Smart Technology Center - Innovation for the city
The Cluster Center for Smart Urban Technologies (hereinafter referred to as the Smart Technologies Centre or STC) is a leading strategic initiative of the Cluster Sofia Knowledge City.
The Center is to be realized through a project under the "Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation" Programme 2021–2027, within the framework of the grant procedure BG16RFPR002-1.003 "Support for the development of existing innovation clusters". The project "Cluster Center for Smart Urban Technologies" (No. BG16RFPR002-1.003-0012) is co-financed by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth.
Its implementation is planned for the period May 2026 - April 2028.
Mission and strategic goals
The project was initiated to meet the needs of modern urban transformation, providing three critical prerequisites for the development of the cluster:
- Increasing innovation capacity: Practical implementation of smart urban technologies based on IoT (Internet of Things), Industry 4.0, and the deep digital transformation of Sofia.
- Integration of European concepts: Creating new opportunities for applying the principles of the New European Bauhaus (NEB) and effective use of the EUI, LIFE, Horizon Europe, and Digital Europe programs for the benefit of all stakeholders.
- Ecosystem at the service of the city: Demonstrating the potential of the cluster as an innovation hub in which business and scientific organizations collaborate to create a more sustainable and modern urban environment.
Key project activities
The project envisages the implementation of activities in two main directions:
- Strengthening the scientific and research potential: Providing highly qualified technical specialists and experts capable of developing specialized services, training programs, and events for the exchange of know-how. The focus is on attracting new strategic partnerships.
- Improving connectivity: Integration with other clusters, regional innovation organizations, and digital hubs. The aim is to jointly introduce smart cities technologies and launch new international innovation projects.
Definition of a Smart Technology Center
A Smart Technology Center is a specialized innovation unit (hub) within the cluster, functioning as a hybrid ecosystem of shared physical infrastructure and concentrated expert capacity. Its mission is to integrate high-tech solutions (IoT, Big Data, VR/AR simulations, building automation, AI, and Cybersecurity) into applied products and services. The Center acts as a “Living Lab” and a certification integrator that transforms scientific knowledge into market solutions (e.g., SRI – Smart Readiness Indicator assessments), supporting the transformation of Sofia into a “smart city” in line with the values of the New European Bauhaus.
Main pillars of the Center:
- Technological integrator: Combines individual products of companies into unified platforms and “digital twins” to create complete city services.
- Digital bridge: Mediator between the needs of the city administration (Sofia Municipality) and business innovations, based on objective data and feedback from citizens.
- Expert incubator: A structure that legitimizes and supports the work of R&D specialists working on joint development projects.
- Standardizer: The first point in Bulgaria for measuring and implementing the European Smart Readiness Index (SRI).
- Professional Training Platform: An environment for upgrading competencies for specific new professions in partnership with universities and leading technology companies
