From Popcorn to Pop-up: Ideas that Spark Circular Change in Bratislava

On 25–26 March 2026, the Slovak Business Agency hosted the international WE.Circular Pop-up Store Event in Bratislava, bringing together women entrepreneurs, innovators, experts and project partners from across the Danube Region. Over two days, the event created a dynamic space for inspiration, exchange and collaboration around circular economy solutions, women’s entrepreneurship and sustainable business innovation.

The programme on the first day combined inspiring keynote speeches, presentations of innovative circular business ideas, practical information on support opportunities, and vibrant 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 project team. Hana Palušková, Manager of International Activities at the Slovak Business Agency and WE.Circular Project Manager for Slovakia, welcomed 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, introduced the project’s main goals and highlighted the importance of strengthening women-led circular innovation across the region.

A key part of the programme were the keynote sessions, which addressed timely topics related to leadership, entrepreneurship, brand development and business growth. Ivana Molnárová opened the keynote block with her presentation Leadership in the Age of AI, reflecting on how leadership is evolving in response to artificial intelligence, technological change and shifting expectations in today’s business environment.

She was followed by Ludwig Stendahl, whose keynote Circular Growth: Mentorship to Money focused on how start-ups and innovative businesses can grow through mentoring, strategic connections and stronger investor readiness. In the afternoon, two prominent Slovak women entrepreneurs shared their experience. Bibiana Zdútová, representing the creative and management direction of the NEHERA brand, spoke about building a brand rooted in quality, craftsmanship and long-term vision. Katarína Sásiková, founder of the Catherine Mulier brand, shared her personal journey from the corporate world to entrepreneurship and highlighted the value of authenticity, courage and purpose-driven business.

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 stage welcomed finalists from Bulgaria (Size Sense), Austria (Neworn), Croatia (Studio Lish Design), Czech Republic (Semínkovna EDU), Germany (MeMi Textiles), Slovenia (Auterra Materials), Hungary (TransFoodMission), Romania (OilRight), Slovakia (Snová), Moldova (Tuka Wear), Bosnia and Herzegovina (Magbago), and Serbia (Amelles Cosmetics).

Their projects demonstrated the diversity of circular entrepreneurship across the Danube Region — from creative and design-led concepts to practical business models based on responsible production, sustainable products, reuse, innovation and new service solutions. Together, they showed that women entrepreneurs are not only shaping strong business ideas, but also delivering concrete responses to today’s pressing challenges.

The full Catalogue of attending companies could be found in the Library Section.

The event also offered practical insights into opportunities for growth, internationalisation and support. Federica Giordano from the Italy-Slovak Chamber of Commerce introduced the Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs programme, which supports cross-border exchange for aspiring and early-stage entrepreneurs. Zuzana Zamborská from Lumus presented an ecosystem focused on connecting women and promoting women-led angel investing. Pamela Palková introduced Circular Slovakia, a circular economy platform that connects private and public stakeholders, including businesses, institutions and civil society organisations.

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

A special closing moment of the first day was the screening of the thought-provoking documentary Beyond Zero, which invited participants to reflect on how business can create positive impact and contribute to systemic change. In a fitting continuation of the event’s spirit — from popcorn to pop-up — the screening offered both inspiration and a challenge to rethink the relationship between business, innovation and sustainability.

On the second day was dedicated to the internal meeting of WE.Circular project partners, who came together to discuss results achieved so far, next steps and future cooperation within the project. This working session reinforced the shared commitment of the partnership to continue supporting women-led circular entrepreneurship across the Danube Region.

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

A big thank you goes to the Slovak Business Agency for hosting the event, and to all speakers, entrepreneurs, finalists and partners who contributed to making these two days in Bratislava truly inspiring.