The Health and Life Sciences (HLS) sector in Bulgaria is set to see steady and accelerated growth in 2024–2025, with Sofia establishing itself as a leading center for innovation and research in the Southeastern Europe region.
Biotechnology
R&D in Bulgaria
Over €200 million
annual turnover from clinical research
56
companies are part of the Bulgarian
Biotechnology and Health Cluster
5800
specialists are members of the Bulgarian
Biotechnology and Health Cluster
Industry in Bulgaria
€10 billion
annual turnover
or 7.5% of the country’s GDP
22000+
companies
over 145,000
specialistsor 4.6% of all employed
Sofia’s talents
more than 128
medical centers in Sofia
conduct clinical trials
9000
students studying medicine, pharmacy,
dental medicine and healthcare
2000
students studying biology
and biotechnology
Biotech cluster
Health & Life Sciences Cluster Bulgaria was created as a national platform for cooperation in the field of biotechnology, healthcare and Life Sciences, with the aim of uniting a wide range of experts and organizations working for the development of the sector in Bulgaria. The cluster brings together scientists, researchers, medical and health professionals, academic and scientific institutions, start-up and established companies, international corporations, incubators, technology transfer structures, as well as experts in the fields of communications, marketing, investments and public policies. Through this interdisciplinary approach, the organization creates an environment for effective interaction between science, business and institutions and supports the transformation of scientific potential into applicable innovations and sustainable economic results.
By 2025, the cluster will establish its role as an active factor in the national and European innovation ecosystem, working to increase the competitiveness of the Bulgarian biotechnology and healthcare sector and to position the country as a regional center for Life Sciences in Southeast Europe. Its activities are aimed at promoting technology transfer, the development of innovative products and services, the creation of spin-off companies and the integration of Bulgarian organizations into international scientific and industrial networks.
Events
Spinoff Europe Conference 2026
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The largest European forum for academic spinoff companies, deeptech innovations and commercialization of scientific results. The fifth edition will bring together over 400 participants from 25+ countries – scientists, entrepreneurs, investors, clusters and European institutions.
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Focus: academic entrepreneurship, technology transfer, investments, HealthTech, MedTech, AI.
PRECISEU – Precision Medicine Schools (3rd and 4th editions)
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Part of the large-scale PRECISEU initiative under Horizon Europe. Bulgaria will host two consecutive editions focused on personalized, predictive and precision medicine (5P model).
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Target audience: healthcare professionals, researchers, entrepreneurs, public institutions.
360 Degree Lab for Personalized Medicine – event series
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A practice-oriented event series combining:
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– science panels
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– technology demonstrations
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– courses in AI, biomedicine and personalized medicine
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Strategic goal: building a Bulgarian Academy of Personalized Medicine.
Sources: Biotechnology and Health Cluster Bulgaria, Spinoff Europe Conference, PRECISEU, HealthTech Investor Summit