The National Innovation Fund (NIF), established in 2025, is the sole state instrument providing non-repayable support for innovation projects on a regular basis, ensuring predictable and long-term support for businesses and research organisations.

The National Innovation Fund (NIF) was established in accordance with Article 52 of the Act on the Promotion of Research and Innovation (APRI) as a legal entity with its registered seat in the city of Sofia. The Managing Director of the Fund is a secondary authorising officer under the budget of the Ministry of Innovation and Growth. By Council of Ministers Decree No. 132 of 22 July 2025, the Rules of Procedure of the National Innovation Fund were adopted (promulgated in the State Gazette, issue No. 60 of 25 July 2025, in force as of 25 July 2025).

The NIF was entered on 31 July 2025 in the BULSTAT Register under number 181417928, with legal status: a legal entity within the sphere of state authority, with registered seat and address: Republic of Bulgaria, Sofia City Region, Stolichna Municipality, city of Sofia, Sredets District, postcode 1000, 12 Knyaz Alexander I Street.

The NIF is the legal successor to, and builds upon, the activities and functions of the previous National Innovation Fund under the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (archival structure), with a particular focus on projects of strategic importance.