The GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” hosted Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day—an event that brought together representatives of European institutions, the investment community, academia, and startups. The forum is part of the “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” initiative, organized by the Fund of Funds in partnership with GATE and with the support of InvestEU, the European Commission, and the European Investment Bank.
The event took place on April 23, 2026, and attracted high-level institutional participation. Official guests included the Minister of Innovation and Growth, Irena Mladenova, Deputy Minister of Labour and Social Policy Natalia Efremova, and the Vice-Rector of Sofia University, Prof. Sonya Mileva.
A special address was delivered by Andriana Sukova, Deputy Director-General at the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion. In her remarks, she emphasised the role of European policies in supporting entrepreneurship, innovation, and access to finance.
As host of the event, GATE Director Prof. Silvia Ilieva highlighted the institute’s commitment to developing entrepreneurial skills. She noted that GATE is actively involved in projects under the Horizon Europe programme, which create practical opportunities for young innovators through training, international initiatives, and support for entering European markets.
During a panel discussion on the skills of the entrepreneur of the future, Ivan Draganov from GATE’s Business Development team presented the institute’s perspective on the role of technology and data in shaping the next generation of entrepreneurs. Participants emphasised the need for interdisciplinary knowledge and adaptability in a dynamic business environment.
The program of Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day followed the full journey of an entrepreneurial idea—from its initial concept and validation to securing funding and building a sustainable business model. The panels addressed key topics such as access to investment, skills development, and the challenges entrepreneurs face in the context of rapid technological advancement and the rise of artificial intelligence.