The OECD.AI Policy Navigator

This initiative aims to enhance the start-up environment by providing support to entrepreneurs, particularly in the fields of innovation and technology, with a strong emphasis on AI. It focuses on improving access to venture capital and fostering a more effective policy framework for entrepreneurship. The initiative seeks to position Bulgaria as a competitive hub for startups, encouraging growth and development in various high-value industries.

Four European Digital Innovation Hubs operate in Bulgaria under the Digital Europe Programme, providing AI implementation support and technical expertise to SMEs and public organisations. The initiative is expanding with eight additional hubs. The four existing hubs include InnovationAmp, the European Digital Innovation Hub in the Construction Sector (EDIHCS); EDIH Thrace, and AgroHub.BG.

The Capital Investment Fund (CIF) is a Bulgarian fund that supports SMEs with strong growth potential through equity investments. It aims to co-invest with private equity funds and foster the development of Bulgaria's private equity ecosystem. The fund is sector-agnostic but actively supports innovation, including AI. A notable example is its 2022 investment of BGN 4 million (approximately EUR 2 million) in Barin Sports, a company developing AI systems to monitor athletes' performance.

The InvestEU Guarantee Programme is a financial initiative aimed at supporting SMEs in Europe. The programme offers loans of up to EUR 2 million to businesses focusing on innovation and digital transformation. It specifically covers projects that incorporate AI technologies, facilitating access to funding for companies looking to enhance their technological capabilities.

An industry association that strengthens Bulgaria's AI ecosystem by providing targeted support to AI companies and fostering collaboration across sectors. The cluster offers specialised programmes including professional development training, financing facilitation, technical guidance for AI implementation, and access to testing infrastructure. It creates partnerships between AI companies, research institutions, and government agencies to accelerate AI adoption in Bulgaria's business sector.

Priority 1 of PCIE is to implement the priorities set in the ISSS that support innovation capacity and digital transformation of enterprises. It includes a specific objective to provide grants and financial instruments to develop AI and other Industry 4.0 technologies.

Research institute established in partnership with ETH Zurich and EPFL, representing Eastern Europe's major initiative in AI and computer science research. The institute has achieved significant milestones including the development of BgGPT and establishment of deep-tech AI ventures. As a member of the ELLIS network, it focuses on advanced research in GPT models, computer vision, robotics, and quantum computing.

The Institute of Information and Communication Technologies, established by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences in 2010, advances research and innovation in information and communication technologies. The institute maintains state-of-the-art computing facilities and conducts research in advanced computing infrastructure, big data processing and AI. IICT-BAS provides specialised AI training and high-performance computing resources, with an emphasis on supporting doctoral research programmes.

Sub-goal 7.2 focuses on using big data in healthcare, specifically enabling the secondary use of health data for research and innovation. The necessary regulations to ensure this, aligned with European Commission recommendations, are currently under consideration and still being discussed.

Priority 4, "Electronic Healthcare," aims to create a digital transformation strategy for the healthcare sector, focusing on building a unified digital platform for improved diagnostics and treatment of key diseases. It will enhance communication among stakeholders while addressing concerns such as data privacy, cybersecurity, and workforce capacity.

Bulgaria's National Strategy for SMEs 2021–2027, adopted by the Council of Ministers on April 1, 2021, outlines a comprehensive policy framework to support the development and competitiveness of small and medium-sized enterprises. The strategy focuses on enhancing digital transformation, fostering innovation, improving access to finance, and strengthening the overall business environment for SMEs.

The National Roadmap for Research Infrastructure (2021–2027) is a strategic initiative to strengthen Bulgaria’s research capabilities. It supports the development of 51 research infrastructures, including the Avitohol supercomputer and INSAIT, to boost AI and high-performance computing (HPC) capacities. The initiative aligns with EU research frameworks to enhance innovation and competitiveness.

A comprehensive training initiative offering civil servants' practical education in AI applications through multiple formats including self-learning e-modules, face-to-face training, and interactive workshops. The program focuses on practical applications of AI in public administration and HR management.

The Institute of Public Administration conducts conferences, forums, and trainings on AI technologies, including AI’s use in governance and HR management.

Established in South-East Europe, spanning 4 widening countries: Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, and Cyprus. Supported by Sweden, Spain, and Germany. The primary aim is to establish a robust regional data space in healthcare as an initial step to creating a comprehensive EU data health space.

This platform is designed to improve of diagnostics and treatment of socially important diseases. It is also expected to facilitate communication between healthcare professionals and other relevant stakeholders.

The European Innovation Partnership Operational Groups in Bulgaria support innovative projects in agriculture, focusing on the integration of technologies such as AI and robotics. The initiative encourages collaboration among farmers, researchers, and SMEs to develop practical solutions that address real-world agricultural challenges.

AgroHub.BG serves as the country's Digital Innovation Hub (DIH) for agriculture. This platform facilitates communication and collaboration among various stakeholders in the agricultural sector, including farmers, technology providers, and policy institutions. AgroHub.BG aims to democratise access to knowledge and resources in the agrarian industry, enabling the development of innovative solutions to address sector-specific challenges. It is part of the AgroDigiRise project, funded by the EC.

The National Real-Time Water Management System in Bulgaria uses advanced technologies, including AI, to monitor and manage the country’s water resources. It tracks factors such as precipitation, snowmelt, and river flow in real time. The system aims to improve flood risk assessment and disaster preparedness.

The ForeSight Project is a European collaborative initiative that uses AI-powered tools to help civil protection agencies respond to emergencies. It focuses on predicting and managing wildfires and urban incidents. By combining advanced AI algorithms and real-time data, the project enhances safety and emergency response efficiency.