Bulgaria Ranks Third in Southeast Europe for Startups and Second for Startup Offices, Innovation Minister Announces at Varna Roundtable
Bulgaria continues to make strides in the field of startups, securing its position as a leading destination for entrepreneurial endeavors. Innovation Minister Milena Stoycheva recently disclosed that Bulgaria ranks third in Southeast Europe when it comes to the number of startups, and second in terms of being an attractive location for startup offices. The minister shared this information during a roundtable discussion held in Varna, which focused on the future of digital transformation and technological advancements.
The event, organized as part of the Hello, Varna! Hello, World! campaign by DXC Technology, brought together experts from various sectors including IT, academia, and business. Among the topics highlighted during the discussion were the potential of big data analytics, the development of artificial intelligence, and the secure utilization of new technologies in the cyber realm.
The roundtable witnessed the presence of esteemed guests including Bulgarian Investment Agency Executive Director Hristo Etropolski, Varna Mayor Ivan Portnih, as well as representatives from state and local government bodies. Organizations such as the American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (AmCham), the British Bulgarian Business Association (BBBA), industry associations, the National Cyber Security Association, and the U.S. Embassy in Bulgaria also participated.
Minister Stoycheva emphasized Bulgaria’s contribution to the advancement of human capital that shapes the global future. She further highlighted the Ministry’s main goal of rebranding Bulgaria as an innovation hub, where high-value products and services are created through scientific and development activities. Stoycheva acknowledged the existence of sufficient scientific potential and a well-established entrepreneurial ecosystem but stressed the need for stronger connectivity between the two domains.
Attracting substantial investments remains a key focus for the Ministry, with Stoycheva citing DXC Technology as an excellent example of active collaboration with startups in advancing cutting-edge technologies. The Innovation Minister’s statements reflect the government’s commitment to fostering innovation and propelling Bulgaria to the forefront of technological advancements.
The news of Bulgaria’s impressive ranking in Southeast Europe positions the country as an attractive destination for startups and signifies its potential to become a thriving hub of innovation. With ongoing efforts to bridge the gap between scientific potential and entrepreneurial pursuits, Bulgaria displays a promising future in the realm of technology and digital transformation.
