site.btaInnovation Minister: Regional Innovation Valleys Promote Commercializing Research in Business

Innovation and Growth Minister Milena Stoycheva participated in the opening of the first regional innovation valley for bioeconomy and food in Bulgaria, located in Plovdiv, her Ministry said Friday.

Regional Innovation Valleys promote the commercialisation of science in business and strengthen the academic potential of Bulgaria and Europe. They will also provide connectivity and a basis for developing innovation and optimising supply chains, Stoycheva said in the opening part of the event. The event was also attended by Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, Rector of the Agricultural University of Plovdiv Prof. Dr. Hristina Yancheva, Healthy Planet Director at the European Commission's General Directorate for Research and Innovation John Bell, representatives of the European Commission and the scientific community in Bulgaria. Commissioner for Innovation, Research, Culture, Education and Youth Iliana Ivanova also joined with a video address.

Stoycheva said that Bulgaria recognises biotechnology as key to the development of the bioeconomy.

Later, she participated in an innovation day organized by the Medical University - Plovdiv, where she met with students, young scientists and lecturers.