Interest in the training was high and all places were filled. This confirms the growing need for qualified drone operators in business and the public sector, where unmanned systems are increasingly used for aerial filming, inspections of buildings and infrastructure, 3D scanning, photogrammetry and monitoring.

Day one: regulations, airspace and safety

The first day was dedicated to the theoretical knowledge every operator needs before taking a drone into the air. Participants covered:

• the European regulatory framework for unmanned aircraft systems (Regulations 2018/1139, 2019/945 and 2019/947) and the obligations of operators;
• airspace classes, geographical zones, restrictions and no-fly areas;
• human factors: perception, fatigue, stress and decision-making during flight;
• drone design, control software, communication and navigation;
• safe handling, charging, storage and transport of batteries and equipment.

The training was delivered by Zhivko Ivanov, a systems engineer at GDR Systems and a certified operator in the A1/A3 and A2 categories. He has more than nine years of experience with drones in aerial filming, 3D scanning, photogrammetry and inspections, which allowed him to support the theory with many examples from real projects and to answer participants’ specific questions.

Day two: hands-on practice at the flight site

The second day took place entirely outdoors. Participants went through the full cycle of a flight, from preparation to post-landing analysis:

• pre-flight checks of propellers, batteries, the remote controller link and calibration, as well as assessment of the site and weather conditions;
• take-off, hovering and basic manoeuvres;
• route flights, capturing an object, and responding to signal loss and simulated emergencies;
• landing, post-flight inspection, flight analysis and stowing the equipment.

The instructor demonstrated each exercise while participants observed the drone’s behaviour in the air and asked questions in real time. The practical session reinforced what was learned on the first day and showed what responsible operation of unmanned equipment looks like in an urban environment.

Feedback and next steps towards certification

The training concluded with a closing session in which each participant received individual feedback and guidance on the next steps towards certification as a drone operator.

DIGIHUB continues with practical training for business

The training is part of the services of the European Digital Innovation Hub EDIH DIGIHUB, which supports small and medium-sized enterprises and the public sector in Southeast Bulgaria in their digital transformation. Participation was free of charge for DIGIHUB clients, and registering as a client is also free.

We thank all participants and the GDR Systems team for the excellent cooperation.

If you would like to take part in the next edition of the training, write to us at events@digihub.bg and we will add you to the list of interested participants.

Материалът Basic training for unmanned aircraft system pilots successfully held at DIGIHUB е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

This recognition confirms DIGIHUB’s potential to further develop its support for small and medium-sized enterprises and the public sector through services related to artificial intelligence, data, technological expertise, training, “testing before investing” and access to finance.

We will develop these services together with our partners:
Burgas Municipality, Prof. Dr. Asen Zlatarov University – Burgas, Burgas Free University, ICT Cluster – Burgas, DINT Foundation, AIBEST and the Regional Academic Centre of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences – Burgas.

“The STEP Seal is a recognition for our entire consortium and for DIGIHUB’s role as part of the national and European network of digital innovation hubs. We believe that hubs in Bulgaria are strongest when they work together, complement each other and share expertise for the benefit of businesses and the public sector,” said Petko Georgiev, Chair of the Management Board of DIGIHUB.

We continue moving forward – with a focus on AI, real services and a strong digital ecosystem in South-East Bulgaria.

Материалът DIGIHUB received a STEP Seal from the European Commission for the next stage of the Hub’s development е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

Due to the strong interest in the first edition, the organizers prepared an expanded program with even more practical guidance and concrete examples. The event brought together representatives of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises planning investments in new products, services, or production processes and seeking clarity on the requirements and steps for successful application.

During the meeting, participants received structured information about grant funding opportunities of up to €400,000, as well as an individual eligibility report and preliminary scoring based on the procedure criteria, prepared by experts from EDIH DIGIHUB.

The event was officially opened by Petko Georgiev – Chairman of the Management Board of DIGIHUB, who welcomed the participants and presented the purpose of the meeting. He emphasized DIGIHUB’s commitment to supporting manufacturing enterprises in Southeast Bulgaria in the process of applying for and implementing new production models.

Clear presentation of the program and the application process

The main presentation was delivered by Nebi Kehaya – Project Manager at DIGIHUB, who outlined the key parameters of the procedure, eligible applicants, and the specific steps for applying through the ISUN system.

During the session, participants received answers to the most frequently asked questions from businesses, including:

• how to define a “new model in manufacturing”;
• which investments can be funded – machinery, equipment, software, and technologies;
• which costs are most often considered ineligible;
• how to clearly describe the “before/after” concept in the project proposal;
• how to structure the budget and activities within the project.

Nebi Kehaya’s presentation can be viewed here:

Presentation – “New Models in Manufacturing”

Artificial intelligence under full enterprise control

A special highlight of the program was the presentation by Zdravko Dimov – Partner Account Manager at Fsas Technologies (a Fujitsu company), titled “Your data. Fully under your control. With your artificial intelligence.”

The Fsas PrivateGPT solution was demonstrated – an approach to implementing AI that works with corporate data under full control and security, and how it can be integrated into project proposals under the procedure.

From idea to implementation – what can actually be funded

In the second part of the event, Hristo Kovachev – Sales Manager at DIGIHUB, and Stoyan Nikolov – Head of Laboratory Complex at DIGIHUB, presented practical examples of investments and solutions that can be supported under the program.

Participants explored real scenarios for implementing new production models, including:

• automation of production processes;
• implementation of new equipment and technologies;
• improving product quality;
• optimization and acceleration of production cycles.

The opportunity for enterprises to receive support from DIGIHUB in preparing project proposals, as well as in implementing technological solutions after project approval, was also presented.

Practical discussion and individual questions from businesses

The final part of the meeting was dedicated to an open discussion, where participants had the opportunity to present specific ideas and investment plans from their companies.

DIGIHUB experts provided guidance on:

• the eligibility of project ideas;
• justifying investments within the project;
• preparing the required application documentation.

The discussion focused on the real challenges faced by manufacturing companies – how to formulate innovation within the project, how to avoid common mistakes, and how to structure the investment so that it meets the program’s criteria.

DIGIHUB – a partner for businesses in the process of innovation and digitalization

The second edition of the event confirmed the sustained and growing interest of manufacturing enterprises in funding opportunities for technological investments and the implementation of new production models.

Through such practical meetings, DIGIHUB continues to support businesses in Southeast Bulgaria with expert knowledge, consulting, and access to European programs aimed at enhancing competitiveness, digitalization, and innovation in enterprises.

Материалът Up to €400,000 for “New Models in Manufacturing”: DIGIHUB held a second practical event in Burgas е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

The event brought together representatives of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises planning investments in new products, services or manufacturing processes and seeking clarity regarding the requirements and steps for successful application.

During the meeting, participants received structured information about the opportunities for grant funding of up to €400,000, as well as practical guidance for preparing project proposals.

Clear presentation of the programme and application process

The main presentation was delivered by Nebi Kehaya – Project Manager of DIGIHUB, who presented the key parameters of the procedure, the eligible applicants and the specific steps for submitting an application through the ISUN system.

During the session, participants received answers to the most frequently asked questions from businesses, including:

• how to define a “new model in manufacturing”;

• what investments can be financed – machines, equipment, software and technologies;

• which costs are most often considered ineligible;

• how to clearly describe the “before/after” concept in the project proposal;

• how to structure the project budget and activities.

The presentation by Nebi Kehaya can be viewed here:

Presentation – “New Models in Manufacturing”

From idea to implementation – what can actually be financed

In the second part of the event, Hristo Kovachev – Sales Manager at DIGIHUB presented practical examples of investments and solutions that can be supported under the programme.

Participants reviewed real scenarios for implementing new manufacturing models, including:

• automation of manufacturing processes;

• implementation of new equipment and technologies;

• improving product quality;

• optimization and acceleration of production cycles.

Participants were also introduced to the opportunity to receive support from DIGIHUB in the preparation of project proposals, as well as during the implementation of technological solutions after project approval.

Practical discussion and individual questions from businesses

The final part of the meeting was dedicated to an open discussion, where participants had the opportunity to present specific ideas and investment plans from their enterprises.

DIGIHUB experts provided guidance on:

• the eligibility of project ideas;

• how to properly justify investments in the project;

• preparation of the required application documentation.

The discussion focused on the real challenges faced by manufacturing companies – how to formulate innovation within the project, how to avoid common mistakes and how to structure the investment so that it meets the programme’s evaluation criteria.

DIGIHUB – a partner of businesses in innovation and digitalisation

The event confirmed the strong interest of manufacturing companies in the opportunities for financing technological investments and implementing new manufacturing models.

Through such practical events, DIGIHUB continues to support businesses in Southeast Bulgaria with expert knowledge, consulting services and access to European programmes aimed at increasing competitiveness, digitalisation and innovation in enterprises.

Материалът Up to €400,000 for “New Models in Manufacturing”: DIGIHUB practical workshop brought together manufacturing companies in Burgas е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

The forum focused on the intersection of science, technology, and stress prevention as a factor in sustainable development. Discussions highlighted best practices, practical solutions, and opportunities for long-term collaboration to support wellbeing and preventative health strategies.

DIGIHUB’s participation aligns with the 5G Edge for Health project, which aims to enhance access to healthcare services through the deployment of 5G and Edge technologies, including telemedicine and remote health monitoring in the Burgas region.

Материалът DIGIHUB Participated in the Stress Off – Tech On National Forum е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

Participation and Panel Highlights

As Chairman of the Board of Directors of DIGIHUB and ICT Cluster Burgas, Petko Georgiev joined the panel discussion “Innovation and Digital Transformation in Education.” In his remarks, he emphasized that in Burgas “we are making progress thanks to a strong ecosystem built over more than a decade — a sustainable partnership between business, universities, and local government.”

“Ten years ago, we established ICT Cluster Burgas, which today unites over 30 technology companies from Burgas and Southeastern Bulgaria and is part of the European cluster family. Five years ago, we formed DIGIHUB, which since last year has been part of the European network of digital innovation hubs. We support companies with a high-tech environment for ‘test before invest,’ find suitable experts and suppliers in Bulgaria and Europe, and facilitate access to funding. Three years ago, we also launched Burgas Digital — the largest technology event in the region. This continuous work makes rapid pilots in the educational environment possible, as well as real pathways to employment and entrepreneurship for young people.”

On behalf of DIGIHUB, Stoyan Nikolov, head of the hub’s laboratory complex, also participated in the panel “Skills and Youth Entrepreneurship,” with a focus on practical skills, project-based learning, and the connection between the hub’s laboratories, universities, and local business.

Acknowledgments to the Organizers

DIGIHUB and ICT Cluster Burgas express their gratitude to the Diplomatic Institute and the Burgas Free University for the invitation and the high level of organization. Events like this establish Burgas as a leading center for innovation in education and youth entrepreneurship and demonstrate a working model of cooperation between government, academia, and industry.

What Is the OECD and Why Does It Matter

The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) is an international forum headquartered in Paris that helps governments develop and compare policies for higher living standards, competitiveness, and sustainable growth. It is among the most reliable sources of comparable economic and social data and analysis in the world.

What Comes Next

The expectations of institutions and the expert community are that Bulgaria’s OECD accession process could be finalized around 2026 — a prospect associated with a better investment climate and new opportunities for young people. Through our work within the Burgas ecosystem — from laboratories and training to the business–university–municipality interface — our ambition is to contribute practically to this process and its benefits.

Материалът DIGIHUB at OECD Conference in Burgas: Innovation in Education and Youth Entrepreneurship е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

The 5GEDGE4HEALTH project was presented by Zhanet Zaharieva – project manager and representative of Vivacom.

High Level of Representation

The roundtable was opened by Ekaterina Zaharieva, European Commissioner for Startups, Innovation and Research, and by Tomislav Donchev – Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth.

The event featured two thematic panels:

• “The Women Behind the Bold Ideas” moderated by Boyko Takov (IANMSP)
• “The Future in Science and Technology” moderated by Diana Aladzhova

Among the other participants were representatives of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, leading companies, and entrepreneurs implementing large-scale projects in the fields of technology and science.

Presentation of the 5GEDGE4HEALTH Project

During the panel, Zhanet Zaharieva presented the main objectives, scope, and expected societal benefits of the 5GEDGE4HEALTH project – a large-scale initiative for the deployment of 5G and edge infrastructure to benefit children’s healthcare in the Burgas region.

In her presentation, she emphasized:

• The strategic role of telecommunications infrastructure in the development of digital healthcare
• The importance of high-speed connectivity for modern medical services
• The specific solutions the project introduces in the region – from telemedicine consultations to mobile 5G clinics

Zhanet highlighted that 5GEDGE4HEALTH is not merely deploying a technological network, but is building the foundation for a new model of accessible and quality healthcare for children in 34 remote settlements in the Burgas region. Through real-time connectivity, intelligent data analysis, and mobile health services, the project will improve prevention, diagnostics, and timely response in emergency cases.

The Role of Women in the Project

During the discussion, Zhanet Zaharieva also presented the significant contribution of women in the implementation of 5GEDGE4HEALTH – 40% of the project participants are women, engaged in key areas such as telecommunications, digital technologies, engineering, healthcare, and project management.

This was recognized as a good example of balanced participation and strong female leadership in innovation initiatives of national scale.

Significance for the Project and for Society

The participation of 5GEDGE4HEALTH in such a format contributes to the broader recognition of the project, the promotion of its objectives, and the creation of sustainable partnerships with scientific, institutional, and business organizations.

The event provided an opportunity to share best practices, seek common directions for development, and demonstrate how technological solutions can have a real impact on the quality of life in the regions.

Материалът Participation of 5GEDGE4HEALTH in the “Women in Innovation” Roundtable in Sofia е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

5GEDGE4HEALTH is being implemented by VIVACOM, the Municipality of Burgas, the Southeast Digital Innovation Hub (DIGIHUB), and Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University – Burgas, with co-funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF Digital) of the European Union. The project started in December 2024 and will run until November 2027, with a total budget of over €3.2 million.

Its main goal is to ensure equal access to modern healthcare services for children, regardless of their location. In many areas of Bulgaria, there is still a shortage of pediatric specialists and medical centers, which limits timely diagnosis and treatment. The project aims to overcome this challenge by creating an intelligent, connected pediatric ecosystem where technology directly serves people.

As part of the initiative, 5G mobile medical units will operate across 34 settlements in the region, providing preventive check-ups, screenings, and online consultations with pediatricians. A coordination and consultation center will be established in the new “St. Anastasia” Hospital in Burgas, along with a telemedicine laboratory at Prof. Dr. Assen Zlatarov University. Through edge computing infrastructure, medical data will be processed and analyzed in real time, enabling faster diagnostics, better coordination between hospitals and mobile teams, and reducing unnecessary hospitalizations.

The project also includes emergency telemedicine scenarios, where fully equipped ambulances will connect directly with experts in Burgas, allowing doctors in the field to receive real-time guidance in critical situations. This will shorten response times and improve the overall quality of care.

5GEDGE4HEALTH stands as an example of how modern technologies can address real societal challenges. It supports key European priorities under Digital Decade 2030, CEF Digital, and the “Regions in Growth” Programme 2021-2027, contributing to the digitalization of public services and the development of connected, resilient communities.

With the implementation of the project, Burgas is becoming a pilot model for the future of healthcare in Europe, showing how synergy between technology, expertise, and public engagement can ensure better healthcare for every child, no matter where they live.

“The health of every child should not depend on where they were born.” With this message, 5GEDGE4HEALTH presents its vision for a healthier and more connected future, where digital innovation serves the most valuable resource – human life.

Материалът 5GEDGE4HEALTH: Burgas Connects the Future of Pediatric Healthcare е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

Материалът Burgas Digital 2025: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation and Digital Transformation е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.

Материалът Call for Participation: METACITIES Joint Hackathon е публикуван за пръв път на Southeast Digital Innovation Hub.