The fifth edition of the “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” competition is entering the next key stage of its programme – a series of in-person visits to universities across the country. By the end of March, a team from the Fund of Funds will hold information sessions in 9 higher education institutions to present how the competition can support young people in realising their business ideas, as well as the opportunities for financing startups available to students and PhD candidates through the financial instruments of the Fund of Funds.
The initiative aims to expand the scope of the competition and attract even more participants. Since its launch in January, over 250 youth projects have already been submitted for participation in “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” 2026, and registrations for the mentoring programme and the final competition remain open until 24 April.
The meetings at nine leading Bulgarian universities will be conducted by experts from the Fund of Funds and the competition partner, Founder Institute CEE. The sessions are aimed at university students, as well as 11th- and 12th-grade pupils with an interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Scheduled meetings include:
The fifth edition of the “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” competition is entering the next key stage of its programme – a series of in-person visits to universities across the country. By the end of March, a team from the Fund of Funds will hold information sessions in 9 higher education institutions to present how the competition can support young people in realising their business ideas, as well as the opportunities for financing startups available to students and PhD candidates through the financial instruments of the Fund of Funds.
The initiative aims to expand the scope of the competition and attract even more participants. Since its launch in January, over 250 youth projects have already been submitted for participation in “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” 2026, and registrations for the mentoring programme and the final competition remain open until 24 April.
The meetings at nine leading Bulgarian universities will be conducted by experts from the Fund of Funds and the competition partner, Founder Institute CEE. The sessions are aimed at university students, as well as 11th- and 12th-grade pupils with an interest in entrepreneurship and innovation.
Scheduled meetings include:
16 March – Plovdiv University “Paisii Hilendarski”
16 March – Trakia University, Stara Zagora
17 March – Burgas Free University
17 March – University of Economics – Varna
18 March – Shumen University “Bishop Konstantin Preslavski”
18 March – Ruse University “Angel Kanchev”
19 March – Veliko Tarnovo University “St. Cyril and St. Methodius”
19 March – Medical University – Pleven
20 March – American University in Bulgaria, Blagoevgrad
Participants who have already entered the competition have access to an intensive programme that starts in February. The webinars and events held so far have covered topics such as building a successful team, startup valuation, debt and equity financing instruments, design thinking, market entry strategies, tax law, circular economy, climate innovation, and partnerships with large corporations.
The training sessions and live events continue until the end of April, with all webinars also available in video format. Early registration provides a significant advantage – access to more knowledge, contacts and practical experience through numerous live events and Q&A sessions with mentors.
The university tour in March is an excellent opportunity for all those considering participation to become familiar with the programme, ask questions and take the first step towards developing their business idea.
Participants who have already entered the competition have access to an intensive programme that starts in February. The webinars and events held so far have covered topics such as building a successful team, startup valuation, debt and equity financing instruments, design thinking, market entry strategies, tax law, circular economy, climate innovation, and partnerships with large corporations.
The training sessions and live events continue until the end of April, with all webinars also available in video format. Early registration provides a significant advantage – access to more knowledge, contacts and practical experience through numerous live events and Q&A sessions with mentors.
The university tour in March is an excellent opportunity for all those considering participation to become familiar with the programme, ask questions and take the first step towards developing their business idea.
