17.12.2024
The fourth edition of Bulgaria's largest national competition, "Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2025" starts. The event is organized by Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" in collaboration with the Fund of Funds. Applications opened on December 17 and the competition is held under the patronage of the Minister of Innovation and Growth. The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration (FEBA) is among the key partners of the initiative.
"Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2025" kicks off for the fourth consecutive year with the mission to inspire and support young entrepreneurs in Bulgaria by providing a platform to realize their innovative ideas. With a focus on innovation, economic progress, and sustainable development, the initiative offers young people a unique opportunity to gain practical training, mentorship, and access to equity investment. Its goal is not only to foster the personal and professional growth of participants but also to contribute to building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem in the country.
This year, for the first time, the competition includes three categories:
- Future Unicorns – for innovative startups,
- Business Stars – for small and family businesses,
- SDG Dragons – for social and environmental entrepreneurs.
These categories encompass diverse ideas with global, local, or sustainable focus.
Participants must be between 18 and 29 years old and may apply either with an established startup or a business idea. The "Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2025" competition will take place in several stages:
- The first stage runs from December 17, 2024, to March 16, 2025. During this period, young individuals and teams with a strong idea and entrepreneurial inspiration can register through a simplified procedure. For team participation, only one member needs to meet the youth age requirement.
- The second stage includes an entrepreneurial skills test, preparation for pitching to investors, and online and in-person presentations before a jury.
At the end of April, the winners and their projects will be announced during an award ceremony. Throughout the competition, participants will have opportunities to generate ideas, take part in training and mentorship sessions, and refine their business skills to develop successful startups.
Key Partners
The Faculty of Economics and Business Administration at Sofia University, the European Commission, and the Founder Institute Eastern Europe are among the main partners. Valuable support is provided by United Bulgarian Bank, the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, Sofia Tech Park, and the CleanTech Bulgaria Foundation. Academic and research partners include the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), the Association of Young Scientists, the University of National and World Economy (UNWE), the Technical University of Sofia, New Bulgarian University, and the GATE Institute.
Active Investor Participation
Investors such as Innovation Capital, Vitosha Venture Partners, Morningside Hill, New Vision 3, Silverline Capital, SIS Credit, the Bulgarian Angels Club, and Sofia Angels Ventures play a vital role in the competition. Additionally, eight accelerator programs, ten institutional partners, and over ten supporting partners contribute to making the competition one of the most significant events for youth entrepreneurship development in Bulgaria.
The impressive prize pool includes equity investment opportunities, special awards, mentorship hours, internships, participation in national and international accelerators and conferences, media exposure, monetary rewards, and other incentives. Participants will also benefit from networking events, meetings with investors, business angels, and successful startups, as well as entrepreneurial and SDG games, and more.
Sofia University and the Fund of Funds invite every young entrepreneur in Bulgaria to join the initiative and turn their ideas into reality.
For more information about the competition, visit: https://bestyouthstartup.eu