At the end of 2024, our team from BioBliss – four girls on a mission to turn bio-waste into sustainable energy was chosen by PES “Prof. Ivan Apostolov” to represent the school at Junior Achievement Marketplace 2025 in Vienna.
On March 13, we boarded our flight with one goal: to share our idea with the world. The next morning, we arrived at Lugner City Mall, the vibrant stage of the competition, buzzing with creativity from teams across Europe. From 8:30 a.m., we began setting up our stand our little corner of innovation in the heart of the mall. The event was centered around direct interaction with the public and jury, and also included a 4-minute on-stage pitch… with a twist: no slides, no screens just three passionate girls and one powerful message. At first, we expected nerves. We weren’t entirely confident in how our message would land, but what happened next was beyond anything we imagined. Jury members stopped by our stand not just to ask questions, but to stay. They wanted to know more. They smiled. They listened. And above all they believed. Their feedback?
“You’re not just presenting a product—you’re changing the way we think.”
Between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m., the space around us turned into something magical. Dozens of passersby stopped to hear about sustainable button-cell batteries made from bio-waste. Many didn’t want to just listen. They wanted to connect. Suddenly, we were deep in conversations, exchanging contacts, ideas, tips and forming real, exciting relationships with people who believed in what we do. By the end of the day, it was time for the awards. There were no “places” in this competition only eight special recognitions.
And then… it happened.
We won the Best Innovation Award, sponsored by EIT Manufacturing.
The moment was surreal. This award opened doors we’re now in contact with EIT Manufacturing, and in early talks for partnership and mentorship opportunities that could help scale our project to the next level. We returned home emotionally exhausted, deeply inspired, and most of all empowered. This trip wasn’t just a competition. It was the beginning of BioBliss as more than a school company. It was our fire start.
More about the experience : Biobliss with Best Innovation award