site.btaBulgaria Needs to Develop Culture of Risk-Taking, Caretaker Innovation Minister Says

Bulgaria needs to further develop a culture of risk-taking and learn from failures, caretaker Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova said on Thursday at the opening of the Next Gen Entrepreneurs Day forum for young entrepreneurs.

The event is being held at GATE Institute at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski.

According to Mladenova, the state should not directly interfere in entrepreneurs' behaviour and decisions, but should create the framework and environment for constructive dialogue, where everyone can contribute. She said state institutions should take a systematic approach focused on strategic goals, while funding organizations should be able to identify and support ideas with strong potential.

As for entrepreneurs themselves, she said they should strive to turn their ideas into reality.

Mladenova assured participants that they have a natural partner in the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.

The forum brought together students, entrepreneurs, investors and institutional representatives. Its aim is to present future company founders with the path from the birth of an idea to its market realization.

Organizational partners of the forum include SIS Credit, Fund of Funds, the Bulgarian Private Equity and Venture Capital Association, Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, the podcast The Next Gen Speaks, and Poland's Microfinance Centre.

The event is supported by InvestEU and the European Investment Bank, and is part of the Best Youth Startup in Bulgaria 2026 programme.