NASA International Space Apps Challenge 2014 - Bulgaria

WHO WE ARE

The event Space Apps Challenge 2014 - Bulgaria is organised through collaboration and partnership among science community, universities representatives, business organisations, NGOs and students volunteers.

HOST ORGANISATION - SOFIA

 HOST ORGANISATION - BURGAS

CO-ORGANISERS

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  BAS - Space Research and Technology Institute

  The mission of SRTI-BAS is the conduct of fundamental and applied studies in the field of Space Physics, Remote Sensing of the Earth and Planets, and Aerospace Systems and Technologies. The priorities of SRTI-BAS are: solar-Terrestrial and Space Physics (solar wind, magnetospheric and ionospheric physics, high and middle atmospheric physics, space weather); high-energy astrophysics, galactic cosmic rays; medico-biological studies, space biotechnologies, heliobiology, telemedicine; design, development and transfer of methods, instrumentation and technologies for remote sensing of the Earth, regional and global monitoring of the environment and security; research in the field of obtaining and application of new superhard materials; development of innovative aerospace instrumentation and technologies, as well as their transfer to economy.

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  Technical University - Sofia

  TU-Sofia is the largest technical university in Bulgaria offering highly qualified trainers, engineers and technical staff, with modern laboratory facilities. More than 65 years TU-Sofia educates specialists in the field of engineering. For this period, over 100 000 engineers have graduated - bachelor degree in 26 specialties, master degree in 35 specialties, PhD degree in 110 specialties.The TU-Sofia has close working relationships with more than 50 universities in Europe, Asia, North America and Africa. The University is a member of prestigious European and world organisations and participates in various projects under EU, UNESCO and NATO programmes. TU-Sofia is among the leading technical universities in Europe.

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  Junior Achievement

  Junior Achievement is the world’s oldest, largest and fastest-growing non profit economic education organization. JA Bulgaria educates and inspires young Bulgarians to value free enterprise, business, and economics to improve the quality of their lives.It prepares them to succeed in a global economy. Established in 1997, Junior Achievement Bulgaria is a member nation of Junior Achievement Worldwide (JAW) and its regional entity Junior Achievement –Young Enterprise Europe (JA-YE). Junior Achievement Bulgaria is the first and foremost organization in Bulgaria offering top-notch programs and courses in business, economics and the development of the entrepreneurial spirit through educational and hands-on activities in economics, financial literacy, business skills, leadership and strategies for success. JA-YE enterprise and economic education programmes are designed for young people ages 6-25 and are implemented through a partnership between local businesses and schools.

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  State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies

  In the last 7 years the State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (SULSIT) has become one of the most prestigious higher education institutions in Bulgaria.  Alongside the traditional specialties – Library Studies and Bibliography, Library Management, Print Communications and Computer Sciences, the University offers unique specialties such as Information technologies, Information Brokerage, Information Security, Information Collections of the Cultural and Historical Heritage, Information Resources of Tourism, Information Technologies in the Court Administration, Software Engineering. SULSIT has all forms and degrees of education, including the so-called PhD School. The University supports huge scientific research in the different areas where it provides educational services.

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  High School of Mathematics and Sciences "Akademic Nikola Oreshkov"

  The High School of Mathematics and Sciences “Akad.N.Obreshkov” - Burgas was founded in 1971 and through the years has proved to be a school of high achievements and good traditions. There are over 1100 students from 5th to 12th grade who study here. The educational process is organized in the following school subjects – Mathematics and English, Informatics and English, Biology and English. The students are actively engaged participants in municipal, national and international competitions and olympiads. The name of the school can be heard among the winners in many international competitions around the world. Our teams are praiseworthy representatives in the sphere of Mathematics, Physics, Informatics, Biology, Literature. The First ranks gained at various forums, raise the rating of our school and place it among the first ones both in Burgas and the country. Our students perform excellently at the National 7th –grade exams and the State Matriculation Exams every year. The best achievements of the students and teachers of the High School of Mathematics and Sciences carry the respect to its name beyond the borders of Bulgaria as well. A substantial number of students have been admissioned to world-famous Universities like: Oxford, Harvard, Stanford, Colgate, MIT etc.

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  "Education and demographic issues" Directorate, Municipality of Burgas

  „Education and demographic issues“ Directorate is part of the specialized administration of the Municipality of Burgas. The Directorate coordinateс the activity of the municipal schools, kindergartens and auxiliary units for organization of the education process and interacts with the Ministry of Education and Science, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Education Act. The Directorate ensures and controls the compulsory preschooling of children and compulsory schooling of students up to the age of 16, the funds for the maintenance, construction, furnishing and overhauling of schools, kindergartens and auxiliary units, the means requisite for the fulfilment of the state educational requirements, as well as for financing all sections of the curriculum in municipal kindergartens, schools and auxiliary units. It also provides conditions for canteen catering, for boarding houses, recreation, sports facilities and transport for children, students and teachers. The experts from „Education and demographic issues“ Directorate develop and create conditions for implementation of municipal, national and international educational programmes and projects.

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  StartUP

  Фондацията StartUP е насочена към подпомагане на младите предприемчиви хора в България, които искат да превърнат идеите си в успешен бизнес. Чрез поредица от събития (конференции, симпозиуми, семинари и др.), StartUP развива екосистема от стартиращи фирми в България, където предприемачите да могат да срещнат партньори, потенциални клиенти, бизнес ангели и инвестиционни фондове. Нашата визия е да създадем устойчива екосистема за стартиращия бизнес, която да създава иновативни компании с глобален обхват. Нашата мисия е да улесним създаването на иновативни стартиращи компании и да спомогнем укрепването на стартъп общността чрез различни дейности.

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  Space Challenges

  This is the biggest educational program in the field of space science and high-technologies in Bulgaria. The main idea is to create a stable and adequate space education at national level and foster innovative business solutions, led by young people. The initiative involves a range of leading experts from NASA, ESA, Caltech, MIT, Stuttgart University, French National Space Program, United Nations, Stanford University, University of Oxford and others. The goal is to develop creative solutions that would foster a strong connection between education and the economy. Our efforts are aimed at helping young people to acquire knowledge and skills and to apply those at creating innovative companies and organizations.

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  TrainSoft

  TrainSoft is a vocational education and training center, licensed by National Agency for Vocational Education and Training, License № 200412211 for 10 professions: “Computer Graphics Specialists”, “Finance Specialist”, “Office Manager”, “Small and Medium Business Assistant”, “Computer System Technician”, “Builder”, “Hotel Manager”, “Guard”, “Economist”, “Operative Accountant”. TrainSoft offers: corporate trainings, developed due to the specific goals of the organization; trainings, courses, case studies taught by experts; knowledge and skills verification according of the Europass supplement, translated into Bulgarian, English and German.

SPONSORS

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  BIANOR

  Bianor is a recognized authority on mobile and video solutions and isdedicated to helping businesses take full advantage of technology. The company provides consulting services and delivers solutions to clients around the Globe. Bianor earned its expertise through 14 years of world wide project execution, ranging from Telecom-grade back-end services to enterprise and consumer mobile applications. The company employs over 60 highly skilled staffin its New York and Sofia offices. 

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  ICN.Bg

  ICN.Bg (Internet Corporated Networks) is the biggest Bulgarian web hosting company, specialized in providing state-of-the-art web hosting solutions for corporate clients as well as individuals. ICN.Bg offers shared hosting, cloud hosting, VPS, dedicated servers, colocation, domain names and much more. All our services are with world class quality and supported by a professional 24/7 technical support team, friendly attitude and competitive prices. 

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  U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria

  The men and women of the United States Mission to Bulgaria are committed to strengthening the partnership between the United States and Bulgaria. Using the highest standards of professional excellence and personal integrity, we focus our efforts in three priority areas: Security: As NATO allies, we seek to enhance our mutual security as well as regional and international stability; Prosperity: As commercial partners, we work to increase bilateral trade and investment that promote stable growth in both economies; and Democracy: As democratic societies, we cooperate to expand good governance and strengthen the rule of law within Bulgaria.

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  "Education and demographic issues" Directorate, Municipality of Burgas

  „Education and demographic issues“ Directorate is part of the specialized administration of the Municipality of Burgas. The Directorate coordinateс the activity of the municipal schools, kindergartens and auxiliary units for organization of the education process and interacts with the Ministry of Education and Science, in accordance with the requirements of the Public Education Act. The Directorate ensures and controls the compulsory preschooling of children and compulsory schooling of students up to the age of 16, the funds for the maintenance, construction, furnishing and overhauling of schools, kindergartens and auxiliary units, the means requisite for the fulfilment of the state educational requirements, as well as for financing all sections of the curriculum in municipal kindergartens, schools and auxiliary units. It also provides conditions for canteen catering, for boarding houses, recreation, sports facilities and transport for children, students and teachers. The experts from „Education and demographic issues“ Directorate develop and create conditions for implementation of municipal, national and international educational programmes and projects. 

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  EUROCOM

  Eurocom is a Bulgarian television channel with a national coverage. Eurocom is a private and an independent media that have launched a broadcasting since the 1996. The channel of Eurocom covers more than 6 million viewing audience in Bulgaria. Eurocom offers a thematic selection of various programs - news, talk show, series and sports. 

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  MAKSOFT.bg

  Maksoft is a leading web design company in East Europe. We have created and maintain hundreds web sites with the unique Content Managment System. We have an alogrythms for Search Engine Optimization (SEO) and Online Reputation Managment (ORM). Maksoft is a wholesaler and importer of promotional pens, I-Pens, usb flash, lighters, keyholders, bags. 

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  TU-Sofia Student council

  TU-Sofia Student council  

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  Advanced Coding Enterprise Ltd
  

  Advanced Coding Enterprise Ltd. is Bulgarian company located in Burgas, Bulgaria. The company provides software services to the global market. Impressive skills and creativity of the team make the company to the attention of many foreign clients looking for innovative thinking in IT sector. One of the company's products is the "Robotica." Our goal is to provide customers with high quality software production for a successful client business.

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  Mobiltel

  Mobiltel is a leading company on the telecommunications market in Bulgaria. The telecom provides its services to over 4.2 million customers. In 2010 Mobil demonstrated for the first time the highest speed mobile data transmission over 3G network - 42 Mbps. Currently, the cities with available speed of 42 Mbps now exceed 150. Three consecutive years - 2011, 2012 and 2013, the German company quality control of mobile operators NET CHECK certified Mobiltel as operator with the "fastest 3G network in Bulgaria". Data were obtained after several independent measurements in the biggest Bulgarian cities.As a responsible company Mobiltel not only invests in the development of new technologies, but also works for sustainable partnerships between the government and the business. The company is actively involved in the support and implementation of many initiatives and projects for the development of society, responsibility to its clients and employees, projects to protect the environment.

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  VIVACOM

  United communications, trendsetting solutions to meet the highest professional standards, and freedom to choose the best value for money. This is VIVACOM. Over 3000 employees stand by these principles to ensure effective and innovative solutions are brought to our customers. We completely changed the Bulgarian telecommunications market by launching the first converged service and giving customers the freedom to combine all telco items in a packof their own. VIVACOM has positioned itself as the 100% Internet coverage provider in Bulgaria with the best 3G network. The company currently offers the biggest portfolio of mobile and fixed telephony, high-speed Internet, data transfer and television andhas more than 4 000 00 clients.

PARTNERS

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  Bulsatcom

  Bulsatcom  is a Bulgarian  Technology Company investing in innovations and modern technologies. It is the largest pay TV provider in Bulgaria offering over 100 digital TV channels (incl. exclusive content) as well as internet  access.

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  "Bulgarian Science"

  "Bulgarian Science" is an online magazine published by "Bulgarian Science" Ltd. and "Science Forum" Association. Since launched in the winter of 2005/2006, it has developed at a fast pace by offering the visitors various and interesting new information, opportunity for self-expression and connection with people with the same interests. The magazine quickly became the largest and most dynamic scientific online community in Bulgaria. After the launch of  "Bulgarian Science", it managed to win the readers and enthusiasts to post their own material and to offer ideas for improving the magazine itself. The main idea behind the project is to be distributed for free on Internet and to provide the best possible, interesting and detailed information about science, making it available to as many online users as possible. The content of the magazine is full of popular science articles and current research papers and studies. The magazine is getting more and more popular among the young people.

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  "I, Engineer"

  “I, Engineer” is the first common initiative of Inter Expo Center – Sofia and “Dreams in action” Foundation. The aim of the Youth Career Forum "I Engineer" is to bring together leading technology companies on the Bulgarian market, and meet them with young professionals, students and high school students across the country. The organizers want to show them that SCIENCE and INNOVATION are happening in our country, and opportunities for professional development in Bulgaria are many.

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  BBC Knowledge

  BBC Znanie is a source of intelligible and interesting facts about the world around us. The interesting and comprehensible articles as well as the rich palette of photographs make the magazine attractive to both children and their parents. Not only BBC Znanie provides answers to many questions, but it also provokes new ones. 

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  DELTA 3

  Delta 3 Real Estate TM is designed to meet the demand of individuals and corporate clients in real estate. The main activity of the company is consulting and brokerage for buying and selling, renting and leasing of apartments, offices, garages, houses, land, buildings, retail space. For this purpose, Delta 3 Real Estate has a young and ambitious team of professionals with extensive experience in real estate. DELTA 3 seeks to protect the interests of its customers. We strive to take out the stress and make buying/selling/renting/leasing real estate in a pleasant and rewarding process.  

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  BEST Sofia

  Presently BEST Sofia consists of around 30 full members, who are working free of charge for the organization, trying to promote the international activities of BEST among the students from Technical University - Sofia. We have also created an additional network of projects, which will help the students in their future development, in their education and career. 

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  Brain Workshop Institute

  Brain Workshop Institute is an organization, community and professional network of young seekers. We gather together to share professional and academic experience, to build contacts and friendships, to share expertise and know-how. The Institute is a nonprofit organization and it was created on 10.10.2010. Come check us out ... www.brain-workshop.org