I love to look into the future and travel the world

Who is Kiril Kandilarov?

Biotechnologist and co-founder of the "Kandilarov" Laboratory. Works in the field of laboratory diagnostics and scientific research. Part of the team that has been providing medical and laboratory services to the Bulgarian Antarctic base on Livingston Island for eight years. Co-founder of the telemedicine platform "Heltyko".

Introduce yourself in a few sentences.

I love to look into the future and travel the world. I am a curious person, which is why I engage in research that I hope will help people. Together with my brother, we created the Kandilarov Laboratory, where hundreds of people are tested every day. As a biotechnologist, I always view people as an integral part of nature.

What did you dream of becoming in your childhood?

As a child, I dreamed of becoming a doctor. The Kandilarov Laboratory partly fulfilled this dream of mine, as my work is related to providing medical services and working with patients.

At what age did you earn your first money? Tell us about an interesting incident.

I was a 19-year-old student when I started working in a German hospital as a nursing assistant. It happened that during three months of my student vacations, I worked with only two or three days off. One of the most important things I learned from my direct supervisor at the hospital, Mrs. Martin, is to understand employees, support them, and be their support. Then their effort and willingness to work is greater.

What are the main factors and examples that shape us as individuals at an early age and form our interests? What is your recipe for curiosity?

As children, we always look up to our parents and, of course, the friendships we manage to create. My grandfather was also curious, spoke seven languages, and graduated in Switzerland. He made his fortune from working with tobacco and silk and was a cosmopolitan person. I hope that at least I inherited my curiosity from him. Of course, books, and once books were read, opened those worlds that today are traveled through social networks.

Has there been any significant change in your perceptions in more mature age regarding what motivates you to do or not do something?

A person always changes with age, and so do their interests. They begin to seek the values that are important to them and the direction of their personal development. They part with some illusions and enter others, but this has always made life more beautiful.

Whose decision was it where to pursue higher education and what to study? Was this decision correct, viewed from today's perspective?

The decision was mine, and no one could influence me to embark on such a complex science as biotechnology. Scientific discoveries today prove the importance of this discipline in the treatment of many diseases. My work in Germany showed me the global standards in the development of this science and made me ambitious. Perhaps that is why, at the age of 28, my brother Nayden and I created the Kandilarov Laboratory.

Share more about your interests, knowledge, skills, and hobbies.

My acquaintance with Professor Pimpirev made me dream of Antarctica. The trust that Professor Pimpirev and the Bulgarian Antarctic Institute placed in us eight years ago to establish a laboratory in Antarctica and care for the health of Bulgarian scientists on Livingston Island is a great honor. For me, Antarctica is the most beautiful place on earth, with strict laws for the protection of the continent and biodiversity. 

In addition to the Kandilarov Laboratory in Bulgaria, my life is also connected with our laboratory in Antarctica, where we conduct scientific research. Another cause with my brother is the Zograf Monastery. I also love to travel in jungles and wild places. 

In 2016, we launched the telemedicine startup "Heltyko," which officially started at the end of 2019. The COVID-19 pandemic showed the need for such a service. Today we work with over 200 doctors from the country and abroad.

Would you change your profession today and which fields of activity capture your interest?

It is a bit late to change my profession, and the opportunity to develop projects in different fields brings me satisfaction and meaning.

What would you like to hear about your personal brand today?

I am glad when people trust us and are satisfied with the service we offer. When they return to us because they believe in the quality and reliability of the results.

How do you cope with the daily challenges of life?

There is no way for a person to cope with every challenge, but sports help, and the connection with the spiritual brings hope and balance. I love to play football. When I am in Sofia, I have not missed playing twice a week for 30 years. 

What are the most important conclusions for proper communication with people?

I strive to listen before I speak. This is the formula that helps me the most.

What do you think about money and what is its influence on life?

There is a parable about the foolish rich man who wanted to accumulate lots of money, to rest, to eat, to have fun, and God appeared to him and said, "Fool, tonight I will demand your soul. To whom will this be left, what you have prepared?" The conclusion is that we will take nothing from this world. Money is important, but not the most important thing. 

Years ago, I read about a study in England and how much money is needed to be happy. The study showed that people who can cover their daily needs and have money to travel are happy. And those who have a lot of money are not happier than them.

What is the most valuable advice you would give to people?

To believe in goodness. To be good and to help. Try to be good to each other - this way you will spend less time regretting your mistakes someday, and that day always comes. Try to be positive and to help. A person is not a lonely being; nature has brilliantly taken care of us being together, and that is how we have created society.