EIT Community RIS 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 RIS Hub
The EIT Community RIS 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.
Milena Stoycheva, Chief Executive Director of JA Bulgaria, and Mariyana Hamanova, Executive Director of Cleantech Bulgaria, are thrilled about this future uptake of the EIT Community in Bulgaria. Both organisations bring extensive experience in promoting entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable development in Bulgaria and will work closely to achieve the EIT’s mission of building a thriving, interconnected innovation ecosystem.
“This partnership represents a unique opportunity for Bulgaria to be at the forefront of Europe’s innovation movement,” said Milena Stoycheva. “We are eager to engage with key stakeholders and create lasting impacts that will drive economic growth and societal progress.”
“We look forward to continuing our fruitful cooperation with our partners in the EIT Community to expand opportunities for Bulgarian innovators, entrepreneurs, and businesses to integrate into the European innovation ecosystem,” added Mariyana Hamanova, Executive Director of Cleantech 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.
Mariyana Hamanova
EIT Community Officer Bulgaria, Executive Director Cleantech Bulgaria
Mrs. Mariyana Hamanova is the Executive Director of Cleantech Bulgaria. She has over 15 years of experience in project management in the fields of sustainable development, environmental protection, circular economy, and the optimisation of resources in industry and business. In the past 10 years, Mrs. Hamanova has been responsible for coordinating all initiatives of the European Institute of Innovation and Technologies (EIT) in Bulgaria, serving as Hub Manager of EIT InnoEnergy (2016-2020), EIT Climate KIC (2016-2020), EIT Food (2021-2022), EIT Manufacturing (2020 – ongoing), and as an official partner of EIT Urban Mobility, EIT Manufacturing, and EIT Culture and Creativity.
Mrs. Hamanova is an associate professor at the University of Entrepreneurship, Finance, and Insurance (VUZF), teaching topics related to the circular economy, sustainable development, and climate change. She is also Vice Chair of the ESG Committee of the Confederation of Employers and Industrialists in Bulgaria (KRIB).
She holds a Master’s degree in Economics and Management (MBA) from FOM Essen, Germany, and the Technical University of Sofia, as well as a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology from the University of Konstanz, Germany.
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 Mariyana Hamanova: +359888256123
- Phone Irina Ilieva: +359884985570
Upcoming Opportunities
Stay updated with the latest opportunities related to Bulgaria's innovation ecosystem and the activities of the EIT Community RIS Hub.