It’s no secret that for years the Bulgarian ICT sector has been one of the fastest-growing sectors in the country, with over 80,000 ICT professionals and a sector contributing more than 4% of GDP. Sofia is now ranked among Europe’s top outsourcing destinations, according to BASSCOM.
The government is also stepping up efforts to support digital transformation at the enterprise level. Recently, it allocated over €92 million to support digital transformation in small and medium-sized enterprises.
Bulgaria’s digitalization efforts are backed by two major funding programs. The first provides over €40 million under the “Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises” program, offering grants between €2,560 and €25,600 to help micro and small businesses adopt digital solutions. The second allocates over €51.2 million to support the Industry 4.0 transition, focusing on automation, data analytics, AI, and smart manufacturing technologies.
These initiatives will be highlighted at the upcoming “Digital Horizons” Forum, which brings together over 40 leading technology companies presenting practical solutions in areas such as cybersecurity, eCommerce, ERP systems, and business automation.
A key ecosystem event in the Bulgarian capital
On July 31, 2025, Sofia Tech Park will host “Digital Horizons”, a large-scale event designed to unite the technology sector with traditional business. Organized by the Executive Agency for Promotion of Small and Medium Enterprises (IAPSME) under the Ministry’s guidance, the event reflects Bulgaria’s ongoing efforts to support digital development in the economy.
“Digital Horizons is a platform that clearly demonstrates how the public and private sectors can work together to accelerate Bulgaria’s digital transformation. The IT sector plays a key role in this process – as an innovator, partner, and driver of change,” shared Dr. Boyko Takov, Executive Director of IAPSME.
The capital, Sofia, alone accounts for over 70% of the country’s tech output. Meanwhile, the local startup ecosystem is gaining momentum, with over 700 active startups and support from organizations like Endeavor Bulgaria, Sofia Tech Park, and Eleven Ventures. The country also ranks high in developer density and boasts a strong STEM education base, with more than 5,000 ICT graduates annually from universities such as Sofia University and TU-Sofia.
AI and cybersecurity insights take center stage
One of the highlights of the forum will be a session with Tomasz Snazyk, CEO of AI Chamber CEE, who will present insights from a major study on AI adoption among 3,200 SMEs across Central and Eastern Europe. The data paints a mixed picture for Bulgaria: while 54% of SMEs report economic benefits from using AI, ranking the country second in the region, more than half still don’t see AI as useful, and just 28% are familiar with EU regulations.
Moreover, Dr. Eyal Pinko, cyber defense strategist, former Israeli Navy Rear Admiral, and CEO of Bulgarian-Israeli tech firm SAIFORT, is going to talk about the rising cyber threats for small businesses.
“Every SME is now a potential target. True business resilience in the hybrid threat landscape begins with digital security,” Pinko said ahead of his keynote at the upcoming “Digital Horizons” Forum in Sofia.
Participation in the “Digital Horizons” Forum is completely free of charge, but registration is required. You can register at this link.
