site.btaDeputy Innovation Minister Yakimov Attends Eureka Global Innovation Summit 2024 in Istanbul

Attending the Eureka Global Innovation Summit 2024 in Istanbul on Thursday, Bulgarian Deputy Minister of Innovation and Growth Krasimir Yakimov said that Bulgaria is a recognizable destination for IT and innovative business projects, the Innovation Ministry said in a press release. As a member of Eureka, Bulgaria is a reliable partner and successfully contributes to the development of innovation policy, raising the technological level of enterprises and economic growth, Yakimov noted.

This year’s edition of the Eureka initiative is being held under the slogan "Building Bridges for Global Challenges" and focuses on green and digital transformation.

"Bulgaria has a well-developed digital and communication infrastructure, which gives it a key advantage and positions it as a preferred location for the development of innovative technologies," Yakimov said. He stressed that the Innovation and Growth Ministry supports the entrepreneurial initiatives of Bulgarian companies and start-ups by providing them with funding and seed capital through the financial instruments it manages, the EU funding programmes, the Fund of Funds and the Bulgarian Development Bank.

Participants from different countries learned about the latest trends and best practices in research and innovation. During the forum, the Eureka Innovation Awards were also presented to successful projects supported by the initiative. The event was also attended by representatives of Sofia Tech Park, the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, among others.

Within the framework of the forum, Yakimov also held a bilateral meeting with Turkish Deputy Minister of Industry and Innovation Ahmet Yozgatligil. The two sides discussed bilateral economic relations in the field of investment and innovation, as well as opportunities for future cooperation.

Yakimov also conferred with the management of Turkiye's Scientific and Technological Research Institution of Turkey (TUBITAK). During the talks, the possibility of cooperation with Sofia Tech Park, the financing of research and development in both countries and technology transfer were discussed.

The Bulgarian Deputy Innovation Minister also visited Gedik University and together with its rector Ahmet Kesik got acquainted with Istanbul Tech Park’s latest projects and initiatives.

Yakimov also held meetings with potential Turkish investors to whom he presented investment opportunities in Bulgaria.