NextGen Entrepreneurs Day in Sofia attracts 130+ participants 

The NextGen Entrepreneurs Day forum, held at the GATE Institute in Sofia, brought together 130 participants from across Bulgaria’s innovation and entrepreneurship ecosystem. The event focused on empowering young entrepreneurs and supporting the transition of innovative ideas into market‑ready solutions, with particular attention to skills development, access to finance and the role of partnerships in building a sustainable innovation environment.

Discussions addressed practical pathways for early‑stage entrepreneurs, including entrepreneurial competencies, funding opportunities and the interaction between public support instruments and private investment. The programme highlighted how targeted financial tools and ecosystem cooperation can contribute to scaling innovation and strengthening Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial landscape.

The forum was organised with the support of the European Commission, the European Investment Bank’s InvestEU programme and the SIFTA Programme, together with a strong network of partners, including SIS Credit, Fund of Funds, the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Sofia University, The Next Gen Speaks podcast, and Microfinance Centre.

Contributions from speakers and participants provided concrete insights into current challenges and opportunities for the next generation of entrepreneurs, reinforcing the importance of continued collaboration across institutions, investors and support organisations.