CoC HITMOBIL Participates as a Partner in the International Student Festival FISSION ’26
Promoting Scientific Achievements and Commitment to Education and Innovation
The HITMOBIL Centre of Competence was a partner in the 11th edition of the International Student Science Festival FISSION ’26, held on April 18, 2026, at the American College of Sofia.
Organized by students for students, the festival is an established international platform for scientific inspiration and exchange of ideas, where young researchers present and defend their projects in the fields of natural and engineering sciences, computer technologies, and mathematics before a jury of distinguished scientists and experts. This year’s edition brought together over 200 students from Bulgaria, Hungary, North Macedonia, Romania, and Turkey, who presented more than 80 scientific projects across these disciplines.
The official opening of the festival featured Prof. Evelina Slavcheva, DSc, Corresponding Member of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and Head of the CoC HITMOBIL Centre of Competence. In her welcoming address, she encouraged students to pursue their scientific interests with confidence and perseverance, emphasizing: “Believe that science is a calling. Believe that it is the freest field of human activity, where the scope of thought is boundless.” Assoc. Prof. Plamen Nikolov, PhD, Director of the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems at BAS - the leading organization of the project - and an expert at the Centre, also addressed the participants, extending special congratulations to the competing teams for their dedication and pursuit of knowledge, as well as to the event organizers.
The participation of the CoC HITMOBIL is part of ongoing efforts of the team to promote scientific research and to encourage young people to pursue careers in clean energy and innovative technologies. During the event, developments and demonstrations carried out under the HITMOBIL programme were presented, including prototypes of a metal-hydride/air battery and a hydrogen compressor. Visitors had the opportunity to explore firsthand the operating principles and applications of these technologies, aimed at the storage and efficient use of energy from renewable sources.
The Centre’s two research electric vehicles also attracted significant interest among participants. The hydrogen fuel cell-powered electric vehicle, in particular, drew considerable attention from students, teachers, and festival guests. The showcased solutions illustrate the real potential for sustainable transport and highlight the role of hydrogen technologies in the energy transition.
The participation of the CoC HITMOBIL in FISSION ’26 reaffirms its commitment to building a strong connection between the scientific community and young talents, as well as to the development and promotion of innovative solutions in the field of clean energy and electromobility.