South East European Innovators Program is a custom program created by Sofia Tech Park that supports founders of research-based startups throughout their entrepreneurial journey. We provide incubation, acceleration, and tech transfer services to startups from the Balkan region and beyond.
Our mission is to nurture an ecosystem that facilitates, supports, nurtures and develops initial research ideas into successful startups and helps them grow in international markets. We do this by providing training, knowledge transfer, access to unique resources, subsidised office spaces, dedicated advisors, demo sessions and workshops, networking events, mentoring, and introductions to business angels and venture capital companies.
The mission of the program is to support innovators on their journey to become successful founders by providing training, knowledge transfer, access to unique resources, subsidised office spaces, dedicated advisors, demo sessions and workshops, networking events, mentoring, and introductions to business angels and venture capitalists.
The initial stages of the program (Ground 0 and Launch stage) are open to anyone with an idea and the grit to work on its development. From Stage 1 onwards, we welcome incorporated startups working on their own R&D. They will be selected by a jury of experts from the ecosystem and specialists in the sector. We have chosen to follow Technology Readiness Level (a.k.a. TRL) stages as a recognisable measure of technological development across sectors.
Sofia Tech Park would like to extend the support to startups in their RnD efforts. Companies in the early stages of development that need prototyping, laboratory testing, or scientific validation of their ideas and products, and are part of the Incubation Program of Sofia Tech Park – SEEIP can apply for a voucher for services provided by Sofia Tech Labs.
The maximum amount of support from Sofia Tech Park is BGN 3,500 (excluding VAT) per year for one or more services, with co-financing by companies amounting to 30% of the cost of the research services used.
The co-working space for you and your growing team that creates opportunities for synergies with others.
A space for startup teams and community events.
Recording studio with the latest equipment to film your pitches and any major events.
Startups can create their first hardware prototype using 3D printers, metalwork, woodwork and electronic tools and participate in workshops.
11 laboratories in the fields of Biotech, Life Sciences, AI, Cybersecurity, Nanoelectronics, InVivo and InVitro facilities, under the Research & Development & Innovation Consortium.
Event spaces for networking, seminars and trainings.
Facilitate digital incubation through a mobile app and web platform.
Connection to a strong and active investor community in Bulgaria, CEE, and the world.
Companies in the early stages of development that need prototyping, laboratory testing, or scientific validation and are part of – SEEIP can apply for a voucher that provides free services by Sofia Tech Labs.
Learn about EU projects and funding opportunities applicable to your startup
Connect with the right pool of mentors and learn directly from the most relevant professionals and entrepreneurs
Join live workshops on key topics and have your questions answered by experts
The Digital incubation platform allows remote support for individuals and teams who wish to develop an innovative idea without being on-site.
This digitalised process has strong educational emphasis by providing content to learn from specialists about different aspects of creating and running a startup. After completing the modules, each team has a consultation with the course creator. There is also a calendar with all live events and trainings. The goal is for startup teams to be able to learn how to clearly pitch their idea and gain the necessary skills to build a successful venture.
If you are interested in or have a business idea based on scientific, deep-tech or research-based innovation - we’d like to hear from you.
