In a world where sustainability and innovation are becoming increasingly intertwined, one young woman has captured the spotlight with her groundbreaking business idea. Ladelaida Lagadova, a Bachelor’s student in Economics and Finance at the Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) of Sofia University, has been recognized in the competition for the best business idea under the topic “Women Driving Carbon Neutrality: Business Ideas with a Future in the Energy Sector”.
Organized by the Female Entrepreneurship Lab, a key initiative within the Net-Zero Lab project, the competition aimed to encourage women to play an active role in shaping the future of the energy sector. By fostering creativity and entrepreneurial thinking, the initiative provided a platform for young women to develop and present innovative business ideas that contribute to sustainability and decarbonization.
The innovative business idea of Ladelaida Lagadova stood out for its visionary approach in the field of sustainability and carbon neutrality. Her concept focuses on facilitating collaboration among key stakeholders, empowering them to reduce their carbon footprint and meet their ESG commitments more effectively.
The competition’s results were officially announced at a networking event on February 7, 2025, organised in collaboration with FEBA Alumni Club and Net-Zero Lab. It brought together students, graduates, and professionals dedicated to the sustainable transformation of the energy sector. Among the distinguished attendees were students from the MBA Energy program at the University of Bucharest, whose participation added an international perspective to the discussions. Additionally, representatives from the Master’s program Energy Markets and Services at FEBA also participated, enriching the event with their expertise and insights.
Beyond recognizing outstanding ideas, the event provided a unique opportunity for participants to engage in meaningful conversations, exchange ideas, and establish valuable professional connections. The atmosphere was charged with enthusiasm, reinforcing the belief that innovation and collaboration are crucial in driving the energy sector toward a sustainable future.
As a nominated participant, Ladelaida Lagadova will continue her journey with the Female Entrepreneurship Lab, where she will receive mentorship, guidance, and support in developing her project further. She will also have access to valuable networking opportunities and key industry partnerships, ensuring that her innovative idea moves from concept to impactful reality.
The organizers expressed their gratitude to all participants, emphasizing that the competition is not only about recognizing the best business ideas but also about creating an ecosystem that supports the aspirations of young women in the energy sector. The event reaffirmed that the future of sustainable energy relies on innovation, collaboration, and empowering diverse voices to take the lead.
“With more young female visionaries stepping forward, the path to carbon neutrality looks more promising than ever,” stated Senior Assistant Professor Dr. Mariya Trifonova, Deputy Director of the Net-Zero Lab, during the official alumni evening.
Figure: Deputy director of the Net-Zero Lab Mariya Trifonova delivering a welcoming speech