International SpaceHACK for Sustainability 2026 Was Held at Our University
The international SpaceHACK for Sustainability 2026 was successfully held at the UNWE. The main organizer of the event is Arizona State University, and co-organizers in Bulgaria are the National Network for Sustainable Development SDSN Bulgaria and PMI Bulgaria Chapter.
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Assoc. Prof. D.Sc. Michael Musov – Co-Chairman of SDSN Bulgaria, opened the event in Bulgaria. He greeted the participants on behalf of Prof. Dr. Dimitar Dimitrov – Rector of UNWE and Co-Chairman of SDSN Bulgaria, as well as on his own behalf, emphasizing that such initiatives, which require critical and analytical thinking and stimulate the development of innovative solutions to current social challenges, build the students as responsible and committed future leaders. According to his words: "Heroes are not like that only because of the victories they achieve. They are heroes primarily because of their way of thinking and responsible behavior".
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On behalf of Arizona State University Dr. Kerri Rittschof, Director of Data Science & Analytics Unit, welcomed the participants. She pointed out that SpaceHACK is more than just a competition – "it's an opportunity to innovate, collaborate and achieve global impact". Prof. Dr. Svetlana Alexandrova also greeted the students on behalf of the International Economic Relations and Business Department and PMI Bulgaria Chapter, noting: "Your passion and creativity are the driving forces that will urge us to sustainable solutions for our planet". The keynote speech was delivered by Dr. Brian Cairns, Deputy Project Scientist at NASA and Columbia University.
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In the event took part more than 500 students from five universities: Arizona State University – USA, UNWE, CY Cergy Paris University – France, Universidad Espíritu Santo /UEES/ and Escuela Superior Politécnica del Litoral /ESPOL/ – Ecuador, including 25 students from UNWE. During their participation, our students received mentoring support from Prof. Dr. Venelin Boshnakov – lecturer at the UNWE Statistics and Econometrics Department, and by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Plamen Milev – Lecturer at the UNWE Information Technologies and Communications Department.
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During the two days of the international competition, participants used various satellite data to look for solutions to problems related to the climate change in the Alps, zero-emission supply chains and the development of coastal cities.
Next week, all students who presented solutions to the challenges set at SpaceHACK 2026 will be awarded official certificates of participation.
Day 2 in Photos
PHOTOGALLERY
What the Participants Shared about the SpaceHACK 2026
“SpaceHACK was amazing! The atmosphere was very inspiring and energizing … We learned a lot of new things … The challenges helped us to think more creatively.”
Kaloyan Dragomansky, 3rd year student
"It was extremely interesting for me to embark on this challenge... Teamwork has made the process easier, more efficient and significantly more enjoyable, especially when you are surrounded by motivated and inspiring people. Although the task was challenging, it stimulated us to give our best ... It was a fun, interesting and unforgettable experience that I would recommend to everyone!"
Victoria Valchanova, 2nd year student
"… SpaceHACK 2026 not only enabled students to explore previously-unknown topics, but also work under pressure to produce a relevant and influential analysis."
Silvia Slavcheva & Emre Tekin, 2nd year students
"I would recommend this annual competition as it offers something different and very intense... I met participants from America, France, Ecuador and other countries. We worked with tools that I didn't even know existed. We supported each other with knowledge and experience when needed. And all this happened in just two days – it is rare to find such a concentrated and dynamic experience."
Bozhidar Atanasov, Master`s degree student
