XXI National Innovation Forum: Sustainable Future, Clean Growth and Competitive Industry for Bulgaria

On December 9, 2025, the XXI National Innovation Forum – the most representative national platform for strategic dialogue on the topics of innovation, competitiveness and technological development in Bulgaria – was held in Sofia Balkan Palace. The forum traditionally brings together representatives of business, academia, public institutions and the entrepreneurial ecosystem to outline the direction of the future development of the Bulgarian economy and the national innovation system.

Organizers and focus of the XXI edition

The forum is organized by the Applied Research and Communications Fund and Enterprise Europe Network – Bulgaria. The event is realized with the assistance of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation – a partnership that emphasizes the role of the forum as a platform for public-private cooperation and for synchronization of national policies with European strategic priorities.

The forum has a clearly expressed dual focus: on the one hand - strategic analysis and policies through the presentation of the annual report "Innovations.bg", and on the other - concrete examples and successful practices through the competition "Innovative Enterprise of the Year" and the awarded companies. Thus, the initiative connects data and analysis with real business practice and provides a complete picture of the innovation ecosystem in the country.

The "Innovations.bg" 2025 Report: "Sustainable Future: Clean Growth, Competitive Industry and Economic Security"„

During the XXI National Innovation Forum, the edition of the strategic report "Innovations.bg" for 2025, developed by the team of ARC Consulting - the analytical unit of the Applied Research and Communications Foundation, was presented. The topic of the report is "Sustainable Future: Clean Growth, Competitive Industry and Economic Security", with the emphasis on the relationship between innovation, energy transition, technological sovereignty and the geopolitical environment.

In his opening remarks, the Chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Applied Research and Communications Foundation, Ognyan Shentov, emphasized that the world is entering a new era dominated by three key factors: economic security, technological sovereignty, and geostrategic positioning. The old model of globalization, focused on maximum efficiency and open borders, is gradually being replaced by „selective interdependence,“ in which supply chains are shortened, investments seek secure jurisdictions, and critical technologies are developed within trusted partnerships.

In this context, the ability to innovate is no longer just a driver of growth, but a condition for economic sustainability and national security. The Innovations.bg 2025 report emphasizes:

• Bulgaria's lagging behind regional competitors in terms of investments in human capital and in solutions based on artificial intelligence;
• the need for accelerated investments in high-performance computing infrastructure and proprietary AI platforms to reduce dependence on external technology providers;
• Bulgaria's potential, based on a strong ICT industry, developed scientific and technological infrastructure (including the ecosystem around Sofia Tech Park) and growing interest of young people in entrepreneurship and high-tech professions.

This analytical framework is particularly important for organizations working on topics such as digital transformation, regional development and innovation – including BIC Innobridge, which positions itself as a bridge between business, science and institutions at the regional level.

The "Innovative Enterprise of the Year" competition - a showcase of Bulgarian innovators

A key highlight of the forum's program is the award ceremony in the national competition "Innovative Enterprise of the Year". The competition honors Bulgarian companies from all sectors of the economy that demonstrate significant innovation contribution and sustainable market impact. It is part of the "Innovations.bg" initiative and is organized by the Applied Research and Communications Foundation, with the assistance of the European Commission Representation in Bulgaria and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.

The competition is recognized at European level as a good practice for promoting innovation in SMEs and high-tech companies, and the winners receive the right to use the Excellence in Innovation brand – a sign of leadership, sustainability and contribution to the knowledge economy. All 25 finalists in the 2025 edition acquire this right, which further increases their visibility to partners and investors in the country and abroad.

The categories in the competition reflect the key thematic areas of European and national policies - artificial intelligence and digital economy, green transformation, quality of life and biotechnology, startup entrepreneurship and market leadership in high-tech niches.

The winners in 2025: six companies with a vision for the future

In the 21st edition of the "Innovative Enterprise of the Year" competition, the jury honored six companies that embody different dimensions of innovation - from industrial AI and smart sensors to green solutions, bioproducts and deep-tech startups.

AI transformation, automation and digital economy: Waves Vision and AMG Technology

In the category "AI Transformation, Automation and Digital Economy", two companies received awards - Waves Vision and AMG Technology.

Waves Vision is a Bulgarian company headquartered in Ruse that develops hardware and software solutions for computer vision and AI-based inspection of manufacturing processes. Its vision inspection systems and embedded AI cameras help industrial customers automate quality control and reduce defects on production lines.

AMG Technology is a specialist in microelectromechanical systems and sensor technologies, developing one-, two- and three-dimensional sensors for precision measurements and industrial applications. The company's solutions support automation and digitalization in various sectors - from mechanical engineering to high-tech production lines.

Green technologies, energy sustainability and climate: MClimate

In the category „Green Technologies, Energy Sustainability and Climate“, the award went to MClimate, a company that develops smart devices and IoT solutions for energy efficiency in buildings. Its products help reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, while improving occupant comfort – a key example of how innovation supports green transformation and climate neutrality goals.

Innovations for quality of life, health and biotechnology: Organic Invest Bio Protection

In the category "Innovations for quality of life, health and biotechnology" the company "Organic Invest Bio Zashchita" was awarded. The company develops solutions in the field of biological protection and sustainable agricultural practices that reduce the use of chemicals and support a healthier and more environmentally friendly food chain. In this way, innovations become a tool for a better quality of life and a healthier environment for people and nature.

Startup with high innovation potential: Fadron

The "Startup with High Innovation Potential" award was awarded to Fadron, a young company founded in 2024 that is developing a system for rapid road inspection using its own vertically-takeoff drones and a data analysis platform based on artificial intelligence. The solution allows for much faster and more precise inspection of road infrastructure and is an example of a deep-tech startup with a clear practical application.

Market leadership: artificial intelligence, technological sovereignty and economic security: Wiser Technology

In the category "Market Leadership: Artificial Intelligence, Technological Sovereignty and Economic Security", the winner was Wiser Technology - a Bulgarian software company, listed on the Bulgarian Stock Exchange, which develops and implements complex AI and digital solutions for corporate clients in various industries. The company builds scalable automation and analysis platforms that support the digital transformation of enterprises and address the topics set out in the "Innovations.bg" 2025 report - increasing technological independence and economic security.

The role of the forum for the innovation ecosystem in Bulgaria

The XXI National Innovation Forum confirms its role as a key element in the architecture of the Bulgarian innovation ecosystem:

• provides a reliable analytical tool through the "Innovations.bg" report, which outlines the trends, weaknesses and opportunities of the national innovation system;
• creates a space for dialogue between politicians, business leaders, academics and scientists, where strategic topics such as clean growth, energy security and technological sovereignty are discussed;
• gives visibility to innovative enterprises and startups that are becoming drivers of the green and digital transition, and connects them with partners, investors and international markets;
• serves as a good practice on how national initiatives can be integrated into European policies and networks to support innovation.

For regional innovation centers and business incubators like BIC Innobridge, such forums are a valuable reference point and source of partnerships. They outline strategic priorities for the coming years – from investments in AI and digital solutions to green technologies and industrial transformation – and showcase specific companies and models that are already putting this vision into practice.

By participating in such initiatives, building regional partnerships and transferring knowledge to local SMEs, organizations such as BIC Innobridge can accelerate the implementation of innovations at the regional level and contribute to the positioning of Bulgaria as an active and competitive player on the European innovation map.