Theme: From Hill to Horizon

TEDxVeliko Tarnovo is a local, independently organized TED event situated in one of Bulgaria’s most historic and picturesque cities. Drawing inspiration from its legacy as the former medieval capital, the event invites the local and international community to explore bold ideas and new perspectives. The 2025 theme, “From Hill to Horizon,” is a call to envision transformation—from rooted beginnings to expansive futures. It encourages speakers to move beyond tradition, to inspire, challenge, and broaden our outlook toward what lies ahead .

BCVT
ul. Kozhludzha 1
Veliko Tarnovo, Veliko Tarnovo, 5000
Bulgaria

Alexander Ivanov

ENTREPRENEUR AND EDUCATOR

Alexander Ivanov is an established digital entrepreneur, educator and leader in the field of online education and marketing. He is the Educational Director of SoftUni Digital and SoftUni Creative, where he coordinates training programs for thousands of young professionals in the field of digital skills. As co-founder and CEO of CreateX Digital Agency, he leads a team that serves clients from Bulgaria, the UK and the US with highly effective marketing solutions. A finance graduate from the Academy of Economics, he began his professional career at AIESEC and as an IT teacher through the “Together in Class” program. Alexander actively works on socially significant projects such as “Digital Tarnovgrad” – an initiative to develop talents in small towns through digital education. He is an inspiring example of a modern leader who combines entrepreneurship, education and technological vision with a clear mission to develop digital Bulgaria.

Dariana Koumanova

VOCAL TEACHER AND MUSICIAN

Dariana Koumanova, from Veliko Tarnovo, who built an impressive international career in Italy as a jazz singer, violinist, composer and music teacher, graduated from the National Academy of Music in singing and violin, and then specialized in art history in Italy. Since 2011, she has been an associate professor at the Sanremo Academy and has become one of the youngest female conductors of the festival, the fourth in its over 70-year history. She runs her own music school and studio in Milan, where she prepares young talents and develops artistic projects. She actively organizes castings and competitions for Bulgarian talents to support their musical realization in Italy. Dariana Koumanova is a shining example of an artist who, from her native Veliko Tarnovo, managed to establish herself on the European stage through professionalism, artistry and social responsibility.

Delyan Angelov

CHIMNEY SWEEPER AND VOLUNTEER

Delyan Angelov is a certified chimney sweep with over 17 years of professional experience. He graduated in law, but at the age of 18 he started cleaning chimneys and today he jokes with a smile that he is "the only chimney sweep-lawyer" in Bulgaria. In addition to cleaning chimneys, Delyan is also an active figure in volunteering - he is involved in fighting fires around Veliko Tarnovo, providing water carriers and equipment to help firefighters. In July 2025, he was on the front line in extinguishing serious fires near Arbanasi and the Tarnovo neighborhoods, where he worked side by side with firefighters. He says that volunteering is a cause, not a commitment - he does not wait to be called, but simply goes when he is needed, regardless of the time. With his videos and posts on social networks, he promotes empathy, responsibility and respect for nature and the community.

Dimitar Noykov

MEDIA MANAGER

Dimitar Noykov is an established media manager and strategist with a key role in the development of digital television services in Bulgaria. Originally from Veliko Tarnovo, he began his career in the field of marketing and sales, gradually rising to the position of director of HBO Bulgaria. Under his leadership, the launch of the first HD movie channels in the country and the implementation of the streaming platforms HBO GO and later HBO MAX were realized. Noykov is a visionary who successfully combines cultural sense with technological thinking, working to popularize global productions among the Bulgarian audience. He held a leadership position at Warner Bros. Discovery, responsible for the distribution of channels such as CNN, Eurosport, Cartoon Network and others. Dimitar Noykov is a shining example of how professionalism, strategic thinking and love for culture can put Bulgaria and Bulgarian cinema on the global media map.

Georgi Kadrev

ENTREPRENEUR AND EDUCATOR

Georgi Kadrev’s mission is to make early diagnosis more accessible and more reliable, saving lives through technology. He is the co-founder and CEO of Kelvin Health, a Bulgarian company that uses a mobile thermal camera and artificial intelligence for non-invasive body screening. Kelvin Health aims to detect arterial problems, inflammation and other health abnormalities before serious symptoms appear. Kelvin Health has already partnered with medical institutions in several countries and has won international awards and recognition from companies such as Novartis and Roche. Prior to this project, Georgi co-founded Imagga Technologies, a globally recognized visual recognition platform used in over 100 countries. He shares his entrepreneurial experience as a lecturer in the Master’s Program in Technology Entrepreneurship at the Faculty of Management, Sofia University. He was honored in Forbes “30 under 30” and continues to be one of the leading technological innovators in Bulgaria.

Kalina Panayotova

WRITER AND EDUCATOR

Kalina Panayotova is the founder and lead speaker of WordBorn, an organization dedicated to the power of words and strategic communication. With years of experience in business development, she trains managers and leaders on how to use writing and storytelling as a tool for influence. She teaches storytelling and worldbuilding at ARC Academy, where she helps aspiring game designers turn their ideas into impactful narratives. Kalina combines creativity with practicality, teaching people to write in a way that is heard, understood, and remembered. For her, writing is a bridge between people, culture, and goals—the foundation for meaningful connections and lasting influence. She is an inspiring example of a modern professional who knows how to transform communication through the power of language. Under the pseudonym Kanina Krisalis, she published her debut novel “Nectar,” in which she explores the connection between love, the body, and spiritual awakening.

Kristina Galabova

PSYCHOLOGIST AND SOCIAL ENTREPRENEUR

Kristina Galabova is a psychologist and social entrepreneur, dedicated to the mission of making mental health accessible and understandable to everyone. She is the creator of the digital platform “Разкажи ми” – an application that offers professional psychological help, self-help exercises and support in sensitive life moments. Under her leadership, the platform has become one of the leading mental health solutions in Bulgaria and has begun expanding to international markets. Kristina is also the founder of 7Digit – a technology company with a focus on socially significant causes and partnerships with institutions such as the UN. She has been recognized in the Forbes “30 under 30” ranking for her contribution to innovations in healthcare and social entrepreneurship. Kristina is a shining example of a young leader with a vision, who combines professionalism, humanity and innovation in the name of a healthier and more empathetic society.

Mariana Hill

TRANSLATOR

Mariana Hill is one of the most respected translators in Bulgaria, with over three decades of experience in conference and simultaneous interpreting at the highest level. She is a recognized figure in international translation circles and an active trainer of young specialists, inspiring generations with her precision and passion for language. Educated at prestigious universities in Bulgaria and Germany, she combines academic depth with exceptional practical mastery. Hill is the recipient of numerous awards and recognitions for her contribution to the development of the translation profession in our country. She believes that words do not simply convey information, but build bridges between cultures, worlds and human beings. For her, translation is not just a craft, but an art – alive, nuanced and unattainable for artificial intelligence. Mariana Hill does not just translate – she is an active fighter for understanding, conveying the spirit, meaning and heart of every word.

Mila Stoyanova

ENTREPRENEUR, VISIONARY AND ARTIST

Mila Stoyanova is an entrepreneur, visionary and artist with a passion for fashion. She plays a key role in DEA Accelerate and Future Females Sofia - two initiatives dedicated to transforming the entrepreneurial ecosystem in Bulgaria and supporting women in business. DEA Accelerate is a program focused on female-led startups, providing mentorship, resources and industry connections to support their confident and successful development. Future Females Sofia, part of the global Future Females movement, inspires and supports women through education, networking and a vibrant community that celebrates ambition and fosters collaboration. Combining her professional journey with her creative experience, she creates spaces where female entrepreneurs find not only knowledge and resources, but also the courage, confidence and connections to turn bold ideas into lasting businesses.

Vladimir Gyurov

ENGINEER AND ATHLETE

Vladimir Gyurov is a Bulgarian engineer, athlete and inspiring public figure, whose life is proof that will overcomes any physical limitation. After experiencing a serious accident that immobilized him, he not only kept going, but did so with extraordinary strength, dignity and vision. Despite his wheelchair, Vladi actively participates in a number of sports – basketball, tennis, handbike, and in recent years in the winter discipline sit-ski. In 2016, he climbed Mount Musala with the help of friends, and in 2019 he reached Cherni Vrah independently with an innovative mountain wheelchair. He is part of the national wheelchair basketball team and dreams of representing Bulgaria at the Paralympic Games. Professionally, he is dedicated to technology and sustainable mobility for people with disabilities. Vladi Gyurov is not just an example of overcoming - he is an example of development, mission, and inspiration.