Dear Members, 

Following two successful editions, the AmCham Hackathon has established itself as a flagship AmCham initiative with growing impact. Recognized with the AmChampion Award for Project of the Year 2024 and supported by an increasing number of companies and three partner universities, the Hackathon continues to connect students with the business community in a meaningful, hands-on way. We sincerely thank all partners who contributed to its success so far. 

We are pleased to invite you to express your company’s interest in participating in the third edition of the AmCham Hackathon in 2026. 

The Hackathon bridges the gap between education and business by giving students direct exposure to real-world business environments, challenges and opportunities, while enabling companies to showcase expertise, engage with future professionals, and strengthen employer branding. Its tangible impact is evident, with several participants from previous editions securing internships or employment following their involvement. 

Based on strong feedback from companies and universities, the Hackathon is now firmly embedded in AmCham’s 2026 activity plan. To further boost student engagement, the upcoming edition will include dedicated promotional events at the partner universities as part of a structured communication campaign. Activities are planned for February-April 2026, in close coordination with our academic partners. 

A participation fee of EUR 400 per company will apply. A detailed partnership proposal outlining benefits and visibility opportunities is attached on the following link. 

What It Takes to Be a Hackathon Mentor 

We invite companies to nominate mentors for student teams. Mentors should: 

• Be motivated to guide students and share professional experience 
• Help define the business case and support teams throughout the process 
• Commit approximately three weeks in total (two weeks of active, mostly virtual collaboration) 
• Attend the final presentations and Awarding Ceremony 

What It Takes to Be a Hackathon Project Manager 

We invite participating companies to nominate a Project Manager who will play a key role in coordinating the Hackathon in close collaboration with fellow PMs and the AmCham team. Project Managers should: 

• Work in a team of 3-5 peers from participating companies, in coordination with the AmCham team 
• A small number of PMs will take a lead role with overall project oversight 
• Key responsibilities include planning, scheduling, defining roles, coordinating with universities, and organizing all major Hackathon milestones 
• Commitment of at least five weeks in total 

Mentor Inspirations

Moments From Hackathon 2025

Extend Your Impact Through the Step Ahead Mentoring Program 

Following the Hackathon, mentors may continue working with students through the Step Ahead Mentoring Program. The pilot edition, launched in November 2025 with IBM Bulgaria, Kyndryl Bulgaria, and MSD Bulgaria, has already demonstrated strong potential for sustained engagement and skills development. We aim to expand the program and welcome more companies interested in long-term collaboration with students. 

We hope you will join us in making AmCham Hackathon 2026 our most ambitious and impactful edition yet – supporting students, strengthening the business-education ecosystem, and positioning your company as an active supporter of Bulgaria’s future talent. 

Please confirm your interest by replying to iva@amcham.bg by January 17th, 2026. 

We look forward to partnering with you!