site.btaStudent Team Wins EUR 6,000 for Project that Turns Wafer Waste into Bioethanol

A student project converting scraps from wafer production into bioethanol won a EUR 6,000 prize and startup funding at the GEN I: Generation Innovation program final in Plovdiv. Developed over three months by six students, the project transforms food waste into bioethanol that can be used as a disinfectant or sold as raw material, helping food manufacturers reduce waste, generate revenue, and meet European sustainability standards.

GEN I, now in its second edition, brings together students from multiple universities to solve real business challenges using Design Thinking, with mentorship from corporate experts. The programme is run by Schwarz IT Bulgaria with support from the Plovdiv Municipality and five local universities.

The runner-up was a personalized AI-powered vending machine creating nutrient-rich drinks tailored to each user, earning the team EUR 1,000 and mentorship from Kaufland Bulgaria. Other projects focused on reducing retail food waste, promoting healthy eating, and engaging consumers in product design.