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

Event

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

Event

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.

Cenex Expo 2024

Event

For the second year in a row, arch. Lyubomir Stanislavov, CEO of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, had the honor of attending the Cenex Expo 2024, held on September 4-5 at UTAC Millbrook, UK, by invitation of the British Embassy Sofia. The event’s extensive seminar program and exhibition spaces offered excellent opportunities to explore cutting-edge advancements and establish new collaborations in the fields of net-zero technologies and connected automated mobility. This visit is part of our partnership with British Embassy aimed at promoting innovation and fostering stronger international ties within the automotive industry.

TAYSAD & Automotive Cluster Bulgaria Matchmaking Event

Event

Automotive Cluster Bulgaria had the pleasure to participate in a forum organized by our partners from TAYSAD in Kocaeli, Turkey on February 23, 2024, which aimed to strengthen the bilateral relations between the Bulgarian and Turkish automotive industries. Throughout the event, our members had the chance to present their activities and achievements, as well as to meet with representatives of prominent Turkish automotive companies. We would like to express a heartfelt thank you to TAYSAD for the gracious invitation, the hospitality and the opportunity to explore partnerships and shared initiatives driving innovation and growth within the industry.