The fourth edition of Tech Park Talks by Sofia Tech Park will take place on 31 October 2024

Technology in the battle against fake news and misinformation is the theme of the episode, which is produced in partnership with Out Loud Foundation

The new edition of Tech Park Talks - The Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth will focus on one of the most pressing and important issues of modern society - fake news and online misinformation, as well as on the role of science and technology in preventing the spread of malicious information and counteracting its effects.

The fourth episode of Sofia Tech Park's technology, business and science series- Tech Park Talks will take place on 31 October 2024 at 19.00 in the Innovation Forum "John Atanasoff" of the Science and Technology Park.

Leading Bulgarian specialists in cybersecurity, information and communication technologies, journalists and media experts will be speakers at the event:

• Georgi Sharkov PhD - Head of the Cybersecurity Lab at Sofia Tech Park, Director of the European Software Institute Center Eastern Europe and member of the Advisory Board of the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies - BASCOM;
• Antoaneta Nikolova - communications expert and journalist with extensive experience in international and European affairs, media legislation and online regulations, Director of the Advisory Board of the Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI);
• Nikolay Nikolov - multimedia journalist and filmmaker exploring the new frontiers of visual content at The New York Times;
• Nikolay Nikolov - multimedia journalist and filmmaker exploring the new frontiers of visual content at The New York Times;
• Dobroslav Dimitrov - Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies (BASCOM) and Chairman of the Bulgarian Employers Association Innovative Technologies (BRAIT);
• Krasimir Kotsev - cybersecurity specialist, founder and CEO of one of the most successful Bulgarian cybersecurity companies SoCyber and the startup Kikimora.io;
• Vladislav Venev - Director of Information and Communication Technology Security at bTV Media Group, expert in information and cyber security with over 20 years of experience, lecturer and presenter, member of the Bulgarian Association "Corporate Security"​ (BACS) and the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2);
• Polya Alexandrova - journalist and PR manager, Head of Corporate Communications at Philip Morris Bulgaria.

Moderator of Tech Park Talks The Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth will be the host of 120 minutes on bTV, Svetoslav Ivanov.

In the high-tech era, it is crucial that the public is familiar with methods for identifying fake news, techniques for recognizing manipulative texts and visuals, and the most effective technological and other tools for countering disinformation. The aim of Tech Park Talks I The Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth is to put the topic high on the agenda and to discuss it systematically and consistently at expert level in order to preserve public trust in traditional and new media and to ensure that citizens receive reliable, trustworthy and truthful information without the risk of being misled and manipulated. Among the highlights of the format will be the topic of how contradictory data creates misconceptions that affect wide swathes of society around the world, creating information chaos and uncertainty, and whether professionals in one of the new professions of the 21st century - fact-checkers - are effectively countering online misinformation.

In the context of the rapidly evolving technology and global information overload, Tech Park Talks will also address the topic of cybersecurity, which is essential for the protection of personal data and other growing threats in the online space.

Tech Park Talks is a series of motivational, educational, informative and discussion events aimed at creating a platform for dialogue between professionals from different industries, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

The co-organizers of the format are Out Loud Foundation and Ivan Radev Studio.

Media partners of Tech Park Talks are bTV Media Group. Bulgarian News Agency, 24 Chasa.

The event is supported by Philip Morris Bulgaria and is intended for people over 18 years of age.

The initiative is part of Sofia Tech Park's participation in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) under the InnoForward project №101052626, co-funded by the European Commission.

Link for free registration: https://bit.ly/3Y5CGDU

26th of September 2024 – The Eurocluster Project is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive portfolio aimed at addressing the critical skills gap faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. This strategic initiative is designed to support upskilling and reskilling efforts, enabling potential employees to acquire the essential skills required to excel in their roles.
As SMEs continue to adapt to the rapidly evolving market landscape, one of their biggest challenges remains the growing disparity between the demand for skilled professionals and the current availability of qualified candidates. To address this, the Eurocluster Project, in collaboration with various clusters, has developed a robust portfolio of services and training programs tailored to meet industry needs.
The portfolio offers a diverse range of educational and training opportunities, including workshops, certification programs, and practical courses, all aimed at empowering professionals with the competencies needed for the modern workplace. This resource is a vital tool for both employers seeking skilled talent and individuals looking to enhance their career prospects.
The portfolio is now available for access, providing a detailed overview of the services offered by clusters throughout the duration of the project. To learn more and explore the available programs.

Visit the link: https://lnkd.in/e5aJjGBj

About Eurocluster Project

The Eurocluster Project is a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening the European economy by supporting SMEs through innovation, skills development, and cross-sectoral collaboration. By connecting clusters across Europe, the project aims to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in various industries.

Project Partners Visit Pomurje Technology Park at the “Forum of 3D and Welding Technologies”

Project partners recently toured the Pomurje Technology Park (PTP) as part of the “Forum of 3D and Welding Technologies,” where they were warmly welcomed by Mr. Marko Močnik, the Director of PTP. The event kicked off with insightful presentations on 3D technologies delivered by Dr. Teodor Štimec and Goran Radulović, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge innovation in this field.

The discussions that followed allowed partners to engage with PTP's management team, gaining a deeper understanding of the park's history, ongoing initiatives, and its exciting future plans. A key focus of the conversations was identifying new services and business models that could foster further collaboration. The team also reviewed previous projects to assess past achievements and lessons learned.

One of the highlights of the visit was the conversation surrounding potential applications and partnerships within the Danube DNA project. The partners delved into possible pilot and training activities, exploring how they could work together to bring these concepts to life.

The event wrapped up with a tour of Abicor Binzel’s demo lab, a leader in welding technology and training. Here, the partners witnessed live demonstrations and joint testing activities using PTP's advanced equipment. Looking ahead, PTP is considering Bosnia and Herzegovina and/or Bulgaria as potential partner countries for its pilot project in 3D scanning and rapid prototyping. Both countries will need to confirm their interest with relevant stakeholders before moving forward.

This visit was a significant step in fostering closer collaboration between regional and international partners in the field of 3D and welding technologies.

The meeting was organised by one of the partners: TECOS, which hosted us in the capital of Slovenia.

🔍 During the consortium meeting, the project activities were summarized, the achieved indicators 📊 and conclusions were discussed, and reporting work at the final stage was planned 📑.

🏆 On 25 September 2024, the final event took place, showcasing the groundbreaking results of the project funded by the European Union 🇪🇺. The event focused on knowledge transfer experiments 🔄, fostering collaboration between SMEs, artists 🎨, and technology providers ⚙️.

🌍 Over the past few years, the Better Factory project has helped manufacturing SMEs across Europe increase their competitiveness by integrating artistic creativity into industrial innovation.

Major Announcement

The Mechatronics Cluster is taking significant steps to revolutionize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We are pleased to share that the initial trend analyses are now available, providing valuable insights that continue to evolve. At a recent project meeting in Pilsen, these findings were further explored. A special thanks goes to Marek Bureš and Renáta Csabai for organizing such a productive and inspiring event.

🎯 Next steps: AI training sessions will soon be offered, specifically designed for companies operating in the Manufacturing, Agrifood, and Health sectors.

Stay connected for more updates as we continue advancing innovation in these key industries.

🔗 Follow us to stay informed about the latest developments.

Link: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/brain

We’re excited to share that the latest METACITIES project plenary meeting was successfully held on September 12-13, 2024, at the vibrant DIGIHUB Co-working Space in Burgas, Bulgaria. This dynamic event brought together all project partners to review progress, tackle key milestones, and map out the future of the initiative.

The agenda was packed with insightful discussions on the METACITIES business plans, cutting-edge technical developments, and the innovative joint toolkit that is currently in the works. The team also placed a strong focus on outreach and knowledge-sharing strategies, reinforcing the collaboration and driving the project forward.

Link: https://metacities-hub.com/

Don´t miss these webinars on the 22nd of October!

Explore the promising opportunities in Taiwan’s booming high-tech and microelectronics sectors! As a global leader in technology and a major producer of semiconductors, Taiwan offers immense potential. In our webinar, we’ll provide valuable insights on how to tap into this market, export your products to Taiwan, and build a strong presence in this innovative landscape. You’ll gain practical advice from a market expert and hear the success story of an SME already thriving in Taiwan.

Join this interactive session featuring a Q&A with expert Pascal Viaud, who will discuss the “Taiwanese Paradox” and their distinctive innovation strategy. He’ll guide you through the process of exporting to Taiwan or leveraging it as a gateway to global markets, highlighting new opportunities beyond the traditional ODM/OEM model, with a focus on partnerships and collaboration.

This event is organized by Silicon Saxony as part of the Eurocluster project, connecting industry professionals to help you expand into the Taiwanese market.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

For more information check these links:
• Taiwan - https://lnkd.in/dcm8HJ3D
• US - https://lnkd.in/d8ZcpgB5

Within the scope of the European project Silicon Eurocluster, the 2nd Webinar on “Innovation Exchange & Funding Opportunities for SMEs in the (micro) electronics industrial ecosystem” will take place on September 18, 2024.

This webinar is organized by TICE.PT Cluster within the scope of the Silicon Eurocluster project. ICT Cluster is a partner in the project.

This webinar will address new EC funding opportunities dedicated to Digital and Green transitions and detail European Innovation Council initiatives and opportunities on Business Acceleration. 

PROGRAM (CET time zone)

10:30H | Open Session, Luis Miguel Silva, TICE.PT

10:35H | EUREKA – Cluster XECS Funding opportunities, Polina Pereira, ANI

10:55H | EU Funding opportunities for Green and Digital Transitions /

                Horizon Europe Cluster 4 – Afonso Duarte, ANI

11:10H | Business Scale-up – EIC opportunities, Afonso Duarte, ANI

11:25H | Cascade Funding – Process & Opportunities, Laure Tassigny, Minalogic

11:30H | Q&A

11:40H | Closing Words, Luis Miguel Silva, TICE.PT

Link: https://bit.ly/46ssnxy

 On July 24, 2024, the annual competition for the John Atanasoff Award of the President of the Republic will start, named after the world-famous inventor of Bulgarian origin John Atanasoff - the creator of the first electronic digital computer with regenerative memory. 

Since 2003 – the beginning of the initiative, the John Atanasoff Award has been awarded to young Bulgarian scientists and researchers in the field of computer science for their outstanding achievements worldwide.
Among the laureates of the Presidential Prize are heads of research centers of the world's leading computer science research institutes and multinational companies.

Participants in the competition in 2024 will compete for awards in the following categories:1. John Atanasoff Award of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria;
2. Two Diplomas "John Atanasoff – Students and Their Teachers" – the first for successes achieved during the year by a student-teacher team in the International Olympiads in Informatics and the second for successes achieved during the year by a student-teacher team in the Olympiads in Information Technology;
3. Diploma "John Atanasoff – a project with a high public contribution";
4.Diploma "John Atanasoff – Debut Breakthrough in the Field of Computer Technology";

5. Diploma "John Atanasoff – Inspirer and Creator of Talents". The winners of the John Atanasoff Award and Diplomas are determined by a jury composed of leading Bulgarian scientists and experts in the field of computer science.

 The deadline for applying for the awards in the individual categories of the John Atanasoff Award initiative is September 11, 2024.

 The rules for each of the categories and the necessary documents for participation in the competition are published on the website of the presidential institution.
📲 Additional information can be obtained by phone. 02/92 39 289 and 02/92 39 393, as well as by e-mail: nagradajohnatanasoff@president.bg .

A Fascinating Tale of Arts and Crafts: The Journey of Two Visionary Entrepreneurs

We are thrilled to spotlight a remarkable story of entrepreneurial collaboration and artistic innovation, featuring Margarita Panayotova and Georgia Doetzer. Through the "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs" program, these two dynamic women embarked on a transformative journey that opened new doors for their respective ventures.

Meet the Entrepreneurs:

New Entrepreneur:

• Name: Margarita Panayotova
• Country: Bulgaria
• Age: 25
• Company Name: Batcrafts
• Sector: Art Crafts

Host Entrepreneur:

• Name: Georgia Doetzer
• Country: Cyprus
• Age: 60
• Company Name: Rialto Cultural Center
• Sector: Performing Arts Theater
• Website: Rialto Cultural Center

The exchange, spanning from July 24, 2023, to October 24, 2023, was part of the "Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs" program, designed to facilitate the sharing of knowledge, skills, and ideas between budding and seasoned entrepreneurs.

A Synergistic Collaboration:

Margarita, an ambitious young entrepreneur from Bulgaria, and Georgia, a seasoned cultural center director from Cyprus, found common ground through their passion for the arts. The program provided Margarita with a unique opportunity to gain practical insights into her business plan, guided by Georgia's extensive experience in the performing arts sector.

• Margarita Panayotova: “Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs brought me on a transformative journey, allowing me to collaborate with a visionary entrepreneur, expand my business skills, and establish connections that will resonate throughout my entrepreneurial career.”
• Georgia Doetzer: “Participating in Erasmus for Young Entrepreneurs sparked a vibrant collaboration. As the host entrepreneur, I had the privilege of mentoring a creative mind, blending sustainable art into our cultural events, and building a relationship that ensures ongoing creativity and positive impact.”

The Collaborative Process:

The collaboration kicked off with an in-depth discussion about Margarita’s business idea, target audience, and desired outcomes. Georgia provided valuable feedback, while Margarita offered fresh perspectives on Georgia’s current marketing activities. Together, they explored ways to promote Margarita’s products, emphasizing the importance of animal welfare—a cause close to Margarita’s heart.

This joint effort exemplifies how the exchange of knowledge and experience can lead to mutually beneficial outcomes. By combining new perspectives with established methods, Margarita and Georgia showcased the potential for inspiring results.

Skills and Benefits:

The project facilitated the development of a wide range of skills essential for entrepreneurial success:

1. Event Coordination: Practical experience in planning, organizing, and executing events.
2. Marketing Strategies: Insights into effective marketing techniques and product promotion.
3. Product Development: Refinement of product development skills through collaborative efforts.
4. Networking: Expansion of professional networks, connecting with key stakeholders.
5. Leadership Skills: Cultivation of leadership qualities through active project management.
6. Financial Management: Practical experience in budgeting, expense tracking, and resource allocation.
7. Customer-Relationship Management: Building and maintaining strong connections with clients and partners.
8. Project Management: Mastery of planning, execution, and evaluation from project inception to completion.
9. Digital Marketing: Proficiency in leveraging online platforms for broader audience reach.

A Vision for the Future:

Imagine a dynamic fusion of creativity and compassion: online art exhibitions where Margarita’s captivating art meets Georgia’s expertly orchestrated events dedicated to animal welfare. These exhibitions could transcend borders, captivating global audiences and fostering support for noble causes while generating revenue for both organizations.

Stay tuned for more inspiring success stories from the world of business!

AIWeeder is a fully autonomous weeding robot in the form of a light-weighted (70-80 kg), 4-wheeled electric engines rover, with photovoltaic panels on top, using 100% solar energy to power all onboard systems. The weeding modules are undermounted on a stable delivery system, allowing for precise weeds targeting. A down-facing camera captures images of plants, which are then analysed by Artificial Intelligence based on deep neural networks to distinguish weeds from cultivated plants and guide the weeding modules. The weeds are removed via contact (mechanical) or contactless (energy beam) weeding modules, depending on weed size, type and soil conditions. A front-facing camera aided by smart algorithms helps the robot self-navigate along the rows of plants. Off-the-shelf multi-GNSS (GPS, Galileo) navigation system, combined with both cameras inputs and support software, provides end-of-row turning capability and robust special orientation around the field. Several integrated devices ensure constant 2-way communication with a central company data and monitoring hub.

The proposed solution is very well-suited for weeding in all row crops under 1.2 m in height, giving us a huge market potential, both in EU but worldwide as well. We estimate the total market potential to be >€40B worldwide and €6.5B in EU only. We will however start with a well-chosen initial target market – herbal and aromatic plants and organic vegetable farmers in Southern Europe. Farmers in these regions are the most neglected by competitors both due to the difficulties of weather and terrain but also due to the relatively smaller sizes of farms. For us though this is a great opportunity to both rapid market growth and supporting the general EU trends of more eco-friendly agriculture and fighting the challenges of the climate change.

Our plans for the next 2 years include:

• refine our MVP and produce multiple prototypes to be able to launch an increasing number of field pilots
• further expand our early adopter network in summer and autumn with more organic herbal plants farmers and vegetable growers to diversify feedback and improve our solution's fit across various agricultural settings.
• sign pre-sales agreements with up to 10 farmers for spring 2025 to secure initial revenue in market launch.
• bolster our team by recruiting 10-15 specialists in engineering, software development and AI, enhancing our R&D capacity.
• increase market visibility through industry fairs and events participation, amplifying our outreach and forging strategic connections.
• following successful pilots, secure new investments to accelerate R&D, scale operations and expand team to solidify our leadership in autonomous weeding and field data analysis, with the aim of market launch in 2025.

Here you can see a movie/animation that shows the working principle of the robot at the levels: https://smartfarmrobotix.eu/share_files/SFRLongerVideo-v2.mp4