Bulgaria’s investment landscape showed signs of growth, diversification, and a strategic focus on high-value industries, as highlighted during the 20th Investor of the Year awards organized by the InvestBulgaria Agency (IBA) during its 30th anniversary. The official ceremony took place at the Hyatt Regency Sofia hotel on Monday evening. BTL Industries Bulgaria received the Investor of the Year 2025 award for a EUR 51 million investment in Plovdiv, which generated over 700 jobs.
The company, established in Bulgaria in 1998, now serves as BTL’s global production base and employs over 850 people, exporting medical devices to more than 120 countries. The award’s leadership noted that the recognition valued long-term development in Bulgaria over mere investment scale, pointing to the nation’s potential as a major medical technology hub. Bulgarian President Iliana Iotova presented the award during the ceremony.
Other major awards demonstrated a broad scope of investment, including recognition for Intuitive Surgical Bulgaria’s greenfield project in Parvomay, Aero Technic BG’s aviation sector expansion in Sofia, Nestlé Bulgaria’s growth in the capital, and Festo Bulgaria’s innovative industrial investments. Emphasis across categories was placed on job creation, technological advancement, and regional economic impact. Furthermore, IBA reported that foreign direct investment in Bulgaria surpassed EUR 800 million in the first two months of 2026, nearly double the figure from the same period in 2025.
Agency leadership attributed this increase to Bulgaria’s macroeconomic stability, competitive tax structure, institutional support, and growing human capital. Officials stated that the country aims to attract investment in manufacturing, ICT, research and development, and education, favoring projects that generate innovation and higher added value.
Topics: #year #investment #ceremony
It’s encouraging to see Bulgaria’s investment growth and focus on innovation highlighted in this year’s awards.
What specific sectors or industries in Bulgaria were highlighted as receiving the most investment and innovation focus?