site.btaDeputy Minister of Innovation: Innovation Key for Public Safety

Caretaker Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Georgi Angelov emphasized the importance of innovation for public safety at an industrial forum in Plovdiv. This forum was part of the Hemus 2024 international exhibition for defence products and services. Angelov said that the European defence industry needs to be innovative and adaptive to meet complex international challenges. This information was shared by the Ministry’s press service.

Angelov highlighted the Ministry of Innovation and Growth's focus on high growth potential sectors. The ministry participates in the Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the NATO Innovation Fund, which shows its commitment to advanced technologies defence integration.

He added that DIANA is focused on those emerging and disruptive technologies that NATO identifies as priorities. These include AI, big data, quantum tech, unmanned systems, biotech, advanced materials, and space research. 

Angelov said that the NATO Innovation Fund plans to invest in high-tech start-ups and companies with security and defence application potential. This is the first multinational venture capital fund globally, aiming to invest in companies that develop advanced technological solutions. The fund seeks to use commercial innovations to address significant defence and security challenges. Angelov also noted that the fund accepts applications all year-round and their value could surpass Bulgaria's contribution.

Other notable figures in attendance included Deputy Minister of Defence Adelina Nikolova and Deputy Minister of Economy and Industry David Sukalinski. They were joined by experts and business representatives.