Managing Director of the National Innovation Fund

Boyka Vassileva has served as Managing Director of the National Innovation Fund since its establishment, leading its institutional development and strategic positioning as a key national instrument for supporting research, technological development and innovation.

Under her leadership, the Fund implements funding mechanisms aligned with European research and innovation policies and the priorities of the EU Framework Programme for Research and Innovation — Horizon Europe, as well as with programmes and initiatives within the Eureka network, including Eurostars-3. A key focus of her work is promoting the participation of Bulgarian enterprises and research organisations in international partnerships, cross-border projects and high-technology consortia.

Boyka Vassileva has extensive senior management experience in the banking and insurance sectors. She has served as Chief Executive Officer and Deputy Chair of the Management Board of the Bulgarian Export Insurance Agency, as well as Chair of its Supervisory Board. She has also held senior positions at Emporiki Bank Bulgaria EAD, Crédit Agricole Bulgaria EAD, TB Victoria EAD and United Bulgarian Bank AD, with responsibilities spanning corporate and investment banking, risk management and capital markets.

Her professional experience includes the structuring of financial instruments, the evaluation of investment projects and the management of public resources, with a strong focus on sustainability, transparency and efficiency. In leading the NIF, she applies a strategic approach aimed at ensuring a predictable and stable funding environment, stimulating innovation and strengthening the competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy within the European innovation landscape.

Contacts

Managing Director

Boyka Vassileva – b.vassileva@nif.government.bg

Secretary General

Iveta Filipova – i.philipova@nif.government.bg

Programmes Directorate

Vasilka Raycheva – Chief Expert, v.raycheva@nif.government.bg
Venetka Zdravkova – Senior Expert, v.zdravkova@nif.government.bg
Katya Todorova – Chief Expert, k.todorova@nif.government.bg
Nikolay Petrov – Chief Expert, n.petrov@nif.government.bg
Radostina Belcheva – Chief Expert, r.belcheva@nif.government.bg
Hristina Popova – Senior Expert, h.popova@nif.government.bg