Bulgarian GERB/EPP MEP Eva Maydell was part of the panel picking the winner of the Youth Entrepreneurship Award of the American Chamber of Commerce to the European Union (AmCham EU). The ceremony took place on the night of 8th June in Brussels. After much debate and a long deliberation, Romanian start-up Oculus, which specialises in high-tech eyewear for the visually impaired, was announced as 2017’s winner.
‘I am a strong believer in social entrepreneurship and couldn’t be more pleased that brilliant and capable young people focus their business acumen on ameliorating social issues instead of simply chasing profit. Our Romanian winners are further proof, if any was needed, that technology can help bring good ideas to fruition, regardless of where in Europe (or, in fact, the world) they originate. I am convinced that they’ll be successful and am looking forward to seeing the Mitra eyewear brand improve people’s lives in Bulgaria too.’ said the MEP, who celebrates her third year on the panel of the prestigious award organised by AmCham and Junior Achievement Europe. Apart from Ms Maydell, other judges included the acting US Chief of Mission to the EU Adam Shub and the UPS President for Europe Nando Cesarone.
The 3D printed glasses help the visually impaired move about safely by utilising numerous integrated sensors and object recognition algorithms to provide real-time navigation. At the award ceremony, the Oculus team was presented with a cheque for £10,000 and the opportunity to be mentored by some of the most successful entrepreneurs in the world.