Over the last several years, the Bulgarian startup ecosystem has grown significantly and dynamically, transforming into a thriving hub for innovation and entrepreneurship. Bulgaria has around 500 active startups encompassing a wide range of fields such as finance, IT, healthtech, and agriculture. Critical to the development of this ecosystem are the major hubs, accelerators, and incubators that drive innovation and offer vital support to startups in Bulgaria. In this article, we have compiled a comprehensive list of Bulgaria's startup incubators and accelerators. They have been subdivided into applicability for startups in their 'ideation', 'launch', or 'growth' stages, so you would be able to find a program that suits you!
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FULL LIST OF STARTUP INCUBATORS AND ACCELERATORS IN BULGARIA
Ideation Stage Startup Incubators in Bulgaria
Full list of ideation-stage startup incubators in Bulgaria:
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: No
Focus: Sector Agnostic
ABLE Activator is a renowned 6-weekend entrepreneurial initiative that aims to develop the next generation of leaders and innovators. It seeks to empower 30 ambitious young professionals by providing them with critical expertise, a strong network, and mentorship to help them turn their ideas into ready-to-launch businesses. Participants benefit from rigorous training sessions done outside of regular business hours, practical seminars, and crucial opportunities to network with successful entrepreneurs and industry professionals. The curriculum stresses team creation, market validation, business modeling, and prototype development, guaranteeing that participants learn how to pitch investors and establish viable enterprises.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder
Need to have an idea: No
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Beyond Accelerate program in Bulgaria is part of a larger European initiative aiming at closing the gap between developing and mature startup ecosystems. Founded by a partnership of accelerators and venture capitalists and funded by the EU Horizon 2020 program, Beyond Accelerate offers complete assistance to companies in the form of funding, mentorship, and cross-border networking opportunities. Startups accepted for the program receive investments, thorough mentorship, practical training, and access to Beyond's Virtual Accelerator Marketplace (VAM), which enables cross-border capital raising and links companies with potential clients and corporate partners.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Enterprise software, e-Commerce, Financial services, Education, Automotive / Transport / Logistics, Healthcare, Entertainment / Media, Food / FMCG, Security / Cyber-security, Travel
Innovation Capital is a €21.1 million venture capital fund that invests in high-potential businesses and scale-ups through equity and quasi-equity investment. The initiative, which focuses on critical economic areas such as business software, e-commerce, fintech, and healthcare, provides an initial €25,000 investment to early-stage startups, which may be quadrupled over an intensive 3-month acceleration program. Selected firms receive expert innovation management, access to a large network of worldwide partners, and investment prospects of up to €1 million during follow-on rounds. This comprehensive assistance seeks to promote revolutionary and scalable ideas, connecting young enterprises with established global organizations to secure long-term growth.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Sofia Tech Park is a cutting-edge innovation hub dedicated to accelerating the growth of startups, SMEs, and research activities. The park provides a comprehensive ecosystem that includes contemporary office spaces, an incubator, investment funds, and 11 sophisticated laboratories focused on AI, VR, IoT, and biopharma. Startups have access to a large network of local and international partners, including venture capital funds and angel investors, as well as the opportunity to attend various events and seminars. By providing various resources and promoting collaboration, Sofia Tech Park hopes to encourage innovation and assist the sustainable growth of technology-driven enterprises.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
EIT Digital Venture Program is a pre-acceleration project that helps early-stage entrepreneurial teams in developing innovative digital technologies. The initiative, which aims to stimulate digital innovation across areas such as Digital Industry, Digital Cities, Digital Wellbeing, Digital Tech, and Digital Finance, offers applicants with an initial €5,000 award, which may be increased to €10,000 upon incorporation of their firm. Over an intensive eight-week period, selected teams are coached to design their Minimum Viable Product (MVP), perform consumer discovery, and establish problem-solution fit, culminating in a "Pitch Day" when they present to early-stage investors and potential clients.
Launch Stage Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Bulgaria
Full list of launch stage startup incubators and accelerators in Bulgaria:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: CleanTech
CleanTech Bulgaria is a vibrant corporate network that promotes innovation and sustainable growth through clean technologies. The program's goal is to promote entrepreneurs and innovative solutions by offering a wide range of services such as project management, business development, sustainability consulting, and entrepreneurial skills training. Startups benefit from acceleration programs, which provide capital, strategic collaborations, and market development support. CleanTech Bulgaria connects enterprises, municipalities, and researchers, driving the implementation of pilot projects and sustainable initiatives, supporting a low-carbon and resource-efficient economy.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Healthcare, Care for elderly, Education, Transport and Logistics, Digitalization, Food Industry, Eco-innovations
Innovation Starter Accelerator is a dynamic program that promotes early-stage entrepreneurs by providing a full array of tools and support. Participants may receive personalized mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, access to a large network of industry experts, and intense training sessions on business development, marketing, and fundraising techniques. In addition, the accelerator provides coworking spaces, legal and administrative support, and opportunities to pitch to potential investors.
Who is it for: Aspiring entrepreneurs with an idea and seeking cofounder / Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
The Founder Institute program in Bulgaria is a part of the world's biggest pre-seed startup accelerator, committed to translating ideas into fundable startups and scaling them into worldwide enterprises. Launched in 2015, with Sofia serving as the European headquarters in 2019, the program promises to empower entrepreneurs by offering a structured growth process, frequent feedback, and access to a large network of mentors and investors.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
ACCELERATE by Vitosha is a Bulgarian startup acceleration program that aims to convert early-stage initiatives into scalable businesses. The program provides a €30,000 equity investment for 8% of the firm, with possible follow-on funding of up to €1 million. Over a three-month period, businesses follow a rigorous program that begins with a week of networking and goal-setting, followed by personalized mentorship from a worldwide network of accomplished entrepreneurs and VC investors. Participants receive ongoing support in strategy, business growth, and investor relations, with tailored metrics and goals tracked weekly. Instead of standard demo days, the program concludes in personalized graduation presentations attended by relevant investors and company leaders, providing focused exposure and development prospects.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Technology
Bosch Startup Harbour aims to accelerate the growth of early-stage entrepreneurs by offering considerable engineering experience, organized mentorship, and access to a worldwide network. The initiative, which aims to stimulate innovation in fields such as generative AI, synthetic data, and XR technologies, provides specialized support, including business model validation, mentoring, and opportunities for co-innovation projects with Bosch. Startups can go on a co-learning journey, receive feedback on their technology, or participate in co-innovation activities such as producing a Proof of Concept (PoC) with Bosch. By leveraging Bosch's worldwide scale and resources, the program helps companies overcome common problems such as market access and technology development, fostering long-term growth and innovation.
Growth Stage Startup Accelerators in Bulgaria
Full list of growth stage startup accelerators in Bulgaria:
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Climate
The ClimAccelerator program in Bulgaria is a significant project aiming to assist green companies in their efforts to tackle climate change. Supported by EIT Climate-KIC and Innovation Starter, ClimAccelerator offers a multifaceted support system that includes up to €300,000 in grant funding, coaching from industry professionals, and extensive business development resources. Startups benefit from personalized training, one-on-one consultations, and access to a large network of investors and specialists. The program is divided into three stages: Early Stage, MVP, and Growth, with each step providing specialized resources such as funding, product validation, and investment-ready support.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Environment & Sustainability
.wave Accelerator Program is a professional initiative aimed at nurturing sustainable startups in the Central-Eastern Europe region. The program aims to empower environmentally responsible, sustainability-focused businesses with market validation, preferably with a B2B focus. Participants benefit from individual mentorship, hands-on learning workshops, and peer-to-peer learning experiences, which help them improve their business models and investment readiness. The program also offers vital networking opportunities with top-tier professionals and investors, forming an inspirational community committed to creating an environmentally sustainable future.
Elevator Lab Bulgaria
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: FinTech
Elevator Lab Bulgaria is part of Raiffeisen Bank International's mission to promote innovation in financial technology. This accelerator program seeks to identify and develop high-potential fintech startups by offering strategic guidance, access to cutting-edge technology, and opportunities to collaborate with industry experts. Participants benefit from targeted training, networking events, and pitch opportunities that may lead to future collaborations inside Raiffeisen Bank's ecosystem. The program focuses on improving businesses' business models, growing their operations, and preparing them for market entry, eventually promoting fintech innovation and growth within Bulgaria's vibrant startup scene.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team / Mature startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Bulgaria Innovation Hub is a top accelerator that enables high-potential technology firms from Bulgaria and the CEE/SEE area to effectively enter the US market. This equity-free program provides world-class support via a structured go-to-market curriculum taught by Silicon Valley experts, personalized mentoring from experienced entrepreneurs and industry professionals, and extensive network access to potential clients, investors, and partners in one of the world's most innovative ecosystems. Entrepreneurs get hands-on help with business foundations, market insights, and community participation through instructional programs, public forums, and networking events. Furthermore, participants benefit from logistical support, office space, and large technology credits, allowing them to swiftly and successfully immerse themselves in the competitive startup scene.
Who is it for: Early startup with a team
Need to have an idea: Yes
Focus: Sector Agnostic
Endeavor Bulgaria's Dare to Scale program is a four-month non-dilutive accelerator designed to provide late-stage entrepreneurs with the expertise and resources they need to expand their operations abroad. The program provides a comprehensive curriculum that includes specialist training on critical business issues such as organizational management, marketing, sales, and fundraising. Participants benefit from customized mentorship from Endeavor's local mentor network and PwC Bulgaria consultants, as well as networking events and opportunities to collaborate with industry experts. The program concludes with a Demo Day, providing startups with important exposure to investors and ecosystem leaders.
Closing Thoughts on Startup Incubators and Accelerators in Bulgaria
In this growing economy, there are numerous opportunities for startups to thrive. As the ecosystem grows and becomes more integrated with worldwide markets, Bulgarian entrepreneurs have increasing opportunities to innovate and expand on a global scale than ever before. Joining a startup incubator or accelerator program may provide the necessary launchpad required for Bulgarian startups to overcome obstacles, get investment, and achieve long-term success.
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