The Cluster as a Catalyst for Innovation: Highlights from the Workshop on February 5, 2026

Yesterday, February 5, 2026, a workshop was held at the Iliev Center for Education and Culture on the topic "The Cluster as a Tool for Innovation and Project Expansion in 2026". The event brought together members and partners of the cluster, as well as leading experts, to consider the organization's path in 2026 for a stronger presence on the European technology map through the themes of Sofia and the highlights of European funding.

A special guest at the meeting was Assoc: Prof. Dr. Boyan Zhekov, National Coordinator of the Horizon Europe program.

He presented specific opportunities for breakthrough in large international consortia, focusing on: Digitalization (Cluster 4) and Energy/Mobility (Cluster 5) as main niches for the cluster members and for the organization as such. He also outlined several important strategies for successful participation in the "Grand Slam" of European projects.

Prof. Dr. Rumen Nikolov presented the advantages of cascade funding. It was emphasized that voucher schemes are extremely suitable for SMEs due to the minimal administrative burden.

Vihra Andonova explained how municipalities and NGOs can transfer innovations for urban development through the Interreg program.

Dimitar Hristov presented the “cluster formula for success”, emphasizing the role of the cluster in the project chain and the possibilities for mixing different schemes, such as the combination of Cities Mission and cascade funding.

Finally, Miroslav Dzhunev from Ernst & Young provided valuable guidance on strategic financing. He explained how companies can combine grants with R&D tax breaks and financial instruments under InvestEU.

The meeting lasted longer than expected and ended with a discussion that confirmed that clustering is the most direct path to technological and economic expansion this year.