The first day’s programme combined inspiring keynote speeches, presentations of innovative circular business ideas, practical guidance on available support opportunities, and active networking. The event reflected the three core values of the WE.Circular project: Empowerment | Connection | Impact.

The event was opened by representatives of the organisers and the project team. Hana Paluskova, „International Activities“ Manager at the Slovak Business Agency and WE.Circular National Project Manager for Slovakia, welcomed the participants and guests on behalf of SBA. Mariya Zlateva, Senior Project Coordinator at the Regional Agency for Entrepreneurship and Innovations – Varna and WE.Circular Project Coordinator, presented the project’s main objectives and highlighted the importance of supporting women developing circular innovations in the region.

A key part of the programme was the keynote sessions, which focused on current topics related to leadership, entrepreneurship, brand development, and business growth. Ivana Molnarova opened the keynote sessions with her presentation, Leadership in the Age of AI, exploring how the role of leaders is evolving in response to artificial intelligence, technological transformation, and changing expectations in today’s business environment.

She was followed by Ludwig Stendal, who presented Circular Growth: Mentorship to Money, focusing on how start-ups and innovative companies can grow through mentorship, strategic partnerships, and greater readiness to attract investors. In the afternoon session, two prominent Slovak women entrepreneurs shared their experience. Bibiana Zdutova, involved in the creative and managerial development of the NEHERA brand, spoke about building a brand based on quality, craftsmanship, and a long-term vision. Katarina Sasikova, founder of Catherine Mulier, shared her personal journey from the corporate world to running her own business and highlighted the importance of authenticity, courage, and purpose-driven entrepreneurship.

One of the main highlights of the event was the presentation of the 12 finalists and winners of the WE.Circular Innovation Contest, who showcased circular business models and entrepreneurial solutions with social, environmental, and economic impact. The finalists represented Bulgaria (Size Sense), Austria (Neworn), Croatia (Studio Lish Design), Czechia (Semínkovna EDU), Germany (MeMi Textiles), Slovenia (AuTerra Materials), Hungary (TransFoodMission), Romania (OilRight), Slovakia (Snová), Moldova (Tuka Wear), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Magbago), and Serbia (Amelles).

Their projects showcased the diversity of circular entrepreneurship across the Danube Region – from creative and design concepts to practical business models based on responsible production, sustainable products, reuse, innovation, and new services. Together, they demonstrated that women entrepreneurs not only develop strong visions but also deliver concrete solutions to today’s social, environmental, and economic challenges.

The full Catalogue of Companies that participated in the event is available on the project website under the “Library” section.
  

The event also provided practical information on opportunities for growth, internationalisation, and support. Federica Giordano from the Italy-Slovak Chamber of Commerce presented the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, which supports cross-border exchanges for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Zuzana Zamborska from Lumus introduced an ecosystem focused on connecting women and promoting women-led angel investing. Pamela Palkova presented Circular Slovakia – a circular economy platform that brings together representatives from the public and private sectors, businesses, institutions, and civil society organisations.

Beyond the stage programme, the Pop-up Store area and networking space created a lively and interactive environment for exchange, networking, and building new partnerships. Participants, speakers, project partners, and guests had the opportunity to connect informally, exchange ideas, and discuss potential future collaborations. Additional pop-up stands hosted by representatives of the Slovak Innovation and Energy Agency (SIEA) and PEDAL Consulting provided useful information on international support, networks, and project opportunities.
 

A special highlight concluding the first day was the screening of the inspiring documentary Beyond Zero, which encouraged participants to reflect on how businesses can create a positive impact and contribute to systemic change. In the spirit of the motto “From Popcorn to Pop-up”, the screening added another layer of inspiration and invited participants to rethink the relationship between business, innovation, and sustainability.

On 26 March 2026, the second day was dedicated to a working meeting of the WE.Circular project partners, who discussed the results achieved so far, the next steps, and future cooperation within the project. The meeting reinforced the partnership’s shared commitment to continuing its support for women developing circular businesses across the Danube Region.

The WE.Circular event in Bratislava once again highlighted the importance of connecting entrepreneurship, innovation, and circular economy principles to build a more sustainable and resilient future. By bringing together inspiring stories, practical tools, emerging businesses, and international partners, the event created real momentum for collaboration and change.