Bulgarian digital cluster specializes in the development and implementation of digital technologies in the industry and supporting business growth opportunities.
The cluster unites SMEs, universities and digital hubs and offers a wide range of digital technologies and services. The cluster’s mission is to combine the potential of cluster members to increase their competitiveness and internationalization and to help SMEs to become more competitive through the use of digital technologies in business processes, products or services.
The members of the cluster are specialized in the following areas: Artificial Intelligence, Automation, Big Data, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, IoT, Industry 4.0, Cloud Computing, Web Development, Digital Marketing, Digital Printing.
The activities of the cluster are focused on sectors of the economy such as Manufacturing, Services, Retail, Finance, Health and Mobility.
The cluster’s activities are also focused on helping managers and young people to develop digital literacy and online safety skills and improve their management skills.
Developing digital skills has become critical to professional success. These skills include generic competencies like conducting internet research, online communication via email or instant messaging, the use of professional online platforms, and knowledge of digital financial services. Our activities also include developing advanced digital skills, including coding, software and app development, network management, Big Data analysis, the Internet of Things (IoT), cybersecurity and blockchain technologies.
Bulgarian Digital Cluster participates in a consortium planning a project called “LEARN MANAGEMENT USING CHESS.”
Services:
- Support for the participation in trade fairs and exhibitions
- Training
- Research
- Support for B2B matchmaking
- Facilitation of collaboration between members
- Website development
- Digital marketing
- Providing information about funding opportunities
Membership
Bulgarian Digital Cluster is a member of Pact for Skills – a shared engagement model for skills development in Europe, launched by the European Commission.
As a member of the Pact BDC signed up to the Charter and its key principles:
Key principles of the Charter:
- Promoting a culture of lifelong learning for all
- Building strong skills partnerships
- Monitoring skills supply/demand and anticipating skills needs
- Working against discrimination and for gender equality and equal opportunities
Projects
FutureProofTextiles: SME Support for Digital and Green Resilience
The FutureProofTextiles project aims to support 40 SMEs in the textile industry as they navigate the twin transitions toward digital transformation and green sustainability. The textile sector, vital to Europe’s economy, faces significant challenges in adopting advanced technologies and sustainable practices, especially among small and medium enterprises (SMEs) with limited resources. This project provides direct financial support, capacity building, and collaborative opportunities to empower SMEs and enhance their resilience, competitiveness, and innovation potential.
The project will offer €50,000 cascade funding grants to 40 SMEs—20 focusing on digital innovation (e.g., automation, AI, and data analytics) and 20 on green initiatives (e.g., circular economy practices, waste reduction, and sustainable material use). In addition to financial assistance, SMEs will benefit from training programs, mentoring, and access to a collaborative innovation space to foster idea generation and knowledge sharing.
Key objectives:
– Facilitate the adoption of digital tools and technologies to improve efficiency and productivity in the textile sector.
– Promote sustainable practices by integrating circular economy principles, reducing waste, and enhancing resource efficiency.
– Build capacity among SMEs through tailored training, mentoring, and technical support.
– Strengthen cross-border collaboration to create a connected and innovative ecosystem for textile SMEs.
Led by UNIWA and supported by a strong consortium of partners, including CS-POINTEX (Italy), GREMI Textiles (Spain), AECIM (Spain), Bulgarian Digital Cluster (Bulgaria), BCCI (Turkey), GW LLC (Ukraine), CCE (Ukraine), and BUTEKOM (Turkey), the project brings together technical expertise, regional engagement, and a shared commitment to sustainability and innovation.
Expected outcomes:
Implementation of transformative digital and green projects by 40 SMEs.
Enhanced resilience, competitiveness and sustainability across the European textile sector.
Bulgarian Digital Cluster has developed a platform for a local producer of made-to-measure shirts. Through the platform the user can completely customize and order their shirt – selecting fabric, type of collars, cuffs, front part, pockets, back part, shirt bottom, sleeve placket, monogram, collar bones, measurement.
In 2022 Bulgarian Digital Cluster was an associated partner of the MPowerBIO project – a 30-month project (May 2020 to October 2022) receiving funding from the Bio-Based Industries Joint Undertaking under the European Union’s Horizon 2020 Research and Innovation Programme.
MPowerBIO has deployed a Cluster Capacity Building Programme for SME clusters, along with an integrated SME Business Support Programme for 350 selected SMEs from these cluster’s networks.
In September 2022 Bulgarian Digital Cluster participated in a physical exchange in Denmark in the project EXXTRA (EXcellence EXchange and Teaming-up between Railway clusters and ecosystems).
Bulgarian Digital Cluster took part in EU-Canada ECCP Matchmaking Event 2024
Bulgarian Digital Cluster took part in EU-Singapore ECCP Matchmaking Event 2024
