AGP Executive Report

AI in Public Audits: Bulgaria’s National Audit Office and Sofia University’s INSAIT will use AI to help check public procurement from 2027, aiming to halve routine review time while leaving findings and decisions to auditors. Mobile Cybersecurity: Researchers linked an APT29 campaign to compromised websites, including one associated with Bulgaria’s military sector. Malicious code targeted iOS and Android devices, seeking data such as browser cookies and passwords. Open Hardware: Bulgarian maker Olimex has launched a compact Ethernet add-on for Raspberry Pi RP2040/RP2350 and ESP32 boards, with support for Home Assistant projects. Antarctic Research: Bulgaria’s 35th Antarctic expedition is under way, with more than 35 research projects planned and a new field camp intended for Smith Island.

Cybersecurity: APT29-linked hackers used compromised websites and a hijacked analytics tool to target iOS and Android devices with known exploits. A Bulgarian military-related site was among those affected; payloads could steal cookies, Wi-Fi passwords and device data. Polar Research: Bulgaria’s research vessel set sail from Varna on its fifth Antarctic mission, supporting 18 scientific projects and plans for a new field camp on Smith Island. Startup Finance: Parliament is set to debate capital-market reforms that would let companies with multiple-vote shares list on SME growth markets, potentially easing funding access for innovative start-ups while adding safeguards for minority shareholders. AI Sector: Sofia-based Lexis Solutions has reached Select status in Anthropic’s Claude Partner Network, which recognises firms delivering AI systems for clients.

Antarctic Research: Bulgaria’s research vessel set sail from Varna on its fifth Antarctic mission, supporting 18 scientific projects and plans for a new field camp on Smith Island. Researchers will also search for historic shipwrecks; funding for Bulgarian Antarctic projects is secured through 2027. AI and Software: Sofia-based Lexis Solutions has earned Select status in Anthropic’s Claude Partner Network, one of just two Bulgarian firms among 331 listed partners. Its AI systems process more than two million company reports for local platform Finansi.bg. Space Technology: Bulgarian satellite maker EnduroSat secured a €34.5 million commitment from the European Innovation Council, among the largest EIC investments reported so far this year. AI Literacy: A Sofia University festival brought experts and young people together to discuss how AI-generated content and social media affect critical thinking and democracy. Species Conservation: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences researchers plan to release captive-bred endangered Dobruja hamsters into protected habitats this spring.

Aerospace: Bulgarian cargo-drone maker Dronamics announced a proposed merger with Nasdaq-listed GP-Act III Acquisition, targeting about $100 million in net proceeds to fund its commercial and international expansion. Space: Aerospace engineering student Tatyana Ivanova is training to become the first Bulgarian woman in space, with preparation including skydiving, scuba diving and spacesuit exercises. Advanced Manufacturing: Medical-equipment maker BTL plans to invest nearly €40 million in a second Plovdiv plant, adding industrial robotics, AI and advanced software as it expands production. Digital Infrastructure: A planned Europe–Asia data link across the Black Sea is expected to reach Bulgaria in 2027, strengthening the country’s role in regional connectivity. Research: Bulgarian scientists have contributed to research uncovering how DNA is organised inside the cell nucleus.

Space Ambitions: Aerospace engineering student Tatyana Ivanova is preparing for a possible astronaut career, with scuba, skydiving and spacesuit training as she pursues her goal of becoming the first Bulgarian woman in space. Advanced Manufacturing: Medical-equipment maker BTL plans to invest nearly €40 million in a second Plovdiv plant, adding industrial robotics, AI and advanced software, and creating more than 250 jobs. AI and Competitiveness: Deputy PM Atanas Pekanov says Europe must better embed AI in business and government to turn technological progress into productivity, pointing to EnduroSat and INSAIT as Bulgarian strengths. Nuclear Cooperation: Bulgaria and South Korea renewed their commitment to cooperation on the planned Kozloduy reactors and discussed broader ties in science, technology and digital industries. Digital Links: A Europe–Asia data connection via the Black Sea is expected to reach Bulgaria in 2027. Defence Innovation: Bulgaria is joining a NATO project to counter low-flying drones and missiles, while a Bulgarian maritime drone is being developed to monitor threats and protect shipping.

Nuclear and Tech Ties: Bulgaria and South Korea renewed cooperation on the planned Kozloduy reactors and discussed joint work in microelectronics, defence, science and digital industries. Hyundai Engineering & Construction is part of the consortium for two new units. Digital Infrastructure: A new Europe–Asia data link across the Black Sea is planned to reach Bulgaria in 2027, strengthening the country’s role in regional connectivity. Defence Technology: Bulgaria is joining a NATO initiative to counter low-flying drones and missiles, while a new Bulgarian drone is designed to monitor maritime threats and protect shipping. Science: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences researchers joined a Danube expedition during record-low water levels, documenting conditions at the mouths of four major tributaries in a new film. Bulgarian scientists also contributed to research into how DNA is organised inside the cell nucleus.

River Research: Bulgarian Academy of Sciences teams studied the Danube during record-low water levels, focusing on four major tributaries. Their findings will feature in a documentary screening in Sofia on November 10. High-Tech Investment: Bulgaria is courting South Korean projects in microelectronics, advanced manufacturing and innovation; talks with US officials also covered high technology and digital connectivity. Digital Links: A planned Europe–Asia data link across the Black Sea is expected to reach Bulgaria in 2027. Satellite Security: Lithuanian investigators say arson attacks on Starlink ground stations in Poland, Bulgaria and Lithuania were linked to one network, highlighting risks to communications infrastructure. Maritime Technology: Bulgaria has also announced a new drone designed to monitor maritime threats and protect shipping.

Maritime Security Tech: Bulgaria is moving to strengthen its Black Sea defences, joining a NATO initiative against low-flying drones and missiles. A newly developed Bulgarian drone is also set to monitor maritime threats and help protect shipping. Digital Infrastructure: An Europe–Asia data link via the Black Sea is expected to reach Bulgaria in 2027, while a new platform offers real-time road traffic information. Research: Bulgarian scientists have contributed to research into how DNA is organized inside the cell nucleus. The country’s 35th Antarctic expedition will involve 90 researchers and 35 projects. AI and Innovation: Bulgarian business leaders have discussed AI adoption and industrial strategy, while the innovation commissioner has stressed government support for startups.

Defence Technology: Bulgaria is joining a NATO effort to detect and counter low-flying drones, missiles and glide bombs, with allies planning joint procurement and technology development. A new Bulgarian drone is also set to monitor maritime threats and protect shipping. Digital Infrastructure: A data link connecting Europe and Asia through the Black Sea is expected to reach Bulgaria in 2027. AI and Robotics: NVIDIA and Sofia’s INSAIT are developing a platform to evaluate AI models in robotics, while Bulgarian businesses are weighing how to adopt AI. Industry and Research: Great Wall Motor plans to assemble Ora 5 cars in Bulgaria, with annual capacity of up to 50,000 vehicles. Bulgarian scientists also contributed to research into how DNA is organised inside the cell nucleus.

Maritime Technology: A Bulgarian team has built an autonomous, solar-powered drone to monitor shipping and environmental hazards in the Black Sea; tests are planned in Burgas Bay. Defence Innovation: Bulgaria has joined a NATO effort to develop and procure technology to detect and counter drones, missiles and other threats flying below 150 metres. AI and Robotics: Bulgaria’s INSAIT and NVIDIA are developing a platform to evaluate AI models in robotics. Startup Support: Belgian research institute imec is extending its start-up programme to Bulgaria, offering early-stage funding and an accelerator for digital and nano-electronics ventures. Advanced Manufacturing: Great Wall Motor plans to assemble vehicles in Bulgaria, with annual capacity of up to 50,000 units. Digital Infrastructure: A planned Europe–Asia data link across the Black Sea is expected to reach Bulgaria in 2027.

AI in Law: Bulgaria’s Supreme Bar Council chair says artificial intelligence could help tackle longstanding problems in justice and public services, as lawyers met in Ruse to discuss adoption and responsibilities. Defence Technology: Bulgaria has joined a NATO effort to develop and jointly procure systems that detect and counter drones, cruise missiles and other low-altitude threats. A Bulgarian team has also developed an autonomous, solar-powered maritime drone for Black Sea security and environmental monitoring, with tests planned near Burgas. Digital Infrastructure: A Europe–Asia data link via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Black Sea is due to reach Sofia in 2027. AI Research: NVIDIA and Bulgaria’s INSAIT are developing a platform to evaluate AI models in robotics. Start-ups: Belgian research institute imec is expanding its early-stage funding and accelerator programme to Bulgaria. Science: Bulgarian researchers have contributed to uncovering molecular mechanisms behind DNA organisation in the cell nucleus. MEPs are also seeking up to 10% more EU funding for eastern-flank countries, including Bulgaria, for security, infrastructure and economic resilience.

Air Defence Technology: Bulgaria has joined a NATO effort to develop and jointly procure systems that detect and counter drones, missiles and other threats flying below 150 metres. Bulgarian firms can put forward solutions and seek roles in allied projects. Black Sea Innovation: A Bulgarian team is testing an autonomous, battery- and solar-powered maritime drone in Burgas Bay. It is designed to monitor shipping and pollution, relay real-time information and help counter hostile devices. Digital Infrastructure: A planned Europe–Asia data link through Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Black Sea is expected to reach Sofia in 2027, opening new routes for regional connectivity. Start-up Support: Belgian research institute imec is extending its early-stage funding and accelerator programme to Bulgaria, supporting start-ups in digital technology and nano-electronics. AI Research: Bulgaria’s INSAIT institute and NVIDIA are developing a platform to evaluate AI models in robotics.

Defence Technology: Bulgaria has signed on to a NATO initiative to detect and counter low-flying threats, including drones and cruise missiles, through joint procurement and technology development. Black Sea Innovation: A forum in Burgas highlighted a planned green-tech campus and regional cooperation on marine monitoring. A new Europe–Asia data link via Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and the Black Sea is due to reach Sofia in 2027. Start-ups: Belgian research institute imec is bringing its start-up accelerator to Bulgaria, offering early-stage funding and support for digital technology ventures. Digital Services: Bulgaria’s new road platform provides real-time updates on traffic, roadworks, weather and restrictions. Manufacturing: Great Wall Motor plans to begin assembling its Ora 5 SUV in Bulgaria in early 2027, with stated capacity of 50,000 vehicles a year.

Automotive Manufacturing: Great Wall Motor plans to assemble its Ora 5 SUV in Lovech from early 2027, with annual capacity of 50,000 vehicles and Bulgaria Automotive Industry as its local partner. Digital Roads: Bulgaria has launched a live traffic information platform covering road conditions, works, restrictions, weather and average speeds. AI and Research: Bulgaria’s INSAIT and NVIDIA are developing a platform to evaluate AI models in robotics, while a Sofia forum will explore AI’s use in Bulgarian-language teaching. Startup Ecosystem: EU Innovation Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva says stronger government support and closer links between startups and established companies are key to unlocking Bulgaria’s innovation potential. Belgian accelerator imec.istart is also expanding its startup network into Bulgaria.

Digital Roads: Bulgaria has launched a real-time platform for roadworks, congestion, restrictions, weather and traffic speeds at traffic.api.bg. Innovation: EU Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva says stronger government support and closer ties between startups and industry are key to unlocking Bulgaria’s innovation potential. Science: Professor Ivaylo Tarnev received the Pythagoras lifetime achievement award for research on inherited diseases and rare-condition diagnosis. Clean-Energy Vehicles: Great Wall Motor plans to retrofit its Lovech plant for annual output of 50,000 new-energy vehicles, with Ora 5 production targeted for early 2027. AI Research: Bulgaria’s INSAIT and NVIDIA have developed a platform to evaluate AI models in robotics, while Bulgarian scientists have contributed to research into how DNA is organized inside the cell nucleus.

Space and STEM: EU Budget Commissioner Piotr Serafin visits Bulgaria on Oct. 29–30, including Sofia Tech Park’s National STEM Centre and EnduroSat’s laboratory and mission control room. Black Sea Monitoring: A fifth drone attack in Bulgaria’s exclusive economic zone struck the container ship CONTSHIP JET. All 18 crew were rescued; 20 containers fell overboard. Initial checks found no visible pollution, and seawater samples are to be tested at five coastal locations. Genetics Research: Bulgarian scientists are helping uncover how a mutation linked to Rahman syndrome disrupts DNA’s organisation in the cell nucleus, work that could inform future treatment. Automotive Manufacturing: Great Wall Motor plans to begin assembling its electric Ora 5 near Lovech in early 2027, initially using semi-knocked-down kits and some locally sourced parts. Digital Infrastructure: RETN has opened a new network point of presence at Neterra’s Sofia data centre, adding connectivity between Southeast Europe, Europe and Asia.