Sofia is increasingly establishing itself as an industrial and technological hub in Southeast Europe. There is growth in investment in highly efficient manufacturing, with a focus on automation and digitalization. The city and the country receive strong support from European programs such as Horizon Europe and Digital Europe, as well as from national funds and innovation centers such as Sofia Tech Park and INSAIT. Bulgarian companies are increasingly forming partnerships with leading international firms, which contributes to strengthening innovation and technological development in the region.
Highly efficient production
New project – AI factory "BRAIN++"
- Key facts:
- – Project under the auspices of the EuroHPC Joint Undertaking
- – Funding: €90 million, co-financed by the European Commission, the Bulgarian state and private investors
- – Location: Sofia Tech Park, research and technology zone
- Main components:
- – Extended version of the supercomputer Discoverer++
- – Research center in artificial intelligence – jointly with INSAIT and BAS
- – Business accelerator for startups in the field of machine learning and robotics
Objectives:
- – To accelerate the implementation of AI in manufacturing
- – Create an environment for collaboration between science, business, and technology
Table – BRAIN++ Features
| Component | Description |
| Funding | €90 million |
| Partners | EuroHPC, INSAIT, Sofia Tech Park, BAS |
| Target Sectors | Automation, robotics, surveillance, language models |
Technologies and Trends from Electroindustry 2025
| Topic | Short description |
| Industry 5.0 | Symbiosis between people, intelligent machines and AI |
| Cybersecurity | Data protection and production systems |
| Circular economy | Waste reduction and reuse |
| AI in energy systems | Consumption forecasting and automation |
Electroindustry 2025 Forum
- Held at Inter Expo Center – Sofia in June 2025
- Organizers: BASEL (Bulgarian Association for Electrical Engineering and Electronics) and EASPPM (European Association for Smart Manufacturing Grids)
- Participants: 150+ companies from 12 countries, including Germany, Austria, Czech Republic and Turkey
- KeyCompanies:
- – Schneider Electric – focus on energy efficiency and smart factories
- – Bosch Bulgaria – demonstrations of cyber-physical systems
- – Festo and Phoenix Contact – training and technologies for Industry 5.0
- Awardees:
- – Schneider Electric – Company of the Year for Energy Optimization Solutions
- – QUAZAR Competence Center – Excellent for Innovative Automation Solutions
Nuclear production – Opportunities
-
- International Forum: Supplier Symposium, organized by Westinghouse Electric Company
- Held in Sofia in April 2025.
- Objective: Informing and including Bulgarian manufacturers in the global supply chain of components for AP1000 reactors
- Business opportunities:
- Inclusion of companies such as ELKAB AD, Khimkomplekt, Mechatronics AD (Gabrovo)
- Establishing partnerships with global energy infrastructure providers
- New requirements for certification according to ISO, ASME and nuclear standards
Table – Nuclear Industry and Partnerships
| Element | Value / Significance |
| Project | New nuclear capacities – Kozloduy |
| Main supplier | Westinghouse (AP1000 reactors) |
| Participants from Bulgaria | 150+ companies – potential suppliers, including ELKAB, Chimkomplekt, Mechatronics |
Industrial indices – Beginning of 2025.
- Overall index of industrial production in Bulgaria: –3.5% compared to January 2024
- Mining industry: a decline of 19%, mainly due to reduced exports
- Energy manufacturing: growth of 12.5% thanks to RES and gas-fired power
- High-tech industries: steady growth, especially in electronics and mechanical engineering
- Conclusion: A clear transition to cleaner and smarter manufacturing solutions
Industrial areas in Sofia – 2025.
- New 35 projects for production and logistics buildings, implemented within the year
- Total area: 357,000 m², mainly in the areas of Bozhurishte, Kazichene and Gorni Bogrov
- Significant shortage of small modules under 1000 m² – especially sought after by new companies and start-up industry
- Current rents for Class A industrial spaces reach 5.3 €/m² and have potential growth due to increased demand
Conclusion and recommendations
- Follow the implementation of the project BRAIN++ and collaboration opportunities
- Participate in international forums such as ElectroindustryandSupplier Symposium
- Invest in industrial areas, especially in the segment under 1000 m²
- Prepare your teams for Industry 5.0 through training and technological renewal
- Follow the initiatives of INSAIT, Sofia Tech Park and EuroHPC for opportunities in innovation
Sources
Bulgarian Statistical Institute (NSI)
Bulgarian Biotech Database / Biotechgate
Documents from International Forums (2025)