Italy Edition
From March 12 to 14, 2024, Rome hosted the “Italian Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival.” Approximately 500 students from high schools across the Lazio Region participated in a packed morning that included TEDx talks, career-oriented discussions, interactive games, and exhibitions. These activities aimed to raise awareness among high school students about the potential of a sustainable bioeconomy.
Slovakia Edition
In Nitra, Slovakia, the “You(th) for BIOregions.SK” event took place on March 13 as part of the festival. Organized by PEDAL in collaboration with GenB, the event targeted various age groups, including young professionals. The day was filled with insightful TEDx talks, policy discussions, and workshops exploring career and business opportunities within the bioeconomy. These sessions fostered an understanding of how bioeconomic principles can address complex environmental challenges.
Greece Edition
In collaboration with GenB and ROBIN, BioGov.net hosted a compelling event at OK!Thess, which turned out to be a hub of activity focusing on bioeconomy careers and practical applications. Participants were treated to engaging talks by members of the Greek Community of Practice, who shared valuable career insights and experiences in the circular bioeconomy. Additionally, attendees explored various entrepreneurial and career opportunities through interactive sessions with local entrepreneurs and the introduction of bioeconomy ambassadors.
Portugal Edition
Coinciding with Pi Day and the Portuguese 17th National Mathematical Games Championship, the Aveiro edition of the Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival took place. Organized by LOBA, Agência Ciência Viva, and the University of Aveiro, the event drew 1,800 students from across Portugal. The festival was a celebration of science and creativity, integrating activities designed to spark curiosity and imagination among the participants, all while emphasizing the importance of the bioeconomy.
Czech Republic Edition
The BioEast HUB in CR together with the Mendel University in Brno, organized the regional event in the frame of Changemakers Festival of the EC. The event took place on March 15th at the premises of the Old Town Hall in Brno. About 50 participants were present, most of them were students and young professionals. As the event was mostly dedicated to Bioeconomy Education, projects dealing with this matter were widely presented. Among them was the BioGovNet project and materials of the project were offered to all participants.
During the event took also place the qualification stage of the student’s competition BISC-E coordinated by BIC. https://biconsortium.eu/about-bisc-e
Czech teams of students were participated and the winning team woll participate in the EU finals.
The Bioeconomy Changemakers Festival not only educated young individuals about the vital role of the bioeconomy in sustainable development but also equipped them with the knowledge and networks to drive change within their communities. Each country’s unique approach to the festival showcased the diverse potential of the bioeconomy across Europe.
Author: Beatriz Correia (LOBA)