site.btaAI Factory Worth EUR 90 Mln to Be Built in Sofia, Deputy Agriculture Minister Says

One of six new European artificial intelligence (AI) factories, BRAIN++, will be built in Sofia under a project worth EUR 90 million, Deputy Minister of Agriculture and Food Lozana Vasileva said on Friday. She was speaking at the opening of the Bulgarian-Korean Agricultural Business Forum on "Smart Farm in Animal Husbandry" held at the InterContinental Hotel in Sofia.

The new factory will feature a next-generation supercomputer, an innovation centre, and participation of private companies and startups, Vasileva explained.

She said that the new structure will accelerate the application of smart solutions in livestock farming and animal product processing, support sustainable agriculture models, and create opportunities for young researchers and entrepreneurs.

According to Vasileva, smart technologies are key to addressing global challenges facing the sector: growing population, demand for affordable and quality food, climate change, and requirements for animal welfare.

She added that Bulgaria plans to invest over EUR 193 million in farm modernization, with EUR 145 million directed to sensitive sectors, including livestock. Additional funding will support green investments and the use of renewable energy sources.

The forum highlighted the introduction of smart technologies and exchange of know-how in livestock farming, with leading South Korean companies presenting innovative solutions, IT technologies, and best practices in both animal husbandry and product processing.

Attending the event was also National Agricultural Advisory Service (NAAS) Executive Director Assoc. Prof. Mladen Mladenov. He said that NAAS supports over 15,000 farmers through consultations and project preparation, with implemented projects exceeding EUR 140 million in value. He added that improving competitiveness in the sector requires the adoption of innovative technologies, knowledge, and skills, while the Agricultural Knowledge and Innovation System plays a key role in transferring them into practice.

According to Mladenov, smart technologies and artificial intelligence are the future of agriculture, and the forum lays the groundwork for joint Bulgarian-Korean projects in these areas.