Building bridges for a Greener future: Fireside chat with Sasha Bezuhanova and Jennifer Boca
At the official launch of the SCION Accelerator on September 11, the fireside chat set the tone for what was to come - a future where innovation, collaboration, and courage drive the green and nature tech revolution forward.
The conversation, moderated by Mirella Yordanova, Co-founder and Operating Partner of SCION, was an inspirational dialogue between Sasha Bezuhanova, Co-founder of SCION, and Jennifer Boca, Chief Sustainability Officer at Rezolv Energy, two role models who explored the powerful intersection of corporate commitment and startup ingenuity - a dynamic that’s essential to accelerating the green transition. The accelerator's official launch, held in Sofia, brought together leading representatives of key stakeholders, including politicians, researchers, entrepreneurs, and representatives from the financial sector. SCION Accelerator, conducted in partnership with Rezolv Shift, is a curated 10-week program designed to fast-track the next generation of Clean & Nature Tech innovators in Bulgaria and Romania - from early-stage startups to research teams and mission-driven NGOs.
From awareness to action
Sasha opened the conversation with a stark reminder: traditional approaches alone - policy, education, and incremental change - are no longer enough to reverse biodiversity loss and environmental degradation.
“We need technology that addresses those threats in a more effective and efficient, new way!”
That’s why SCION was created - to equip early-stage founders in nature tech, clean tech, and green innovation with the resources and partnerships they need to scale real solutions.
Rezolv Energy, as a founding partner of the accelerator, shares that vision. Jennifer explained that Rezolv’s mission goes beyond developing renewable infrastructure.
“We want to create shared value in the communities we operate in - supporting biodiversity in sensitive habitats, enhancing job creation, and driving entrepreneurship as part of a just energy transition.”
Collaboration as the catalyst
Mirella steered the conversation toward a key question: How can collaboration between corporates, startups, and organisations like SCION speed up the green economy transition?
Jennifer pointed out that startups bring agility and bold ideas, while established players contribute knowledge, partnerships, and capital.
“Corporations can help validate ideas, de-risk innovation, and show why supporting innovators is vital for the economy. Collaboration and ecosystem-building are what accelerate the green energy transition.”
Sasha added that this exchange is mutually beneficial.
“The collaboration between startups and established corporations is a win–win solution. Startups gain a safer environment to test and scale their technologies, while corporates gain access to innovation and competitiveness for the future.”
The role of governments — and belief
When asked about the role of public institutions, Sasha emphasised that governments have an important, though not exclusive, role.
“They can set favourable policy frameworks, secure financial instruments for early innovators, and create the right conditions for a green and digital economy. Because the economy of tomorrow is digital and green - inevitably!”
Closing the session on a personal note, Mirella invited both speakers to share a final piece of advice for founders.
Jennifer: “Curiosity and openness to learn. Be open to feedback and stay curious.”
Sasha: “Believe in your mission. There will be difficulties, but you’ll always find supporters if you follow your path. Don’t give up — we are here to support.”
The fireside chat perfectly captured the spirit of SCION - a bridge between innovation and impact, where startups, corporates, and investors come together to co-create solutions for a more sustainable and resilient future.
As we prepare for the SCION Accelerator’s Demo Day on November 27th in Bucharest.
Stay up to speed with the latest updates and join our community here.
