The journey of the student company “Green Filters” and an interview with them in the latest issue of the school newspaper.
The youth who are changing the world: ElevateX – the best student company of 2025.
