The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) hosted a “Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day” forum aimed at guiding young entrepreneurs through the process of commercializing their concepts. The event concentrated on fostering entrepreneurial skills, improving access to funding, and cultivating a sustainable innovation ecosystem within Bulgaria. Organizational partners included SIS Credit, the Fund of Funds, the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Sofia University, The Next Gen Speaks podcast, and Poland’s Microfinance Centre.
The forum was supported by the European Commission and the European Investment Bank’s InvestEU programme, and is part of the Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2026 programme. GATE Institute head, Prof. Silvia Ilievas, noted that since establishing the scientific unit at Sofia University, the GATE team has expanded to over 80 people and completed more than 30 European projects.
She highlighted the institute’s role in supporting Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial environment, citing the Horizon Europe project ExcellEnt, which connected local entrepreneurs with international ecosystems. The institute continues to work on projects related to clean technologies and sustainable mobility. During the event, Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General of the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion, presented data on the EU’s 4.3 million social organizations, which employ 11.5 million people.
She reported that guarantee instruments have mobilized an additional EUR 11.7 billion for social enterprises, supporting job creation. Irena Mladenova, caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth, urged the development of a risk-taking culture among entrepreneurs. Alexander Nenkov, Executive Director of the Fund of Funds, emphasized that the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a unique opportunity for Bulgaria’s entrepreneurs to develop innovation.
Nataliya Efremova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy, stressed that entrepreneurship is a catalyst for societal change, with young people being key agents of transformation through innovation and civic engagement.
Topics: #entrepreneurs #forum #institute
This sounds like a vital resource for connecting early-stage concepts with necessary funding and market knowledge.