site.bta Innovations, Advanced Technologies Crucial for Bulgaria's Defence and Security, Says Deputy Minister of Innovations and Growth

Deputy Innovation and Growth Minister Mira Yosifova attended the opening of the Industrial Forum, part of the International Defense Equipment and Services Exhibition HEMUS 2026, on Thursday in Plovdiv, her Ministry reported. She highlighted innovations in technology (within which are AI, blockchain, biotechnologies, etc.) as the future of Bulgaria’s economy as well as a crucial factor for achieving the State’s strategic priorities in defense and security. Yosifova stressed that Bulgaria has the potential and the necessary capacities to prove itself a leader in innovations.

The event, held by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, Ministry of Defense, Ministry of Economy, Investments and Industry, was attended by institutional representatives, the academic community, defense industry, high-tech companies, startups and NATO representatives.

Yosifova said that their efforts are aimed at encouraging innovations with strategic investments in the sector and evolving financing programmes to provide the companies with the resources needed to implement novelties in their practice. She also noted the necessity of increasing the budget intended for innovations in the public sector and pointed out the efforts made to attract private business initiatives.

The creation of an ecosystem, adaptable to the ever-changing and progressing business environment, was pointed an institutional priority by Yosifova, in order to stay ahead of the changes.

The Deputy Minister stated that the exhibition’s main goal is to create a net-working space between national, private and European financial sources and provide an opportunity for the Bulgarian industry to showcase its potential to manufacture global projects. She added that for the first time the forum hosted so many start-ups.

The event’s programme features a special panel on innovation and technologies in Small and Medium Enterprises, start-ups and dual-use companies, as well as on the relation between innovations and scientific research.