26/10/2024
The AIM Project’s final thematic event took center stage as part of the EdTech Innovators Forum, held on October 24-25 in Sofia. Initially planned as a smaller gathering of 50 participants, this event exceeded expectations by attracting 66 attendees—an overachievement that reflects AIM’s expanding influence and the high level of interest in its innovative approach to inclusive entrepreneurship mentoring. The event was attended by representatives from partner organizations, national policymakers, industry allies, NGOs, students, and leaders of student organizations, making it a powerful conclusion that also laid a foundation for AIM’s future growth and sustainability.
The forum began with opening remarks from Deputy Minister of Education and Science Natalia Miteva and Sofia Tech Park’s Executive Director, who both emphasized the role of educational innovation in shaping a brighter future. Setting the tone for the event, Albena Spasova from EdTech Bulgaria delivered an inspiring keynote on the importance of sustaining educational innovation, framing AIM’s work as an essential contribution to the future of entrepreneurship and mentoring in education.
This keynote led into a dynamic panel discussion featuring prominent voices: Natalia Miteva, Eng. Ognyan Atanasov (Mayor of Kyustendil), Elitsa Molov (Head of Innovation at Sofia Tech Park), Vladimir Kolev (Manager of Klett Bulgaria), Ivan Gospodinov (Chairman of Education Without Borders), and Diana Cholakova (Co-Founder and CEO of Stemy Kids). They discussed the opportunities and challenges of integrating emerging technologies into education, sharing good practices and inspiring ideas at every level—from policy-making to practical implementation. The conversation highlighted AIM’s critical themes and identified seven key takeaways that will guide educational innovations moving forward:
📘 The emphasis on AI and cloud-based tools creates personalized learning experiences that make education accessible to underserved groups, such as seniors and marginalized communities, adapting learning materials to individual needs, interests, and career goals.
🤖 Acknowledging the inevitable rise of automation, participants explored how education must adapt to prepare students for a world where automation plays a significant role. They discussed the importance of skills that are less likely to be automated, such as leadership, emotional intelligence, and personal development.
💻 The event highlighted the urgent need to encourage more women to enter tech and STEM fields, addressing existing gender gaps and empowering women through targeted mentorship, tech-focused workshops, and tailored career support.
🌍 Speakers advocated for integrating CSR concepts into educational programs, particularly in sectors like hospitality and small business, to instill a sense of social responsibility, sustainability, and ethical business practices in future professionals.
💆 In an increasingly digital learning environment, prioritizing mental health is essential. The discussions emphasized the value of self-care and stress-relief programs to prevent digital burnout, with an appreciation for well-being practices inspired by different cultures.
🎓 Focused on equipping students with essential soft skills, career guidance, and job readiness training, the AIM project advocates developing adaptability, leadership, and innovative thinking to prepare students for diverse career paths.
📊 The need for data literacy was a key focus, with calls to familiarize students and educators with digital tools, cloud-based platforms, and data-driven decision-making processes, which are essential for modern problem-solving and career advancement.
As a central highlight of the final event, João Gomes from the University of Gävle and Giuseppe Virga from MG Sustainable Engineering led a comprehensive presentation on AIM’s project phases and core achievements. They illustrated AIM’s journey from its initial conceptualization to its current impactful state, emphasizing how its structured approach to inclusive mentoring in entrepreneurship is adaptable across various educational and organizational contexts. Their presentation sparked enthusiastic interest among attendees, many of whom expressed interest in replicating AIM’s model within their own communities. This generated discussions on how AIM’s framework could be tailored to address unique local challenges and opportunities, widening its potential impact.
Adding depth to the event, Lachezar Afrikanov, co-author of the Inclusive Entrepreneurship Mentoring Model (IEMM) manual, delivered an engaging demonstration on AIM’s mentoring approach. Afrikanov walked attendees through the philosophy and practical applications of the model, illustrating how its design supports inclusive growth and mentorship in diverse settings. His presentation empowered local practitioners to envision the integration of AIM’s mentoring techniques into their own initiatives. By connecting AIM’s concepts with hands-on insights, Afrikanov demonstrated the model’s flexibility and its capacity to address a variety of educational and entrepreneurial needs.
Together, the presentations by Gomes, Virga, and Afrikanov highlighted AIM’s transformative potential and built a strong case for its replication and expansion. The engaging discussions that followed illustrated a genuine readiness among attendees to carry AIM’s mentoring model forward, seeing clear possibilities for sustainable impact in their regions and organizations.
With this final thematic event, AIM has successfully concluded its current phase while planting seeds for further growth. Through the substantial interest and actionable insights generated, AIM is poised to extend its influence, drive educational transformation, and inspire lasting change in inclusive entrepreneurship mentoring across a broader spectrum. This milestone event not only celebrated AIM’s achievements but also paved the way for a future marked by continued innovation and impact.
