The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) hosted a “Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day” forum focused on guiding young entrepreneurs through the process of commercializing their concepts. The event emphasized developing entrepreneurial skills, securing funding, and establishing a sustainable innovation ecosystem within Bulgaria. Organizational partners included SIS Credit, 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 the institute’s growth, stating that after initiating a business plan seven years ago, the team expanded to over 80 people and completed more than 30 European projects.
She highlighted GATE’s role in bolstering Bulgaria’s entrepreneurial environment, citing the Horizon Europe project ExcellEnt, which connected Bulgarian entrepreneurs with international ecosystems. The institute continues work on clean technologies and sustainable mobility and supports entrepreneurship through its technology entrepreneurship programme. Since 2022, GATE has served as a NATO test centre for big data and artificial intelligence, assisting over 60 Bulgarian startups in securing funding for dual-use technologies.
During the event, Andriana Sukova of the European Commission detailed the role of social organizations across the EU, noting they employ 11.5 million people and mobilize significant funding. Irena Mladenova, caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth, stressed the necessity for Bulgaria to foster a culture of risk-taking and learning from failure. Alexander Nenkov of Fund of Funds emphasized that the Fourth Industrial Revolution presents an opportunity for Bulgaria to develop its young entrepreneurs and innovate, potentially leading to economic advancement.
Nataliya Efremova underscored that entrepreneurship must integrate social responsibility, viewing young people as the primary force for societal change through innovation and civic engagement.
Topics: #entrepreneurs #forum #institute
This sounds like a really valuable resource for early-stage founders.
What specific resources or mentorship opportunities were highlighted for young entrepreneurs attending the forum?