BRIDGE THE GAP YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST

Self-assessment as part of the project

„BRIDGE THE GAP - YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS BETWEEN EAST AND WEST“

Data of the institution: Sofia Tech Park JSC

Contact person: Mr. Mark Marinov m.marinov@sofiatech.bg

1 Brief description of the facility - please write in keywords -especially in terms of objectives, structures and activities in the field of start-up support

- Networking; - Participating in events organized by Sofia Tech

Park (in the field of IT, biotech, green energy, life science, VR and AI, etc);

- workshops, seminars and training programs; - Cooperation with the laboratories part of the

Laboratory complex of STP.

2 What special competence profiles does the institution have in the area of high technologies / STEM area?

Sofia Tech Park is the first Science and Technology Park in Bulgaria with 11 fully equipped laboratories with latest high tech equipment, such as bioinfotech, 3D prototyping, VR, AI, Micronano, Cybersecurity, high performance computing, invitro lab, extraction of natural products, etc.

3 Experience profile: Which numbers / facts / activities can be highlighted as a success of your organization in the field of start-up support, for example, the number of start-ups per year?

Since 2016 the Incubator building has been home of more than 30 start-up companies developing their high-tech products, services and prototypes. Any company, located on the territory of the Sofia Tech Park, have the opportunity to participate in the events organized within the STP. In this regard, in order to improve their positioning in the ecosystem, we are regularly organizing several networking events such as Monthly meetings, Innovator Anonymous Club, etc.

4 How many start-ups / start-up ideas and in which high technology area could participate in the international network?

To be discussed, maybe 10-12

5 What kind of contacts does your institution have with the start-up scene in your region?

Sofia Tech Park is supporting companies from the Bulgarian start-up ecosystem, as well as companies in the region. Apart of the companies situated in the Incubator, STP have close relations with the whole startup ecosystem in Bulgaria through contacts with investors, public institutions working in the start-up field, co-working places as well as all public funds, venture capital etc.

6 Are there any contacts to German start-ups?

N/A

7 Are there any contacts to the international start-up scene?

Sofia Tech Park has cooperation with: -Amsterdam start-up ecosystem and has Agreement with the biggest high tech conference –The Next Summit; -Institutions from Republic of South Korea.

8

What contacts exist with business and industry partners locally?

Venture funds, such as Neveq, Aeternity, Municipality of Sofia for supporting SMEs, Microsoft Innovation Center, Junior Achievement Bulgaria, Cleantech Bulgaria;

9. In which areas of cooperation in the network does the organization want to actively participate?

Incubation program and pre-accelerator support.