On April 2, 2025, the Invest Bulgaria Agency (IBA) hosted the 19th edition of the “Investor of the Year” awards at Sofia Tech Park, spotlighting local and international firms shaping the future of Bulgaria’s economy. The event, held at the John Atanasoff Hall, underscored Bulgaria’s growing attractiveness to investors, particularly in high-tech, sustainable, and regional development sectors.
IBA Executive Director Mila Nenova highlighted the issuance of 27 investment certificates in 2024—14 of them in high-tech sectors—worth BGN 645 million and expected to generate over 1,800 jobs. “Bulgaria offers macroeconomic stability, EU and Schengen membership, and a skilled workforce,” Nenova said, adding that the political stability achieved in 2025 further strengthens investor confidence.
Major winners and strategic sectors
The coveted “Investor of the Year 2024” award went to Biovet AD, a veterinary pharmaceutical company, with the prize presented by Prime Minister Rossen Jeliazkov. Other major categories reflected Bulgaria’s strategic focus on sustainability, regional growth, and innovation.
- AK Electric, part of Sweden’s AQ Group, won for regional impact, while Chinese firm ZS Europe was recognized for its aluminum auto parts plant in the Trakia Economic Zone—Bulgaria’s first Chinese industrial investment.
- In the low-carbon category, Integrated Micro Electronics (IMI) stood out for its global electronics manufacturing with sustainable practices in Botevgrad.
Driving innovation and sustainability
Bulgaria’s commitment to innovation was further highlighted by Epic AI, which fuses AI with epigenetics for health analytics, and Siemenso EOOD, a pioneer in mental health technology. Meanwhile, Endurosat, a leader in space technologies, was awarded for innovation in business, with founder Raycho Raychev announcing plans to triple investment and hire 150 engineers in 2025.
In sustainability, Smart Solar Technologies AD received the “Green Investment” award for its solar panel facility near Stara Zagora, expected to create over 800 jobs. Alcomet AD was honored for expanding aluminum production in Shumen.
Public sector and regional champions
The Municipality of Stara Zagora received the new “Golden Bull” statuette for being Bulgaria’s top investment destination, while Industrial Zone Zagore was certified as a priority project. Dormakaba Business Services Bulgaria won for its human capital investments, having created over 260 jobs in Sofia.
A call for economic patriotism
Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev used the occasion to challenge the “economic nihilism” narrative. “We must focus not on what we lack, but on what Bulgaria can produce,” he said, urging a collective shift toward economic pride and forward-thinking investment.
As Bulgaria deepens its integration with Europe and attracts diverse global investors, the 2024 Investor of the Year awards served as both recognition of success and a roadmap for sustainable, high-tech national growth.
