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 developing essential entrepreneurial skills, securing funding, and cultivating a sustainable innovation ecosystem within Bulgaria. GATE Institute head, Prof.
Silvia Ilievas, highlighted the institute’s growth, noting that since its inception, GATE has expanded to over 80 staff members and completed more than 30 European projects, significantly supporting Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial landscape. She detailed the institute’s ongoing efforts, including a project focused on clean technologies and its role as a NATO test center for big data since 2022. Speakers provided broader context on economic development.
Andriana Sukova, from the European Commission, presented data on the EU’s social organizations, noting that these entities employ 11.5 million people and have mobilized significant financing through guarantee instruments. Addressing the national strategy, Minister Irena Mladenova urged Bulgaria to foster a culture of risk-taking and learn from failures, advising state institutions to adopt systematic, goal-oriented approaches. Similarly, Deputy Minister Nataliya Efremova framed entrepreneurship as a primary catalyst for societal change, emphasizing the role of youth in driving innovation.
Alexander Nenkov of Fund of Funds noted that the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents a unique opportunity for Bulgaria. The forum concluded with a shared focus across all participants: that successful entrepreneurship must be intrinsically linked with social responsibility and sustainable development for national progress.
Topics: #entrepreneurs #forum #institute
This sounds like a really valuable resource for budding entrepreneurs looking to commercialize their ideas.