The project “Establishment of a Center for Defence Innovations” is financed under the Operational Programme “Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation”.
CENTER FOR DEFENCE INNOVATIONS (CDI)
National Platform for Dual-Use Innovations in Support of Bulgaria’s Security, Defense and Industrial Development
The Center for Defence Innovations brings together science, industry and institutions to develop, test and implement dual-use technologies - from unmanned systems to artificial intelligence and cybersecurity.
Procedure details
Procedure description
Sofia Tech Park is establishing a Center for Defence Innovations (CDI) to support the development, testing and implementation of innovative technologies and solutions in the field of defence and security. The main objective of the procedure is to build a sustainable environment for cooperation among enterprises, research organisations, higher education institutions and public institutions. The Center will provide access to specialised infrastructure, expert support, and opportunities for the development and validation of innovative solutions applicable to the defence sector. The expected results include the establishment and operation of a Center for Defence Innovations, increased research and development capacity, support for innovative projects, and the promotion of technology transfer and interaction among business, science and the public sector. The operation is implemented with the financial support of the European Union.
Project overview
Rationale for establishment
The Center is being established pursuant to Council of Ministers Decision No. 415 of 25 June 2025, which assigns Sofia Tech Park AD public policy objectives in the field of security and defence - supporting Bulgaria’s strategic independence, promoting military-technical cooperation in accordance with NATO and EU standards, and developing national capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and drone technologies.
Vision
The Center for Defence Innovations aims to establish itself as a leading national platform for the development, connection, testing, validation and support of the implementation of innovative dual-use technologies in the interests of security, defence, industrial development and Bulgaria’s strategic resilience.
Mission
The Center supports government policy by planning, coordinating and implementing activities and projects in the field of defence innovation and dual-use technologies. It brings together institutions, research organisations, industry, start-ups and international partners in a common environment for cooperation.
Strategic objectives
- Supporting Bulgaria’s strategic independence through research and innovation in dual-use technologies
- Promoting national and international cooperation in the field of security and defence
- Supporting military-technical cooperation in accordance with NATO and European Union standards
- Achieving sustainable progress and increasing the competitiveness of national industry
- Supporting the development of national capabilities in the field of unmanned aerial vehicles and drone technologies
Activities
Priority areas
- Unmanned systems and drone technologies
- Dual-use technologies
- Artificial intelligence, automation and data processing
- Cybersecurity and cyber resilience
- Sensor technologies, communications and integrated systems
- Robotics and autonomous platforms
- New materials, manufacturing and energy solutions
Main areas of activity
- Research and development - identifying topics, building teams, developing prototypes and conducting field testing
- Project activities - applying for, implementing and reporting on projects under national, European and international programmes
- Testing, validation and demonstration of new technologies, systems and solutions
- Support for the innovation ecosystem - working with start-ups, SMEs and industrial partners, as well as organising thematic events and accelerator programmes
- Analytical, expert and consultancy activities - preparing analyses, opinions and recommendations for the development of the ecosystem
- Communication and representation activities - promoting results and attracting partners and investors
Implementation stages
- Year one - establishing and structuring the unit, formalising partnerships and mapping national capabilities
- Year two - expanding project, research and partnership activities, as well as conducting tests and demonstrations
- Year three - consolidating the results achieved, ensuring sustainability and preparing for the next programming period
Cooperation and partnerships
Coordination and cooperation with the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation (MIDT), the Ministry of Defence (MoD), and the Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry (MEII)
Cooperation with the Defence Institute“Professor Tsvetan Lazarov” - a foundational long-term partnership involving joint projects, testing activities and expert engagements
Cooperation with universities and research organisations - joint research and development, and the training of specialists and experts
Cooperation with industry - development and testing of technological solutions, industrial implementation and technology transfer
International cooperation - participation in joint projects and consortia within the framework of the EU and NATO, exchange of experience and access to new markets
EU funding
Funding statement
The “Defence Innovation Centre” project is implemented under the “Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation” Programme 2021–2027, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. The total project value is EUR 15,338,710.93, of which 92.13% is EU co-financing.
The content of this page is the sole responsibility of Sofia Tech Park AD and does not in any way reflect the official position of the European Union.
News
Contacts
Contact us