The fifth edition of the national youth competition will offer support for a larger number of projects, a rich training and mentoring program as well as numerous in-person and online events.
From January 12 to April 24, 2026 young people from all over the country aged between 18 and 29 (including students and pupils in grades 11 and 12) with bold and innovative business ideas can take part in the fifth edition of the “Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria” national competition. The competition is the largest initiative to promote youth entrepreneurship in Bulgaria and is organized by the Fund of Funds and Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” (Faculty of Economics) under the patronage of the Minister of Innovation and Growth.
The competition is supported by over 60 partner organizations, which participate in an intensive 3-month free training and mentoring program. It is packed with advanced webinars, practical workshops, gaming and networking meetings, as well as interim competitions through which participants develop their ideas, build entrepreneurial skills, and gain access to key tools, experts, and contacts for implementing a sustainable business.
For the second consecutive year, the PhD Training Center of BAS is a partner in the competition and co-organizer of the “From Science to Business” round table – a space for bringing together scientific research, innovation, and entrepreneurial practice. Members of the Center’s team also participate as mentors to startups in the fields of biomedicine and biotechnology, as well as in the fields of psychology and culture, supporting participants with expertise, scientific experience, and practical perspective.
All young people who want to start their own business can enter the competition by filling out the application form on the website https://bestyouthstartup.bg/.
