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Bulgarian start-up BioBliss wins AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2025
AmCham EU and Junior Achievement Europe (JA Europe) are delighted to announce that BioBliss is the winner of the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2025. Following the previous four editions, this year was again dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Sophia Nikolova, won over the jury by providing a renewable alternative to lithium and cobalt-based batteries.
BioBliss is a sustainable business that transforms organic waste into eco-friendly button-cell batteries, which are used to power small portable electronics devices. These offer a renewable alternative to lithium and cobalt-based solutions. Founded on the principle of the circular economy, BioBliss reclaims valuable materials from organic by-products to create affordable, high-performance batteries that meet both environmental and market demands. By replacing rare minerals with hard carbon sourced from bio-waste, the company combines innovation with sustainability to deliver a product line that reduces landfill emissions, supports resource efficiency and advances the transition to a greener economy.
Sophia Nikolova, Founder and CEO of BioBliss, is a high school student from Sofia, Bulgaria, who is active in international youth programmes and environmental initiatives.
The distinguished jury was composed of Antoine Janssens, General Manager, Europe, Middle East and Africa, Chevron Phillips Chemical Company; Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU; Eva Maydell, MEP (EPP, BG); John Simmons, Minister Counselor for Commercial Affairs, US Mission to the EU and Sarah Wheaton, Chief Policy Correspondent, Politico Europe.
Along with the award, Sophia will receive a prize of 10,000 Euros and executive mentorship from top European CEOs of AmCham EU member companies.
Malte Lohan, CEO, AmCham EU said: ‘The creativity and dedication shown by BioBliss and the innovation demonstrated by each of this year’s finalists exemplify the vital role of female entrepreneurs in driving Europe’s green transition. I am proud to recognise leaders like Sophia Nikolova who are advancing sustainability, bringing new dynamism to the Single Market and inspiring the next generation of women innovators across Europe.’
Diana Filip, Deputy CEO and Chief Development Officer, JA Europe said: ‘Over more than a decade of collaboration through the Youth Entrepreneurship Award, we’ve seen how young entrepreneurs, especially women, are shaping the future of Europe. With 11 winning startups, 10 still thriving today, and over 170 jobs created, the impact is real and lasting. This year’s BioBliss continues that legacy: Sophia Nikolova not only brings bold innovation, but also represents the kind of purposeful leadership Europe needs. It’s inspiring to see young women like winner take the lead in building a more sustainable and inclusive future.‘
The AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award was launched in 2013 to recognise young people who have chosen to become entrepreneurs and to foster entrepreneurship in Europe. The initiative is supported by AmCham EU's Executive Council and organised in collaboration with JA Europe. The three finalists are presented with a monetary prize toward their start-up and will receive mentorship from top European CEOs of AmCham EU member companies. AmCham EU also makes a contribution to the three local JA Europe organisations, recognising their contributions to fostering entrepreneurship at local level.
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About AmCham EU
AmCham EU speaks for American companies committed to Europe on trade, investment and competitiveness issues. It aims to ensure a growth-orientated business and investment climate in Europe. AmCham EU facilitates the resolution of transatlantic issues that impact business and plays a role in creating better understanding of EU and US positions on business matters. Aggregate US investment in Europe totalled more than €3.7 trillion in 2022, directly supports more than 4.9 million jobs in Europe, and generates billions of euros annually in income, trade and research and development.
About JA Europe
JA Europe is the largest organisation in Europe dedicated to preparing young people for employment and entrepreneurship. JA Europe is a member of JA Worldwide® which for 100 years has delivered hands on, experiential learning in entrepreneurship, work readiness and financial literacy. JA creates pathways for employability, job creation and financial success. Together we work in 41 countries in Europe, offering 4 million learning experiences every year in core programmes and inspiring millions more through online events and activities. JA Worldwide was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize 2022. For the fourth year in a row, JA Worldwide was selected in 2022 as a top-ten global NGO by thedotgood (formerly NGO Advisor).