On April 28, 2026, at TRIA SPACE – Central Park Burgas, DIGIHUB held a second practical event dedicated to funding opportunities for manufacturing companies under procedure BG16RFPR001-1.010 “New Models in Manufacturing by SMEs”.
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.
