For the twentieth consecutive year, Invest Bulgaria Agency (IBA) honored the most significant investment projects in the country at the official “Investor of the Year 2025” ceremony, held on April 27, 2026, at the Hyatt Regency Sofia.

This anniversary edition marked two decades since the establishment of Bulgaria’s most prestigious institutional award for investment, as well as the 30th anniversary of the Agency. The event was attended by over 300 representatives of the business community, institutions, and the diplomatic corps.

A special guest at the ceremony was the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Iliana Yotova, who presented an honorary award marking the Agency’s 30th anniversary. During the ceremony, special recognition was given to the team of the Invest Bulgaria Agency for their consistent efforts in supporting investors, followed by a group photo.

“This evening belongs to you, because this is your celebration and our recognition of your achievements,” the President addressed the investors in the hall. She thanked them for their courage and entrepreneurial spirit, emphasizing that through their work they build and strengthen trust in Bulgaria as a good place to do business.

The Minister of Innovation and Growth, Irena Mladenova, stated:

“Innovations are not a luxury; they are a necessity for every enterprise in today’s competitive and dynamic world. Investors in Bulgaria understand this very well. I wish them courage in taking risks. It is not always easy, but bold steps are rewarded.”

Opening the ceremony, Acting Executive Director of Invest Bulgaria Agency, Angel Ivanov, emphasized:

“Foreign direct investment in Bulgaria during the first two months of the year exceeded €800 million—nearly double compared to the same period last year, despite the complex international environment. Over the past decades, Bulgaria has established itself as a competitive investment destination, with steadily improving quality of investments. The country attracts investors with its stable macroeconomic environment, favorable tax system, and above all, its human capital, which has become a key competitive advantage. Priority sectors for development remain manufacturing, information and communication technologies, research and development, and education.”

During the event, companies were awarded in various categories for their investment projects realized in 2025, with a strong focus on innovation, human capital development, regional growth, and sustainable business practices.

Honorary plaques were also presented to companies and institutions for their contribution to the country’s economic development.

In the category “High Contribution to Regional Development,” four companies were recognized: Varna Food Factory, Teklas Bulgaria, ZS Europe, and Ellatzite-Med.

The “Innovative Product” award was given to Optix.

The “Successful Startup” award went to Simobotics.

The “Infrastructure Achievement” award was presented to Industrial Park Shumen.

In the “Social Entrepreneurship” category, Alcomet (Shumen) was honored.

For “Sustainable Business,” plaques were awarded to Microak, Trakia Glass Bulgaria, and Healthy Bars.

In the category “Low Carbon Investment,” the winner was Air Liquide.

The award for “Municipality with the Most Investments in Bulgaria” was won for the third consecutive year by Stara Zagora. The municipality attracted and launched investments exceeding €300 million last year, with a total of 1,816 planned new jobs. Additional investment intentions for high-tech production have also been submitted and are currently under discussion with potential investors.

The prestigious “Golden Bull” statuettes were awarded in key categories:

“Greenfield Investment” – Intuitive Surgical Bulgaria EOOD (€42 million investment, over 170 new jobs)

“Investment in Human Capital” – Aero Technik BG OOD (nearly €16 million investment, over 120 new jobs)

“Business Expansion Investment” – Nestlé Bulgaria EAD (nearly €45 million investment, 119 new jobs)

“Innovative Business Investment” – Festo Bulgaria EOOD (€40 million investment, over 140 new jobs)

The grand prize “Investor of the Year 2025” was awarded to BTL Industries Bulgaria. The award was presented by President Iliyana Yotova. The company has invested €51 million in a new production facility in Plovdiv, creating over 700 new jobs.

The ceremony concluded with a traditional group photo of all awarded companies, official guests, and organizers.