The topic of women in innovations gathered over 200 guests at a round table organized by "Damski Forum"

THE TOPIC OF WOMEN IN INNOVATIONS GATHERED OVER 200 GUESTS AT A ROUND TABLE ORGANIZED BY "DAMSKE FORUM"

Ekaterina Zaharieva, Tomislav Donchev, and Dr. Evdokia Pasheva were special guests at the event, and CareerDailyNews.com was the media partner of the event!

Sofia, October 31, 2025. — With exceptional interest and over 200 guests, the inspiring conference "Women in Innovations", organized by the team of Association "Damski Forum". In the creative space Planet Schwarz Tech Theater, the event gathered representatives from business, science, and the public sector to discuss the role of women in the development of innovations and entrepreneurship in Bulgaria.

Among the special guests were Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Innovations, and Scientific Research, Dr. Evdokia Pasheva, corresponding member, Doctor of Biological Sciences, and Vice President of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, and Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovations and Growth.

In her speech, Ekaterina Zaharieva emphasized the importance of women's participation in modern science and entrepreneurship:

"Thirteen percent of those working in the field of science, entrepreneurship, and management positions in our country are women. Bulgaria ranks among the top six countries in Europe – proof that women here not only participate but drive innovations forward."

Tomislav Donchev presented the topic of women's leadership in an unconventional way, highlighting the fact that Bulgaria is among the good global examples where the development of women in business is not a problem but a reality.

"Thirteen percent of those working in the field of science, entrepreneurship, and management positions in our country are women. With this, Bulgaria ranks sixth in Europe," shared Ekaterina Zaharieva during the event.

Diana Miteva, Chair of the Management Board of "Damski Forum" pointed out recent data from the European Commission:

·       According to the latest data from the European Commission, Bulgarian women represent almost 49 % of all scientists and engineers, with their share in the academic sector reaching 55 %. In this regard, our country is among the absolute leaders in Europe – proof that women not only participate in science but drive it forward.

 

 

·       In the technology sector, women in our country make up about 27 % of IT specialists, placing Bulgaria third in the European Union. This is an achievement that speaks not only of education and competence but also of culture – of a society where talent has no gender, and opportunities are created through hard work, knowledge, and trust.

 

·       More and more Bulgarian women are choosing entrepreneurship – the path of risk, vision, and freedom. Only in Sofia, according to data from Sofia Investment Agency, about one quarter of startups – 25.4 % – are founded by women or have women among founders. This is one of the highest shares in Europe. And on a European scale, the share of startups founded entirely by women is only 10 % – proof that Bulgarian women not only participate but lead trends, pave ways, create new models, and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs.

 

In both panels and discussions, representatives from business and innovative startup companies participated, addressing key topics such as: Visionaries in action; The future in science and technologies; Women's access to funding and resources; The importance of education and mentorship; Creating policies that promote equal opportunities.

The event concluded with a call for joint efforts for sustainable development, more visibility, and support for women in science, technology, and entrepreneurship.

"Together we proved that talent has no gender, and innovations have no borders – they have courage, vision, and dedication," summarized the team of "Damski Forum".

 

Notes to editors:

About Association "Damski Forum" In "Damski Forum" there are over 155 ladies in high leadership positions or entrepreneurs with sustainable businesses. Their mission is to share life and business experience, exchange ideas, and work towards development of society, the position, and the role of women in it. The Chair of the Association is Diana Miteva, a long-time banker and co-founder of "Damski Forum". "Damski Forum" works in partnership with European Women On Boards and recently created a database of women, qualified for board membership in both business and government structures.