Forty youth startups from across Bulgaria were selected for the semi-finals of the "Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2024" competition, organized by the Fund of Funds and Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski". The presentation of business ideas in front of the jury took place on May, 15th in three parallel sessions at the "UBB Millennium Center" in Sofia and the best ten startups were selected to to the finals.
With inspiring words, the young contestants were addressed by Desislava Simeonova, Executive Director of United Bulgarian Bank, Assoc. Prof. Biser Petkov, Executive Director of the Fund of Funds, and Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University. The sessions during which the top ten ideas were selected, were hosted by UBB, one of the main partners supporting the contest. The projects stretched across sectors such as biotechnology, medicine, agriculture, beekeeping, logistics, architecture, organic food, ecology, circular economy, recycling, 3D printing, human resources, education and career guidance, style and fashion, data management, mental health, social entrepreneurship, sports, hobbies, and leisure.
The jury comprised of: Viktoria Hristova - Executive Director of the Fund of Funds, Konstantina Voynova - Head of the "Equity Financial Instruments" Department at the Fund of Funds, Stoyan Nedin from Vitosha Venture Partners, Dr. Kiril Velichkov - Director of "European Projects and Financial Instruments" at UBB and UBB Interlease, Bistra Kirova from Sofia Angels Ventures, Kamen Bankovski from Planet 9 Ventures, Assoc. Prof. Todor Yalamov, Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Economics at Sofia University, Zhanna Hristova from the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, Pavel Velkov from Morningside Hill Capital Management, and Prof. Tsvetan Davidkov from Sofia University.
The finalists selected by the jury are:
- Brick3D – 3D printing of construction bricks at home, in stores, or in schools.
- Truckspedia – A platform for automating and optimizing logistics processes across Europe using AI algorithms.
- Jobbing – The first online platform in Bulgaria for low-skilled, short-term work.
- Vita-In – A new brand of condoms with a healing effect.
- Enthela – A new biostimulant that replaces half of nitrogen mineral fertilizers and increases soil fertility.
- ReGrounded – An innovative and sustainable material made from a combination of coffee waste, wood waste, and other bio-products, used for making coffee cups and other products.
- Green Filters – Turning used cigarette filters into activated carbon, primarily for water and air purification.
- Kosher Constructor – An innovative educational kit for assembling beehives.
- Mate Plata – An energizing drink combining the ancient tradition of yerba mate with modern needs for energy and vitality.
- BuddyGuard – A platform connecting trusted pet sitters with pet owners.
The ten selected finalists will present their ideas at the competition finals on May, 31st , which will be traditionally held in the Aula of Sofia University.
