From 11 to 17 May 2025, a company mission to Bulgaria took place, with stops in Sofia and Varna. The aim was to initiate new innovation partnerships, explore cooperation opportunities with companies and research institutions, and advance joint project ideas.
The trip was organised by the Enterprise Europe Network in close cooperation with local partners. As part of the mission, a meeting of the European Innovation Collective was also held – a transnational research initiative involving participants from five countries. Nine new research topics were presented, including green energy, water treatment, battery safety, food innovation, and nanotechnology.
In Sofia, the delegation visited the University of Chemical Technology and Metallurgy, the National Centre for Mechatronics, and Sofia Tech Park. At the Applied Research and Communications Fund, innovative Bulgarian tech companies presented their solutions, and concrete cooperation opportunities were discussed. In Varna, the focus was on maritime technologies – with visits to the Naval Academy, Marine Cluster Bulgaria, and the company Technophos, which develops sustainable solutions for the chemical industry.
The company mission was an important step toward strengthening economic and scientific relations between Saxony-Anhalt and Bulgaria. Various follow-up activities are now underway – ranging from student exchanges and research cooperation to concrete business contacts between companies.