Networking Moments & Robert the robot

Event

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Automotive Forum and helped make the event such a valuable networking experience. We are excited to share a collection of memorable moments from the event, featuring inspiring conversations, new connections, and photos with Robert the Robot. Browse the gallery to relive the atmosphere, discover highlights from the networking sessions, and see if you can spot yourself among the participants. We look forward to seeing you again at our future events and continuing to build meaningful connections across the automotive community.

Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 – Digital, Sustainable & Connected Mobility

Event

Digital, Sustainable & Connected Mobility focused on the future of smart and sustainable transportation, highlighting innovations in digital solutions, customer experience, energy transition, and electric mobility. The session featured presentations by Leena Pishe Thomas, Director at Global Business Inroad, Ivan Simeonov, Product and Digital Process Manager at Silver Star, Dilyan Peychev, Technical Department Manager at Konica Minolta Bulgaria, Blagoy Burdin, Associate Professor at the Institute of Electrochemistry and Energy Systems at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (IEES–BAS), and Anıl Barış Açık, CEO & Founder of EVOM. Together, they shared insights on digital transformation, sustainable technologies, and the future of connected mobility in Europe and beyond.

Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 – Cross Industry

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The “Cross Industry” module at Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 brought together experts from aerospace, defense, security, and advanced technologies to explore the growing convergence between sectors driving innovation in Europe. The session featured presentations on connecting aerospace and automotive industries, challenges in civil-military innovation partnerships, and the evolving role of defense and security in Southeast Europe. Key speakers included Prof. Dr. Eng. Georgi Zhelev from the Institute of Space Research and Technology (ISR&T-BAS), Borislav Bankov, leader of NATO Test Centre on dual-use technologies under NATO DIANA, and Ralitsa Vaseva, Project Lead at SeeNext Insights. A panel discussion moderated by Nevena Krasteva, Editor-in-Chief of SeeNews, gathered representatives from security, space, and deep-tech industries, highlighting the importance of cross-sector collaboration. Panelists discussed topics ranging from European security frameworks and dual-use technologies to space innovation and industrial coordination.

Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 – Robotics & Automation

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The “Robotics and Automation” module at Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 brought together leading experts, innovators, and industry representatives to outline the next steps in the development of intelligent manufacturing. The panel featured topics related to the integration of robots in production processes, the role of automation and humanoid technologies, as well as the future of industrial transformation. Particular attention was drawn to the live demonstrations by Robert the Robot, showcasing the capabilities of modern robotics and innovation in action.

EDIH Day 2026: Network in Motion – Innovating for Tomorrow

EDIH NWACB, Event

The second day of Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, dedicated to the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) ecosystem, brought together experts, innovators, institutions, and technology leaders to discuss digital transformation, AI adoption, smart manufacturing, and the future of innovation ecosystems in Europe. Held on 21 May 2026 at the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum in Sofia Tech Park, the event focused on how EDIHs support companies through innovation services, digital skills, AI integration, cross-border collaboration, and technology adoption. The program featured speakers and experts from across Europe, including representatives from representatives from AI EDIH Hungary, EDIH Südwestfalen, EDIH Zagore, Ventspils High Technology Park (Latvia) and other innovation organizations and EDIH’s working at the intersection of industry, technology, and digital transformation. Among the highlights were discussions on AI adoption for SMEs, smart mobility ecosystems, digital collaboration between EDIHs, skills development, and the growing role of innovation hubs in strengthening regional competitiveness and industrial transformation.

Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 – The Future of Industry, Technology, and Mobility

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Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 took place on 20 May 2026 at the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum in Sofia Tech Park, bringing together leading representatives from the automotive, technology, and institutional sectors to discuss the future of mobility and industrial transformation. The conference focused on key trends shaping the automotive industry, including automation and robotics in manufacturing, software-defined vehicles, electric mobility, sustainable energy solutions, and the growing connection between the automotive, defense, and high-tech sectors. Among the keynote speakers were Marc Biron, CEO of Melexis, who shared insights on innovation and microelectronics in next-generation mobility, and Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA, who presented the European perspective on the sustainable transformation of the automotive industry. The forum also featured contributions from Iliya Lingorski of the Bulgarian National Bank and Dimitar Dimitrov from Deloitte CE, alongside panel discussions with industry representatives Tommy Ver Elst (Sensata Technologies), Sergey Selin (Hanon Systems), Delyan Kostov (Visteon Bulgaria), and Georgi Atanasov (Starck Technology), focusing on future trends, competitiveness, and the evolving global automotive landscape.

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

EDIH NWACB, Event

Experts from the technology and defense sectors explored the intersections between the automotive and defense industries at Innovations Day: Autonomous Systems & Defense on February 25 at Sofia Tech Park. Organized by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria as project coordinator, together with Grand Tour Technology, the event is part of a project led by Automotive & Mobility EDIH Bulgaria, a European Digital Innovation Hub supporting Industry 4.0, AI, and sustainable innovation. The forum brought together engineers, industry representatives, and security experts, featuring presentations on autonomous unmanned systems, AI-powered drones, airspace protection, and critical infrastructure defense by leading companies including Fadron, Grand Tour Technology, Autonomous Monitoring Systems, and SpearX. Regulatory challenges and dual-use technologies were also discussed. The hub announced free training sessions starting next week on Lean practices and cost reduction, followed by cybersecurity on March 25, with additional workshops planned throughout the year, including on-site sessions at companies. Full information about the event you may find in the News section.

IoT and Automotive Technologies: arch. Stanislavov at Business Talks 2026

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Lyubomir Stanislavov, CEO of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, participated in the Business Talks forum held on February 5 at the Inter Expo Center. He provided an overview of the automotive sector’s development and discussed how companies can stay on the winning side despite the industry’s challenges. In the panel discussion “Homes and Cars of the Future: IoT and Automotive”, Stanislavov explored connectivity opportunities through IoT and highlighted the role of automotive technologies in all aspects of modern production and services.

Opening Event of the European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria

EDIH NWACB, Event

The opening event of the European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria was held on June 12, 2025, at the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum in Sofia Tech Park. The event brought together leading experts, industry representatives, and members of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIHs) network to discuss the role of digitalisation, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity in industrial transformation. The programme presented the opportunities available to manufacturing companies, including access to expert support, “test before invest” services, specialised trainings, and free upskilling in areas such as industrial automation, digital manufacturing, and engineering software. Participants were also introduced to advisory services for business planning, innovation strategies, and preparation of projects for European funding. The initiative, coordinated by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria in partnership with national and academic organisations, aims to support the transition of the Bulgarian manufacturing industry towards Industry 4.0 by providing comprehensive, fully funded services that enhance competitiveness, innovation, and sustainable growth.

Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2025

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Automotive Forum 2025, organized by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, was held on June 11–12, 2025, at the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum in Sofia Tech Park. The event brought together leading automotive industry representatives, experts, and innovators to discuss key challenges and opportunities, with a strong focus on innovation, sustainability, digital transformation, artificial intelligence, electric mobility, and smart manufacturing. The forum featured keynote speakers and panel discussions with experts from ACAROM, EtherMind, Melexis, Silver Star, Visteon, Wiser Technology, Investbank, UK Battery Industrialisation Centre, and Yazaki, alongside dedicated networking sessions that fostered knowledge exchange and strategic partnerships.