Sofia Mayor Vasil Terziev personally presented the awards to the winners
On June 21 and 22, the 10th anniversary edition of the Robotics Festival, part of the “Robotics for Bulgaria” program, was held at the SAP Labs Bulgaria building in Sofia.
The event brought together over 150 students from 28 teams, representing 17 schools from 14 different locations across the country—children who proved that knowledge can be an adventure and technology can be an inspiration.
From regional games to the big stage
The teams that reached the final round were ranked after competitive regional competitions held in May in Vidin, Sofia, Plovdiv, and Razgrad. Over 350 students from 33 schools in 22 towns participated in these competitions – teams that impressed with their skills, creativity, and teamwork.
A two-day celebration of knowledge and team spirit
This year’s festival lasted two days, filled with challenges and excitement.
On the first day, participants presented their work to the evaluation committees in the categories: Robo Design, Team Play, and Research Project.
After the presentations, the teams had the opportunity to pit their programmed robots against each other in an exciting Robo Sumo competition.
Celebration on the 10th floor
The first day ended with a festive evening filled with music, demonstrations, and inspiration.
On the 10th floor of SAP Labs Bulgaria, participants were welcomed by Radoslav Nikolov, CEO of the company, and Iliyana Nikolova, CEO of the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCIF), who took stock of the progress made.
Ten-year-old Maria performed a special musical greeting, and demonstrations of scientific experiments turned the evening into a true celebration of curiosity and imagination.
The photo zone captured the smiles and emotions—because the robotics festival is an experience that stays with you.
Finals that inspire
On the second day, participants competed in a Robo game with three rounds, finals, and a new edition of “Robo Sumo.” The competition was fierce, but the friendly atmosphere and support between the teams remained paramount.
The awards were presented personally by the mayor of Sofia, Vasil Terziev, who sent an inspiring message to the participants and organizers:
“Congratulations to the team at the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCIF) and SAP Labs Bulgaria for everything they have achieved in the training sessions and competitions, which inspire many students and teachers and create traditions. Here, children are creators—they create projects. And it is up to us to ensure that their ideas are realized.
I am convinced that with these children, Bulgaria has a bright future. The ability to realize, the talent to invent, and the drive to participate in the competition are your strengths. I believe that you will inspire many more children in Bulgaria to love robotics and to create.”
List of winners:
SPIKE B Division
3rd place: Team: CodeX, Pernik, PMG “Hristo Smirnenski”
2nd place: Team: STEAM TEAM, Vidin, SU “Tsar Simeon the Great”
Champion: Team: MECHANO, Burgas, PGME
SPIKE A Division
3rd place: Afton Robotics, Varna, PGKMS “Acad. Blagovest Sendov”
2nd place: Team: CyberRobo, Kazanlak, CPO at ICT Center
Champion: Team: Breaking bots, Lom, PG “Naiden Gerov”
Arduino Division
Champion: Team: mivkA, Ruse, MG “Baba Tonka”
EV3 div A Division
3rd place: Tangra, Vidin, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Vocational School
2nd place: RobobrawL, Shumen, Sava Dobroplodni Secondary School
Champion: GearHeads, Vidin, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Vocational School
EV3 Premier Division
3rd place: PowerVortex, Shumen, Panayot Volov Secondary School
2nd place: TechKids, Vidin, Exarch Antim I Secondary School
Champion: Robo Vikings, Vidin, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov Secondary School
All participants – true winners
The festival did not only reward the fastest or the most precise – all participants were winners. Winners in effort, creativity, ability to work in a team and learn through experience.
A program with long-term impact
The Robotics for Bulgaria program is aimed at training mentors and creating robotics teams based on the concept of the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) international competition for students. The program is implemented by the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation (WCI) with the support of SAP Labs Bulgaria.
Програмата „Роботика за България“ е насочена към обучение на ментори и създаване на отбори по роботика в концепцията на международното състезание за ученици FIRST LEGO League (FLL). Програмата се реализира от Фондация „Работилница за граждански инициативи“ (ФРГИ), с подкрепата на SAP Labs България.
Since its inception, the program has reached over 2,800 students and 260 teacher mentors from over 120 schools in 56 towns and cities across Bulgaria.
The program provides equipment, training, and support, but most importantly, it gives students the chance to be thoughtful, active, and inspired young people.
The anniversary festival did not mark an end, but a beginning. For new teams, new ideas, and thousands more students who will discover not only knowledge but also themselves through robotics.