site.btaGovernment Establishes Defence Innovation Centre

The Council of Ministers decided to establish a Defence Innovation Centre as a unit within Sofia Tech Park, said the Government Information Service on Tuesday. The centre will serve as a hub for testing new technologies and developing prototypes, with a focus on drones and advanced defence systems. It will leverage the park’s strategic location, infrastructure, and collaborative ecosystem to drive technological progress, economic growth, and enhance Bulgaria’s role in defence innovation.

In partnership with the Bulgarian Defence Institute, the centre will align research and development efforts with national military priorities, integrate expert knowledge, and jointly develop solutions that strengthen Bulgaria’s defense capabilities and contribute to NATO and EU security goals.

The centre is also expected to foster collaboration among startups, small and medium-sized enterprises, international companies, universities, and government institutions, positioning Bulgaria as a competitive player on the defence market. It will benefit from the resources of Sofia Tech Park and ensure the rapid development of market-relevant innovations.

To coordinate communication between institutions and the Defence Innovation Centre, a Coordination Council will be established by order of the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth, the Minister of Defence, and the Minister of Economy and Industry. The council will include officials from all three ministries.

The center's funding is expected to be provided through EU shared management funds, with the budget to be included in the current amendment of programmes managed by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.