Kaloyan Radulov, CEO and co-founder of Omaya Yachts, is once again stepping into the Teenovator program to mentor Bulgarian high school students in entrepreneurship. For the third consecutive year, Radulov will guide students as they navigate the early stages of business ideation, development, and pitching to investors, continuing his commitment to supporting the next generation of business leaders in Bulgaria.
Teenovator: A National Platform for Future Entrepreneurs
Launched in 2018 as a pilot initiative, Teenovator began in four high schools in Sofia, Bulgaria, and has since expanded across the country. The 2023 program now includes:
- 30 Bulgarian cities involved
- 420 students participating
- 60 mentors guiding students through an eight-month entrepreneurial journey
Teenovator’s curriculum is designed to take students from initial ideation to a final sales pitch, including:
- Idea Validation: Students present initial concepts to mentors for constructive feedback, giving them the opportunity to refine and improve.
- Sales Pitch to Investors: A concluding event where students pitch their ideas to venture capital investors. The top three presentations earn financial prizes, helping students take their business concepts to the next stage.
Hands-On Mentorship from Omaya Yachts’ Kaloyan Radulov
Radulov, the CEO of the recently launched Omaya Yachts, brings real-world expertise to his group of 10-15 students each year. His sessions include weekly 90-minute meetings, regular updates via group chats, and practical advice grounded in his experience leading Omaya Yachts. Radulov describes the impact of Teenovator’s approach, noting, “The program combines theory with real-life insights from professionals, not just teachers. This means students gain firsthand understanding of product development, sales, distribution, supply chain, and more.”
Radulov’s 2023 mentoring team now includes two additional mentors: his sister, who operates a cosmetics business, and a school friend with expertise in European law and intellectual property, offering students a broader perspective on various fields.
High Engagement from Teenovator Participants
Radulov notes that 60-70% of this year’s Teenovator participants are returning students from last year’s cohort. “The returning students’ engagement is deeply rewarding,” he shares, “and reflects the value they place on mentorship.” Students involved in Teenovator often have a broad range of extracurricular pursuits, from science and languages to arts and sports, and most attend Bulgaria’s leading high schools.
Investing in Future Generations and Sustainable Communities
Radulov underscores the importance of guiding younger generations as a way to build resilient communities and sustainable futures. “It’s not just about giving back,” he reflects, “but about nurturing the communities we live and work in. Healthy communities cultivate innovative, well-rounded generations that support local businesses and contribute to economic growth.”
This dedication aligns closely with Omaya Yachts’ vision. Launched by Bulgaria’s family-owned Elica Group, Omaya Yachts entered the luxury power catamaran market earlier this year, with its first model, the OMAYA 50, expected by year-end. With a commitment to excellence in yacht manufacturing, Omaya Yachts continues to push boundaries in the maritime industry while its CEO dedicates time to developing future leaders in Bulgaria.
Omaya Yachts is positioning itself as a leader not only in luxury yachts but also as a contributor to Bulgaria’s future by investing in its youth. Radulov’s involvement in Teenovator is a testament to Omaya Yachts’ values of community support and sustainable growth. Through active mentorship, Radulov and his team at Omaya Yachts are shaping a brighter future for the maritime industry and beyond, one student at a time.