Official Start of the BIP “Dukenet Markstrat Challenge” 2026 at University of Economics – Varna

On 4th of May 2026, the University of Economics – Varna officially launched the prestigious Blended Intensive Programme BIP “Dukenet Markstrat Challenge”, part of the initiatives of the established international university network Dukenet. The occasion marks the beginning of the international intensive programme of Dukenet, proudly hosted by the University of Economics – Varna.

The “Dukenet Markstrat Challenge” programme brings together more than 100 participants from leading European universities and stands as the most substantial international BIP project organized by the University of Economics – Varna to this date. The programme will run over the course of one week, bringing together participants from 10 universities across 9 countries – Germany, Finland, Poland, Italy, France, Hungary, Romania, Spain, and Bulgaria.

During the programme the participants will work in international teams aiming to achieve market success through the use of the Markstrat simulation software – a globally recognised tool for practical training in the field of marketing. Through teamwork and interactive sessions, participants will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the real dynamics of the contemporary business environment, competing with one another to achieve the best market performance.

The programme was opened with an official ceremony, during which Assoc. Prof. Radan Miryanov, PhD – Vice-Rector for International Relations and Partnerships, Chief Assist. Prof. Peter Petrov, PhD, and prof. Stephane Ganassali – Vice-President of the Dukenet network, delivered inspiring welcome speeches and emphasized the strategic importance of the initiative for strengthening international academic cooperation.

Dukenet is a well-established network of prestigious European universities that focuses on collaboration in marketing, international business, and trade. Hosting this programme is a significant recognition of the University of Economics – Varna as a modern, internationally oriented higher education institution and further reinforces its active role in developing global academic partnerships.