Knowledge City: Mission and International Partnerships in 2026
January 1, 2026
In 2026, the Cluster Sofia Knowledge City (CSKC) enters a new stage of its development. Our mission remains unchanged: to transform the capital into a smart, sustainable and knowledge-based city. To achieve this goal, this year we are launching a large-scale campaign to build international consortia and capacity under key European programs.
Focus on European innovation
In line with the European Commission's work programs for the period 2026-2027, the cluster focuses its efforts on three main pillars:
- Digital and Smart Transformation (Horizon Europe): Integrating AI and Deep Tech solutions in the urban environment.
- Education and Skills for the Future (Erasmus+): Building alliances between business and academia to prepare talent in the ICT and biotechnology sectors.
- Cluster Resilience (Single Market Programme): Strengthening administrative capacity and supporting the internationalisation of our members through the Euroclusters model.
Reactivation and renewal of existing partnerships
Over the past few years, following our strategy to expand the cluster's innovation ecosystem in the region and internationally, we have signed a number of agreements with Bulgarian and international organizations and institutions. In view of our focus in 2026 and due to their expiration, they are about to be renewed or reactivated. Bulgarian partners include: Industrial Cluster Electric Vehicles (IKEM) (IKEM), Industrial Capital Association, Sofia Invest, BCCI (Investment Council), Sofia Tech Park, Krasna Polyana District - Sofia Municipality. Международните партньори включват: Cluster House - Serbia, INNOVA-Ria-Portugal, Cluster IT Transilvania - Romania, ITRI - Taiwan, CEEC - Singapore.
Open Call for Partnerships
The cluster will actively seek collaboration with leading European innovation ecosystems, universities and technology centers. Our role as a “bridge” in Southeastern Europe offers international partners unique access to a dynamic environment of high-tech SMEs and scientific capacity.
What’s next
Our goal for 2026 is not just participation in projects, but building a sustainable administrative and expert structure that will serve the interests of the Sofia innovation community in the long term. In the first quarter of 2026, the CSKC will participate in a number of international brokerage events to finalize its participation in new project proposals.
We believe that knowledge is the only resource that multiplies when shared.
Executive Director of Cluster Sofia Knowledge City
