Theme: COUNTDOWN

TEDx Countdown events are part of the global TED Countdown initiative, which focuses on addressing the climate crisis by advocating and accelerating solutions to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. These events are independently organized TEDx events that focus on action in climate, sustainability, and carbon reduction solutions.

Regional History Museum
ЦентърПловдив Център, пл. „Съединение“ 1, 4000 Пловдив
Plovdiv, Plovdiv, 4000
Bulgaria

Colorado Stark

CEO of Game Company

Colorado is the CEO of both Repulse Game Studio and Plovdiv Software, an antivirus software company. He also teaches programming at Plovdiv University, where he enjoys helping students grow their skills. His entrepreneurial journey started in a dirty basement in New York City, where he co-founded a company that grew into a global business with over 200 employees. Before venturing into the world of software, he spent 10 years on Wall Street as a stockbroker and investment banker. Known for his passion for building strong teams and taking on challenging projects, Colorado finds fulfillment in constantly learning and evolving with each new endeavor.

Dariy Krastev

Engineer, Green Entrepreneur

Dariy Krastev is a Master Engineer in Automotive Engineering, a graduate of the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology in Germany. In Germany, green roofs and building greenery have long been an integral part of construction. This inspired him to return to Bulgaria and, together with his parents, establish the first Bulgarian company specializing in cultivating succulent turf and installing green roofs. Driven by the vision of bringing nature closer to our homes, they have been promoting the benefits of green roofs to diverse audiences in Bulgaria for over eight years. The two key aspects of his life—engineering and green roofs—combine to create his invention: the first-of-its-kind green tile, GREЙNA tile. Dariy believes that sustainable architecture is not just a trend but a necessity. He strives to pass this vision on to his family and his young son, encouraging a deeper connection between people and nature.

Hristo Atanasov

Entrepreneur

Founder and owner of Qnectd, a leading company providing specialized IoT solutions for businesses, Hristo focuses on optimizing and automating processes. With an emphasis on smart and connected ecosystems, Qnectd helps companies enhance their efficiency by integrating intelligent devices and platforms that simplify the management of data, resources, and the environment. Hristo is also the driving force behind the social campaign "Do You Know What You Breathe?", aimed at raising awareness and educating the public about the risks associated with air pollution. The campaign has gained national recognition, winning the "Green Initiative" award in the "Greenest Companies in Bulgaria" competition. A visionary, Hristo believes that technology can make the world a better place and continually seeks ways to merge innovation with sustainable development.

Kat Thorne

Keynote Speaker, Consultant

Kat is a positive habits international keynote speaker, teacher and consultant. Her life story of workaholism, breakdown and burnout inspires global audiences to make one small habit change. After losing everything in 2016, she had no choice but to start again. With one small habit change. Former Global Commercial Director & CEO, Kat now works with organisations, leaders and individuals around the world to create one small positive habit change that actually results in increased wellbeing & resilience.

Martin Ganev

Entrepreneur, Farmer, Industrialist

Martin Ganev, 56, is married with two grown children. He graduated from a French high school in Sofia and studied International Trade in Moscow. He is also a Chartered Accountant certified by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales. An entrepreneur, farmer, industrialist, and Employer of the Year for Northwestern Bulgaria in 2017, Martin is the founder of Poliana, Bulgaria’s only certified biodynamic farm, established in 2009 at the foot of the Strandzha Mountain. He describes himself as a civilized naturalist—an observer of nature and an advocate for a sustainable lifestyle. Martin believes in moving forward with nature, rather than backward to it, as part of a harmonious approach to progress and the environment.

Nikolay Stefanov

Freelance Energy Manager

Founder and managing partner of the independent energy consultancy firm New Energy Reality. The firm specializes in energy management, energy efficiency, and optimization of electrical energy flows for industrial facilities, public and office buildings, hotels, and commercial properties. As an advocate for electricity users, he supports their transition to deregulated market-trading relationships, ensuring they navigate energy markets efficiently. Eng. Stefanov has developed extensive expertise in building energy efficiency, operations, planning, and optimization. His skills also encompass regulatory compliance, distribution networks (low and medium voltage), and the development of energy and information infrastructure. A strong proponent of blockchain-based automated energy transactions, he is a long-standing member of the Chamber of Engineers in Investment Design, Plovdiv Regional College, and a leader in advancing sustainable energy practices.

Sonia Grona

Hatha Yoga Instructor

Sonya is not just a renowned movement specialist and certified Hatha Yoga instructor; she is an innovator. She has developed a unique method for restoring the biomechanics of movement, positioned at the intersection of caring for the human body and caring for our planet. Holding multiple certifications from prestigious institutions such as Rehab Science, BaseBody, and Profit, Sonya combines a scientific approach with a commitment to sustainability, embodying a holistic vision in her work.

Svyatoslav Albireo

Writer, Translator

Writer, organizer of a writers’ club in Varna, and founder of the literary platform LiteraV. Dedicated to advancing the literary arts in Bulgaria, he actively supports new talents while also contributing as a consultant for Personnel Management magazine and a scriptwriter for computer games. Recognized as a leading voice on LinkedIn in Writing, Communication, and Business Psychology, he bridges creativity with practical expertise. He is the author of foreign language learning materials under the Black Swan Languages brand, with degrees in Creative Writing from Wesleyan Humanitaric University and Academic Writing from California University. A member of the AlbireoMCG authors' group, Svyatoslav’s works span social prose, fantasy, sci-fi, horror, and adult fairy tales. A polyglot fluent in over 20 languages and proficient in 10 more, his linguistic prowess is supported by a degree in Psychology and Linguistics from St. Petersburg University of Psychology, Economics, and Law.

Valentina Stoeva

Reading promoter, Libraries Ambassador

Valentina Stoeva graduated from the National High School for Ancient Languages and Cultures "St. Constantine-Cyril the Philosopher." She holds a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and a Master's degree in Diplomacy and International Relations from New Bulgarian University. Since 2008, she has been dedicated to promoting reading among children. Valentina is the founder of the Foundation for Promoting Reading “Children’s Books” and the website detskiknigi. She has been honored with the titles "Library Ambassador" (BBIA) and "Knight of the Book" (ABK). Currently a PhD student specializing in the "Theory of Reading" at Sofia University, Faculty of Journalism and Mass Communication, Valentina became Co-Chair of EURead in 2024.

Yavor Velchev

Artist

YAVI is an artist who turns music into a platform for connecting people and cultures. He's performed at major events like EUROSONIC, Gentse Feesten, EUROPAFest, and the BANSKO Jazz Fest, sharing his art with diverse audiences. His mission is to enrich the world through creativity and inspiration, a vision reflected in his latest song ENDORPHINS and an upcoming children’s album created with Vessy Boneva. As the first vocalist of Kaffe and co-author of hits like VMESTO MEN, YAVI has earned recognition, including awards from the Bulgarian National Radio and his participation in The Voice of Bulgaria. Founder of FLOWCEAN PRODUCTIONS, YAVI produces music for talents. He has composed music for films, with three of his songs featured in Tango in the Tunnel. From winning "Sweet-Voiced Lark" as a child to performing at Golden Orpheus, YAVI’s journey is marked by creativity and impact. His music inspires new generations, contributing to the growth of art and the uplifting of communities.