Announcing partnership with Ds Smith for the Automotive Forum 2026

We are excited to announce our partnership with DS Smith for this year’s Annual Conference Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 on May 20. Companies attending the conference will have the opportunity to purchase customized eco-friendly stands, designed to remain with them after the event, providing lasting visibility and sustainable value. We are proud to support businesses through this initiative, giving them the chance to showcase their offerings and connect with other companies in a professional and engaging environment. The conference will also feature eco-conscious details throughout the venue, including cocktail tables and recycling bins, ensuring that sustainability is integrated into every aspect of the event experience. This partnership reflects our commitment to promoting environmentally responsible solutions while fostering networking and business growth opportunities for all participants. Companies interested in taking advantage of this opportunity are invited to contact us for more information.

The Automotive and Defense Industries with a Shared Focus: Autonomous Systems

Experts from the technology and defense sectors explored the intersections between the automotive industry and defense during the Innovations Day: Autonomous Systems & Defense forum held on February 25 at Sofia Tech Park. The event was organized by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, in its role as project coordinator, together with Grand Tour Technology. It is part of the project led by Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria — a European Digital Innovation Hub supporting digital transformation and innovation in the automotive and manufacturing sectors. The hub aims to promote the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable innovation across the industry. Through this project, participating companies gain access to training, certifications, events, demonstrations, and other services to support digital transformation and strengthen competitiveness. The forum brought together industry representatives, engineers, security experts, and members of the innovation ecosystem to discuss the advancement of autonomous unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and airspace protection technologies. During the opening, Automotive Cluster Bulgaria’s Executive Director, Lyubomir Stanislavov highlighted the strong connection between the automotive and defense sectors, emphasizing that highly trained automotive engineers can play a key role in developing next-generation autonomous technologies. Key program highlights included solutions for full autonomy in unmanned platforms based on artificial intelligence and edge computing, presented by Tihomir Nedev, Co-founder and CEO of Fadron. Integrated Counter-UAS solutions for airspace protection with a focus on civilian applications were presented by Ivo Karaneshev, and Dimitar Peikov from Grand Tour Technology. Topics related to AI-powered drones and intelligent security systems were discussed by Ivan Ivanov, Co-founder and CEO of Autonomous Monitoring Systems. Solutions for countermeasures and the protection of critical infrastructure and defense assets were showcased by Dimitry Nedov, Co-founder and CTO of SpearX. Regulatory aspects and challenges related to dual-use technologies were addressed by Tomas Dimitrov from Logos, an expert in European space policy, defense, and security. The event format encouraged in-depth discussions and direct exchange between participants, with a strong focus on real-world applications of autonomous technologies in both industry and security. Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria also announced that a series of free training sessions for end users will begin next week. The first session starts 05.03-06.03 and will focus on Lean practices and cost reduction, followed by a cybersecurity training on March 25. These trainings are offered under the De Minimis procedure and are free for participants. In addition, the hub highlighted that trainings can also be conducted on-site at companies. The hub also confirmed that additional events on topics relevant to the automotive and manufacturing sectors will be organized throughout the year. More photos of the event you may find in the Event Gallery.

Training: Cybersecurity in Digital Manufacturing

Registration link: Киберсигурност в дигиталното производство : Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria *The training is free fllowing de minimis procedure. You can find more about it in the following link: Безплатни обучения за дигитализация и иновации: Какво е de minimis? – Automotive Cluster Bulgaria On March 25th, 2026, a one-day training program titled Cybersecurity in Digital Manufacturing will take place at Sofia Tech Park (Incubator Building), available in on-site, online, and hybrid formats. Why attend ? As manufacturing becomes increasingly digitalized, cyber risks grow rapidly. This training will help companies understand how to protect industrial processes, prevent incidents, and respond effectively when disruptions occur. Focus Protection of digitalized production environments and reduction of cybersecurity risks in industrial settings, including practical guidance for compliance with the NIS2 Directive. Key Topics The program covers the business context of digitalization, key threats and cyberattacks in industrial environments, and their potential impact on production and operations. Participants will learn about organizational and technical prevention measures, incident response and recovery approaches, as well as the requirements of the NIS2 Directive, including the necessary processes and technological measures for compliance. What you will learn ? After completing the training, participants will be able to identify and assess cybersecurity risks specific to digital manufacturing, evaluate the potential business impact of incidents, recognize key mitigation measures, apply essential elements of incident response planning, and understand NIS2 compliance requirements. Who should attend ? IT engineers · Network administrators · System administrators · Operational managers The training is suitable for SMEs, large enterprises, mid-caps, and public organizations. Trainer : Kliment Yanev — System Architect for Network and Information Security at Novatel Ltd., holding CCIE Security and CompTIA CySA+ certifications.He has extensive experience in designing and implementing secure network architectures, including segmentation, access control, resilient infrastructure, and deployment of NGFW, IPS, WAF, SIEM, and EDR/XDR solutions, with a strong focus on incident detection, response, and operational risk reduction. Training Format Presentations · Open discussions · Real IT audit examples · Corrective measures analysis If you want, I can also prepare a shorter promotional version for social media or email invitations.

Training: Cost Reduction through Elimination of Production Losses

Registration link: Намаляване на себестойността чрез елиминиране на загубите в производството : Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria On March 05th and 06th, a two-day training program will take place at Sofia Tech Park, dedicated to how companies can create more value without overload and organizational chaos—using practical solutions that can be applied starting the very next working day. The event focuses on the practical application of Lean Thinking in both manufacturing and business environments and aims to help organizations reduce costs by eliminating waste in their processes. Participation is free of charge upon completion of the required documentation under the de minimis scheme. Trainings are suitable only for micro-enterprises, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), large enterprises, mid-cap enterprises, as well as public organizations. During the program, participants will become familiar with the Lean Thinking mindset and the ability to “see” invisible waste. They will analyze the seven main types of waste (Muda) and work with real processes through Gemba-based analysis, which puts facts before opinions and emphasizes the role of leadership. Special attention will be given to capacity management without overload (Muri and Mura), the creation of Standard Work as a foundation for Kaizen, as well as learning through experience and reflection. Part of the training will also cover the role of artificial intelligence in Lean manufacturing, with practical examples of using AI as a “Sensei” rather than a controlling tool, along with a discussion of potential risks. After the training, participants will gain skills in recognizing waste in real time, will analyze one of their own processes, create a standard and a concrete improvement plan, and develop a practical concept for applying AI in a Lean environment. The event format includes short lectures, real-life case studies, hands-on exercises, discussions, and structured reflection. The training is suitable for managers, leaders, planning specialists, accountants, finance professionals, and shift supervisors. The trainer will be Eng. Vladi Velikov—an expert with over 20 years of hands-on experience in process optimization, Lean methodologies, and information security. In his work, he analyzes real manufacturing and business processes, identifies waste, and supports teams in building sustainable solutions by combining Lean and systems thinking with modern technological approaches, including artificial intelligence. His project experience includes companies such as Siemens, Festo, Witte Automotive, Melexis, ING, TWS, Husqvarna, Econt, and others.

Безплатни обучения за дигитализация и иновации: Какво е de minimis?

Повишете конкурентоспособността на Вашата компания Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria е Европейски цифров иновационен хъб (ЕЦИХ), който подпомага малки, средни и големи компании от автомобилния и производствения сектор в процеса на дигитална трансформация и внедряване на иновации. В рамките на проекта предлагаме безплатни обучения с практическа насоченост.   Какво означава участие чрез държавна помощ de minimis Обученията са напълно безплатни за компанията благодарение на държавната помощ de minimis. Помощта може да се предоставя до 300 000 EUR на предприятие, като лимитът се прилага за период от три последователни финансови години, след което се възстановява. Повечето компании не достигат този праг, което позволява лесно и безпроблемно включване. 📄 Какво е необходимо за участие/Защо са нужни документите В тази връзка е необходимо попълването на стандартна документация, изисквана за всички бенефициенти на de minimis помощ в ЕС. Това не представлява проверка или контрол на дейността на компанията, а задължителна административна процедура. Допълнително се изисква набавяне на следните документи: Свидетелство за съдимост на управителя Удостоверение от НАП за наличие/липса на задължения Удостоверения за задължения към съответните общини Документ от ИА „Главна инспекция по труда“   Всички документи се издават онлайн от името на законния представител на компанията само за няколко дни. Нашият екип предоставя пълно съдействие и инструкции стъпка по стъпка. Обучения на място Предлагаме възможност обученията да се провеждат директно във Вашата фирма, което е особено подходящо за големите компании. Това позволява да се обучат повече служители с еднократно попълване на документацията, оптимизирайки административното усилие. Каква е ползата за Вас Обученията са безплатни и с пазарна стойност от няколко хиляди евро – без никакви финансови или административни задължения за Вас. Вашият екип придобива практическите умения, които директно повишават ефективността и конкурентоспособността на компанията. Свържете се с нас При интерес ще се радваме да Ви предоставим допълнителна информация и да Ви съдействаме при включването. https://automotive.bg/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Какво-е-De-minimis-1.mp4 Q&A 1.Мога ли да се включа в обученията като физическо лице? ❌ Обученията са предназначени за юридически лица (МСП, Mid-caps, големи предприятия), тъй като се предоставят в рамките на държавна помощ de minimis. В обученията участват служители и представители на компании, но документацията се подава от името на предстваляващия фирмата 2. Къде мога да проверя дали компанията ми е използвала de minimis помощ? ✅Информация за използвана държавна помощ de minimis може да бъде проверена чрез публичния Регистър на минималните помощи. 3. Компанията ми няма данни за използвана de minimis помощ. Какво означава това? ✅Това означава, че компанията най-вероятно не е използвала или не е достигнала лимита по de minimis, което е най-често срещаният случай. В такава ситуация няма пречка за участие в обученията и процедурата протича бързо и без усложнения. 4. Регистрирах се за обучение. Мога ли аз да подпиша документите? ❌Документите и декларациите трябва да бъдат подписани от законния представител на компанията (управител, изпълнителен директор и др.) или от упълномощено лице с изрично пълномощно. Участието в обучението обаче не е задължително за самия управител. 5. Сложна ли е процедурата и колко време отнема? Процедурата е стандартна и изцяло онлайн. Повечето документи се издават в рамките на няколко дни, а нашият екип предоставя пълно съдействие, за да се сведе административното усилие до минимум. 6. Имаме ли последващи задължения след обучението? ❌Не. След приключване на обучението няма финансови, отчетни или административни задължения за компанията. ✅Получавате знания и практически умения без допълнителни ангажименти. 7. Подходящи ли са обученията за големи компании? ✅Да. За големите предприятия предлагаме обучения на място в компанията, което позволява обучението на повече служители с еднократно попълване на документацията, с максимум ефект и минимум административната тежест.

Innovation’s Day: Autonomous Systems & Defence

Automotive and Mobility EDIH are pleased to invite you to a free event on: Innovation’s Day: Autonomous Systems & Defence The event will be held in Bulgarian 🗓 Date: 25.02⏰Time: 09:00-13:30🔗 Registration link:Innovations Day – Autonomous Systems & Defense · Luma On February 25, 2026, Sofia Tech Park – The Venue Hall, Incubator will host Innovations Day: Autonomous Systems & Defense, an expert-level event dedicated to the advancement of autonomous unmanned systems, artificial intelligence, and airspace protection technologies. The forum will bring together approximately 50 participants, including security and defense experts, engineers, industry representatives, and members of the innovation ecosystem. Leading Experts from the Technology and Defense Ecosystem Throughout the event, prominent speakers from Bulgaria’s technology and defense sectors will present cutting-edge solutions and real-world applications in autonomous systems and security. Among the speakers: Tihomir Nedev, Co-founder and CEO of Fadron, will discuss the role of artificial intelligence and edge computing in achieving full autonomy in unmanned platforms. Ivo Karaneshev, Autonomous Systems Control Engineer at Grand Tour Tech, will present integrated Counter-UAS solutions for airspace protection, with a focus on civilian applications. AI-powered drone technologies and intelligent security systems will be explored by Ivan Ivanov, Software Architect, CEO, and Co-founder of Autonomous Monitoring Systems. Dimitar Nedov, CTO and Co-founder of SpearX, will showcase solutions for countermeasure systems and the protection of critical infrastructure and defense assets. He will demonstrate how autonomous drone platforms equipped with integrated Edge AI and computer vision enable real-time threat detection, monitoring, and protection of strategic facilities. A regulatory perspective on dual-use technologies and related challenges will be presented by Tomas Dimitrov, Deputy Executive Director at Logos and expert in European space policy, defense, and security. Format and Focus The event format is designed to encourage in-depth discussions, practical insights, and direct exchange between speakers and participants. Start time: 09:00 AM Organizer The event is organized by Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria, a European Digital Innovation Hub supporting the digital transformation of the automotive and manufacturing sectors through Industry 4.0 technologies, artificial intelligence, and sustainable innovation. EDIH NWACB represents a partnership initiative based on long-term cooperation with leading organizations from the region and nationally significant partners who work on the development and digital transformation of the automotive and manufacturing sector in Bulgaria.

AI assistants in HR: from the first interview to daily communication

🔗 Registration: register.gotowebinar.com/#register/4873768261887805783?source=automotive+cluster The event will be held in Bulgarian Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, together with Konica Minolta Bulgaria, is organizing an online webinar focused on the practical application of AI assistants in HR processes. The webinar is part of the annual events program of the Automotive Cluster Bulgaria HR Working Group. The event will take place on February 12 at 10:00 a.m. via the GoTo Webinar platform. In the context of staff shortages, increasingly dynamic teams, and rising efficiency requirements, HR processes in manufacturing and engineering companies are under growing pressure. During the webinar, participants will explore real-life use cases demonstrating how AI assistants can support HR and management teams in their day-to-day activities. Key topics will include the initial screening of candidates using an AI voice assistant, onboarding of new employees through chat or voice assistants, and the delivery of training and instructions with improved clarity, consistency, and traceability. The session will also showcase how these AI solutions can be integrated into a broader digital HR ecosystem, including electronic employee records and leave management. The webinar will be led by Dimitar Sotirov, IT Solutions Team Leader at Konica Minolta Bulgaria. The event is intended for HR managers, recruitment specialists, operations and plant managers, as well as team leaders from manufacturing and engineering organizations.

Tommy Ver Elst, General Manager of Sensata Technologies Bulgaria, Elected Chair of the Board of ACB

Tommy Ver Elst, General Manager of Sensata Technologies in Bulgaria, has been elected Chair of the Board of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria during the organization’s Annual General Meeting, held on 3 December 2025 in Sofia. Under his leadership, and with the support of leading companies from the automotive industry, a new phase in the development of the Cluster is set to begin, focused on expanding activities and implementing a number of large-scale projects in close collaboration with business and industrial partners. About Tommy Ver ElstTommy Ver Elst has served as General Manager of Sensata Technologies Bulgaria since 2011, having joined the organization in 2009 as Operations Manager. In addition to his current responsibilities in Bulgaria, he also serves as Sensata’s Regional Operations Leader for Europe. He brings over 20 years of international management experience in cross-regional operations within dynamic, high-tech business environments, developing organizational structures and teams aimed at positioning the company as a preferred partner and employer. In 2025, Sensata Technologies Bulgaria was recognized with awards in various categories, including Innovation, Team Excellence, and Operational Excellence. Next year, the company will celebrate 25 years of sustainable development in Bulgaria. “The success of the Bulgarian automotive industry depends on how quickly companies adopt digitalization and high-tech solutions. With the active support of our members and partners, Automotive Cluster Bulgaria will assist companies in responding to the dynamic changes in the sector through new initiatives and strategic projects aimed at enhancing competitiveness and sustainable growth,” said Lubomir Stanislavov, Executive Director of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria. New Automotive Cluster Bulgaria Board of Directors: SENSATA TECHNOLOGIES BULGARIA EOOD AUTO PARK BULGARIA JSK EY FESTO GESTAMP ETEM AUTOMOTIVE BULGARIA HANON SYSTEMS PLOVDIV EOOD MELEXIS BULGARIA ROBERT BOSCH STANDARD PROFIL BULGARIA EAD STARCK TECHNOLOGY AD VIENNA REAL ESTATE VISTEON ELECTRONICS BULGARIA

Конкурс за попълване състава на екипа за изпълнение на проект № BG16RFPR002-1.002-0010; European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria

Hello world! Конкурс за попълване на състава на екипа за изпълнение на проект № BG16RFPR002-1.002-0010; European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (EDIH-NWACB) Финансиран по Програма “Научни изследвания, иновации и дигитализация за интелигентна трансформация”, BG16RFPR002-1.002 – Финансиран в избрани от Европейската комисия Европейски цифрови иновационни хъбове, отличени с „Печат за високи постижения“ Eкипът по управление на проект BG16RFPR002-1.002-0010; European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (EDIH-NWACB) Финансиран по Програма “Научни изследвания, иновации и дигитализация за интелигентна трансформация”, BG16RFPR002-1.002 – Финансиран в избрани от Европейската комисия Европейски цифрови иновационни хъбове, отличени с „Печат за високи постижения“ желае да назначи Технически експерт , който да направи изпълнете описаните функции и както следва: Дейности по поддържане на документооборота по проекта; Подпомагане на Техническото Отчитане; Контрол на качество и съответствие; Дейности в подкрепа на PR експерта по проекта. Място на изпълнение гр. София Срок на заетост – 36 месеца или до датата на проверените на разходите проект № BG16RFPR002-1.002-0010 Основни изисквания Образование – Висше образование, Образователно-квалификационна степен – „Бакалавър” в професионална област „Социални, стопански или правни науки” или еквивалентна, Професионално направление – „Администрация и управление“, „Международни отношения“, „Бизнес управление“ или еквивалентни за чуждестранни участници или за дипломи, издадени от чуждестранни висши учебни заведения; Изисквания за дейности за професионален опит – опит в изпълнение на техническо осигуряване за провеждане на събития, реализиране на допитване до различни групи от населението или дейности по управление на комуникацията. Допълнителни изисквания: Лични компетенции: Владеене на английски език, ниво минимум В2 по Европейска езикова рамка или еквивалент Опит в дейности, свързани с техническо осигуряване на документооборота Умения за работа в екип Работа с приложенията, част от Microsoft office пакет Необходими документи за кандидатстване: Автобиография (CV европейски формат), Диплома за висше образование, Други дипломи, свидетелства и удостоверения за придобита квалификация (ако е приложимо с оглед доказване на квалификация) Други документи, доказващи лични компетенции Срок за кандидатстване: 7 дни Начин за кандидатстване: онлайн на сайта на сдружението или през платформата на jobs.bg

AUTOMOTIVE CLUSTER BULGARIA HELD ITS ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE IN SOFIA IN JUNE

From April 25 to 27, Bulgaria was the host of the international conference Automotive & Battery Forum 2023, organized by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, in partnership with the InvestBulgaria Agency and Kinstellar. The event was held over three thematic days, during which over 40 established international experts from the automotive industry presented the latest breakthroughs and outlined the future development of battery technologies, digitilization of production, automotive software, cyber security, artificial intelligence and much more. The conference took place just one day after the signing of the declaration of Bulgaria’s accession to the European Battery Alliance – confirmation of our country’s and Automotive Cluster Bulgaria’s commitment to building a strong European battery value chain and a competitive industry. Among the official guests at the opening were the Deputy Prime Minister for the Management of European Funds Atanas Pekanov and the Minister of Economy and Industry Nikola Stoyanov. Deputy Prime Minister Pekanov emphasized the presence of all the prerequisites for a flourishing battery industry in our country, and Minister Stoyanov pointed out that electric mobility will determine the future of the industry in the next 10 years. It was also announced that a new industrial zone for the automotive industry would be established near the capital of Sofia – in Dobroslavtsi, which aims to attract new foreign investments with several government incentives and opportunities for partnerships. In line with the government’s efforts, Automotive Cluster Bulgaria continues to work actively to support new investors in finding suitable locations, partners and staff in Bulgaria. The Cluster has an impressive track-record, having already supported most of the large automotive investors in the region, such as Bosch Engineering Center, Etem Gestamp and many others, in their establishment in the country. On the second day of the Automotive & Battery Forum, which was named Innovation Day, several expert speakers discussed recent breakthroughs in the industry. Among them was Mariana Iteva from Veolia, who revealed what the company’s solutions are for a sustainable future of the industry. Eng. Krasimir Krastev from Siemens presented the company’s solutions guaranteeing safety in the production, storage and charging process of Li-Io batteries, and James Glover and Ross Bearman from Viridian EV and Orlin Radev from Ampeco took part in the panel on the future of charging infrastructure. The variety of international guests confirmed the increasing partnership of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria with several international organizations – Leena Thomas from Global Business Inroads talked about cooperation between India and Europe, while Abdullah Çerekçi from Zorlu Holding discussed the opportunities for partnership between Turkey and Bulgaria, which ACB is promoting thanks to a signed memorandum with its Turkish counterpart. The third day, Automotive Software Day, highlighted two key areas in the field of automotive – artificial intelligence and cyber security. This also corresponded with Automotive Cluster Bulgaria’s plans to develop a training center to upskill professionals in the automotive industry.