Innovation clusters receive significant support to expand their activities and services

Iliyana Ilieva, the Director of the Directorate General "European Funds for Competitiveness" (DG EFC) at the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, launched the first information day on the procedure "Support for the development of existing innovation clusters" under the Program "Scientific Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation". The event was held in Sofia.

Ilieva emphasized that this measure continues the support for innovation clusters that was provided in the previous programming period, with the current focus being on clusters that have existed for at least three years. The budget of the procedure is close to 49 million leva, with no minimum amount of funding set, and a maximum of 19.6 million leva. Up to 100% financing is envisaged for activities related to the protection of intellectual rights and property at the national and international level.

The innovation structures will be able to finance the upgrading of their business model or existing assets, including with shared infrastructure and know-how. Operating activities, the organization of training programs, conferences or other events, as well as the establishment of partnerships with digital and innovation hubs to support enterprises and other institutions or organizations will be covered.

The next information days on the procedure will be held in Burgas, Plovdiv, Varna and Gabrovo in June and July 2025.