EIT Community Hub in Bulgaria
Connecting innovation in Bulgaria
Boosting the local innovation ecosystem in Bulgaria is key to accelerating economic progress, generating employment, and promoting sustainable growth. A dynamic environment for innovation encourages the development of cutting-edge technologies, products, and services, empowering Bulgarian companies to enhance their competitiveness on the international stage. Supporting the array of motivated local entrepreneurs and tech startups can also attract foreign capital and partnerships, driving long-term prosperity and investment. A vibrant innovation landscape helps build a future-ready workforce, fostering skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability. This prepares individuals to thrive in an evolving economic climate while positioning Bulgaria as a centre for technology and innovation in the region.
About the EIT Community Hub
The EIT Community Hub in Bulgaria is committed to fostering innovation as a key driver of economic growth and societal progress. Bulgaria is home to a growing number of tech and innovative startups, and the Hub acts as a catalyst for these local innovators by providing essential support, resources, and networks that boost their global competitiveness and attract international investments. By cultivating a culture of collaboration and creativity, the Hub not only accelerates the success of the startup ecosystem but also aims to nurture a relationship between these new ideas and the existing ecosystem. In doing so, we can contribute to Bulgaria’s socio-economic development and establish its position as a dynamic player in the global tech landscape.
“We are excited to continue strengthening our cooperation with our partners in the EIT Community. Together we aim to expand opportunities for Bulgarian innovators, entrepreneurs and businesses. In this way, we aim to create new pathways for the seamless integration of talented people and businesses into the wider European innovation ecosystem, fostering sustainable change and competitiveness in Bulgaria.”
INA STOYANOVA, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER BULGARIA
“I’m passionate about helping Bulgaria’s entrepreneurs unlock their full potential. Through the EIT Community Hub, we’re combining efforts and networks to build a space where local talent can access resources, connect with peers, and engage in real opportunities across Europe. This is about equipping Bulgarian innovators to play an active role in a shared future of innovation, making Bulgaria a vital contributor to Europe’s growth story.”
IRINA ILIEVA, EIT COMMUNITY OFFICER BULGARIA
EIT Funding & Impact
Bulgaria, being an active participant in EIT initiatives, received a total of EUR 2,570,000 in EIT grants in 2022, EUR 1.32 million more than the funding received in 2021. This funding was directed to Bulgarian organisations via eight EIT Knowledge and Innovation Communities in 2022 (six KICs were funded in 2021). The largest share (EUR 1 million each) was dedicated to higher education and business-related activities. The funding included EUR 1.27 million to support Bulgarian SMEs, with EIT Climate-KIC being the largest contributor.
About the EIT Community Officer
Cleantech Bulgaria and Junior Achievement Bulgaria, as the newly appointed EIT Community Officers, will jointly manage the operations of the EIT Community Hub Bulgaria. Their activities will focus on creating a foundation for an EIT Community in Bulgaria by conducting research, organising events, and signing memoranda of understanding with key stakeholders.
Ina Stoyanova
EIT Community Officer Bulgaria, Executive Director Cleantech Bulgaria
Ina Stoyanova is a senior expert at Cleantech Bulgaria with more than 8 years of experience in designing and managing innovation-driven projects, developing strategic partnerships and supporting the growth of entrepreneurial ecosystems.
She has been working on projects and/or holding coordination roles within the RIS Hubs supported by Cleantech Bulgaria of various KICs (EIT Climate-KIC, EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Food, EIT Manufacturing, EIT RawMaterials) over the past four years. She holds a degree in Web Science from Eindhoven University of Technology. Her work focuses on supporting startups and SMEs, fostering entrepreneurship and driving innovation deployment. Ina has played a key role in designing and implementing innovation support programmes, with a strong emphasis on sustainability and gender equality, including support for female entrepreneurs.
She has actively contributed to initiatives focused on promoting gender balance, developing and delivering dedicated training programmes, mentoring activities and networking opportunities for women innovators and women-led startups. She has collaborated with public and private sector stakeholders across Europe, delivering tailored support services for startups and scaleups. Her expertise also includes capacity building, stakeholder engagement and facilitating access to funding and market opportunities.
Irina Ilieva
EIT Community Officer Bulgaria, Chief Operations Officer JA Bulgaria
Irina Ilieva is an accomplished leader with over a decade of experience in project management, strategic planning, and interdisciplinary innovation. As Chief Operations Officer at Junior Achievement Bulgaria, Irina has driven entrepreneurship and education initiatives, collaborating with governmental, non-profit, and corporate organisations. From June 2023 to June 2024, Irina served as Acting CEO, leading a 14-member team, managing 20+ projects and 60+ partnerships, and working with major local and international partners, including multiple EIT KICs and the international JA network.
Previously, as Programme Officer at the America for Bulgaria Foundation (the biggest grant-giving organisation in Bulgaria), she managed a diverse portfolio of educational and entrepreneurial projects, earning a spot on Forbes Bulgaria’s “30 under 30” list in 2018. Prior to that, Irina played a key role in implementing the Global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) within the operational strategy of the OPEC Fund for International Development in Vienna, leading high-impact initiatives driving economic growth and meaningful stakeholder engagement.
A trainer and entrepreneur at heart, Irina has been at the forefront of multiple initiatives enabling constructive dialogue, youth participation, and cross-sector collaborations.
Irina is a true European, having lived, worked, and studied in six EU countries. Her academic background includes a BSc in International Economic Relations from the University of Economics in Varna with an intercalated year in International Business Administration and Nordic Business Dimensions from the University of Applied Sciences in Seinajoki, Finland. Irina is also an Erasmus Mundus scholar and holds an MSc in Economics of Globalisation and European Integration. Her dedication to fostering education, innovation, and sustainable development drives her commitment to building strong, inclusive communities where young professionals can thrive.
Contact Details
- Email: bulgaria@eitcommunity.eu
- Phone Ina Stoyanova: +359888256123
- Phone Irina Ilieva: +359884985570
- Address: Knyaz Alexander Dondukov Blvd 54b, fl. 11000 Sofia, Bulgaria AND Krakra St 18, fl.1 1504 Sofia, Bulgaria
- LinkedIn: EIR Community RIS Hub Bulgaria
Success Stories
Discover inspiring success stories from the EIT Community Hub in Bulgaria, showcasing innovation and impact driven by collaboration and regional excellence.
Fixon: Young Innovators Empowered by Girls Go Circular Program
Three 11th-grade students, Raya Pamukova, Maria Metodieva, and Mila Getova from the National Science and Mathematics High School, achieved remarkable...
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Bulgaria's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community Hub.
