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Sometimes, the most meaningful projects begin with a sincere desire to make a difference and not with big words.
That’s how the story of Amusnet and the renovation of the Aula at the Technical University of Sofia began.
From an Idea to a Cause
The initiative started with the company’s cause for supporting meaningful educational projects. After a series of discussions, the team decided to focus its efforts on the Technical University of Sofia because it represents the very heart of Bulgaria’s engineering and technological innovation — a place where future creators, developers, and visionaries begin their journey. The first proposal involved renovating several classrooms, but the idea soon evolved. The university’s leadership suggested a complete renovation of the main Aula — the symbolic hall where each academic year begins. But it turned out to be the most ambitious project, not only in terms of scope and financing but also in terms of meaning.
“We knew this would remain. We weren’t just renovating a classroom, we were bringing the heart of the university back to life,” recalls Petya Petrova, Administrative Director at Amusnet and the driving force behind the initiative.
The initial discussions with the university began in September 2024. After a short pause, talks resumed in February, and on May 12 the project was ready to be kicked off. The opening was scheduled for September 24, symbolically aligned with the new academic year.
“After visiting our university, Amusnet team decided to completely renovate one of our largest auditoriums— inspired by the spirit of the place and the portrait of Vasil Levski on the wall, a living reminder of the ideal to ‘be worthy Bulgarians,’” says Assoc. Prof. Agata Manolova, Dean of the Faculty of Telecommunications. “That’s how the story of this partnership began — one that unites technological progress with human values. It’s a true example of a creative bond between academia and industry,” she adds.
Challenges Turned into Milestones
When the actual renovation began, the team faced serious challenges — dampness, crumbling plaster, and damaged walls caused by a recent ceiling leak.
“The university leadership told us they had no choice but to open the academic year there,” Petya remembers. “That’s when I realized this wouldn’t just be a project — it would be a personal cause.”
What followed were months of sleepless nights, endless calls, and daily inspections.
Petya and Georgi Dikov — whose expertise was key to moving the project forward — practically lived on-site.
“Every morning before work and every evening after work, Georgi was there. We’d have our briefings in the car on the way home. We used to joke that we were on a summer internship at the Technical University,” Petya smiles.
As the deadline approached, colleagues began to doubt it would be completed in time.
“But beneath the surface, so much was happening — it just wasn’t visible yet,” she says.
Unexpected Obstacles
During the holidays in May, while driving to Greece, Petya received a call from a technician:
“The air conditioning system can’t be installed — the ceiling won’t hold.”
After extensive inspections, it turned out the ceiling truly couldn’t support the load, and the project had to be redesigned. When that was resolved, another issue arose — the power supply wasn’t sufficient.
The solution: laying up a new underground cable route. Yet the technical team warned it would take three weeks to complete.
“We didn’t have that time. I called the subcontractor and literally begged him to act immediately — without extra pay. And he did. That was the moment I realized people truly believed in the purpose of this project,” Petya recalls.
The renovation included 240 new seats and a redesigned central staircase. However, the existing steps didn’t meet fire safety standards, which required removing certain rows and reworking parts of the structure — even straightening a wall that had been uneven since the hall was first built.
“It was difficult but incredibly fulfilling. All subcontractors were deeply engaged because they understood this wasn’t a promotional project — it was something that would last,” says Petya.
At the same time, she was also overseeing the relocation of Amusnet’s production facility to a new 8,500-square-meter base, running both projects in parallel.
“Right after the Aula’s opening ceremony, I went straight to the new production hall — still in my suit. It felt like switching between two worlds, but both gave me energy,” she laughs.
The Living Heart of the University
Today, the Aula is completely transformed — modern, bright, and functional, but most importantly, alive.
“Since the opening, everyone wants to use it. There are already student doodles on the desks, a sign that the place breathes again,” Petya smiles.
For her, the project was never just about renovation.
“The Aula is the beating heart of the university. The true value of this project measures not just in terms of money but in what remains. If someone walks in years from now and feels inspired — that’s our reward,” she says.
Months later, those who were part of the project admit it feels strange not to be working on it anymore, but they all share a quiet pride.
“Anyone can make a donation,” Petya reflects, “but what matters is to leave something that continues to serve after you.”
When the new academic year began, the renovated Aula welcomed the first-year students — the next generation of engineers who will build the future.
And though the stage now belongs to them, the spirit of dedication and care that brought this project to life will remain there for years to come.
“At first, the company’s intention was simply to support our Computing Center with modern equipment,” says Assoc. Prof. Agata Manolova. “But this initiative grew into something much greater — a symbol of respect, inspiration, and responsibility. It became a true partnership between academia and industry, blending technological progress with human values.”
