AmCham EU and Junior Achievement Europe (JA Europe) are delighted to announce that AMIRA Meditech, a Bulgarian start-up, is the winner of the AmCham EU Youth Entrepreneurship Award 2023. Following the previous three editions, this year was again dedicated to women entrepreneurs. Natalia Konova, Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder captivated the jury with her dedication to fighting antimicrobial resistance and optimise antibiotic prescriptions in hospitals.

To fight antimicrobial resistance, AMIRA has developed a software solution to optimise antibiotic prescriptions in hospitals. By monitoring and controlling antibiotic usage, AMIRA helps doctors save time and decreases hospitals' resources. Through one-of-a-kind prediction models and more quickly adapting to the guidelines for treating infections, AMIRA seeks to preserve the effectiveness of antibiotics and save millions of lives. The algorithm is based on latest European and national guidelines for treating infections, as well as the legal documents of the antibiotics and each hospital's unique antibiotic resistance. 

Chief Executive Officer and Co-founder Natalia Konova is a clinical pharmacologist at the Alexandrovska Hospital in Sofia, Bulgaria. She is also currently undertaking a PhD in improving the effectiveness and safety of antibiotics in hospital settings from Sofia’s Medical University’s Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology. 

The distinguished jury was composed of Kelly Adams-Smith, Deputy Chief of Mission, US Mission to the EU; Daniel Calleja Crespo, Director-General, Legal Services, European Commission; Susan Danger, CEO of AmCham EU; Chris Delaney, President EMEA, Goodyear Europe ; and Eva Maydell, Member of the European Parliament. The jury had the difficult task of choosing a winner amongst three Junior Achievement Europe alumnae:  Alexandra Dimitriadou, CEO and Co-founder of MammoCheck from Cyprus; Natalia Konova, CEO and Co-founder of AMIRA Meditech from Bulgaria; and Alexia Vasilaki, Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Drug n Drop from Greece. 

Upon receiving the prize of 10,000 Euros and the executive mentorship, Natalia said that 'the funding will allow the start-up to raise the issue of antimicrobial resistance amongst healthcare professionals and the general public, while the mentorship will help us grow and support patients across Europe.'

Susan Danger, CEO, AmCham EU, said: 'I am proud to continue the tradition of supporting emerging women leaders in business. Natalia Konova's story shows how much you learn by starting your own business, an important reminder as we celebrate the European Year of Skills. Entrepreneurship is the basis for driving innovation and creativity and spurring new businesses in a competitive world.' 

Salvatore Nigro, CEO, JA Europe, said that ‘It is truly remarkable and significant that all three finalists this year are tackling some of the most pressing issues faced by our healthcare systems, and contribute to building a vibrant start-up ecosystem in Europe!’

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 winner is 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