The fourth edition of Bulgaria’s largest national competition, "Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2025," organized by the Fund of Funds (FoF) and Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" (SU), is now accepting applications. Officially launched on December 17, the competition is held under the patronage of the Minister of Innovation and Growth.
"Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2025" returns for the fourth year in a row with a mission to inspire and support young Bulgarian entrepreneurs by providing a platform to bring their innovative ideas to life. With a strong emphasis on innovation, economic progress, and sustainability, the initiative offers participants unique access to practical training, expert mentorship, and equity funding opportunities. Its ultimate goal is not only to drive the personal and professional growth of participants but also to strengthen the country’s entrepreneurial ecosystem.
For the first time, the competition is divided into three distinct categories. The "Future Unicorns" category is designed for innovative startups, while "Business Stars" targets small and family-owned businesses. The "SDG Dragons" category focuses on social and environmental entrepreneurs, emphasizing ideas with global, local, or sustainable impact. Individuals aged 18–29 can apply, regardless of whether they already have an established startup or are still in the early stages with only a business idea.
The competition will take place over several stages. The first stage, running from December 17, 2024, to March 16, 2025, invites individuals and teams with strong ideas and an entrepreneurial drive to register through a simplified procedure. For team applications, it is sufficient for just one member to meet the age requirement. The second stage will involve an assessment of participants’ entrepreneurial skills, preparation for investor pitches, and both online and in-person presentations before a jury. The winners and their projects will be announced at a final awards ceremony in late April 2025. Throughout the competition, participants will engage in idea-generation sessions, practical training, and mentoring focused on innovative business development, startup scaling, and entrepreneurial skill enhancement.
This year’s competition benefits from an impressive network of partners. Principal collaborators include Sofia University’s Faculty of Economics and Business Administration, the European Commission, and Founder Institute Eastern Europe. The competition is further supported by the United Bulgarian Bank, the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, Sofia Tech Park, and Cleantech Bulgaria Foundation. Academic and scientific partners include the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS), the Association of Young Scientists, the University of National and World Economy, the Technical University of Sofia, New Bulgarian University, and the GATE Institute. The competition’s investor network includes leading organizations such as Innovation Capital, Vitosha Venture Partners, Morningside Hill, New Vision 3, Silverline Capital, Sis Credit, Bulgarian Angels Club, and Sofia Angels Ventures. Additionally, eight accelerator programs, ten institutional partners, and more than ten supporting organizations contribute to the initiative, making it one of the most significant platforms for youth entrepreneurship in Bulgaria.
The prize pool offers exceptional opportunities for participants, including equity funding, special awards, mentorship sessions, internships, and access to national and international accelerator programs and conferences. Additional benefits include media exposure, monetary rewards, and other incentives. Participants will also have the chance to refine their skills, gain valuable experience, and expand their networks through a variety of events, such as meetings with investors, business angels, and successful entrepreneurs, as well as entrepreneurial and SDG-focused activities.
The Fund of Funds and Sofia University encourage all young entrepreneurs in Bulgaria to take part in this exciting initiative and transform their ideas into reality.
For detailed information, please visit https://bestyouthstartup.eu
