For questions related to the event:
When: Thursday, 12.03.2026, 9:30 – 12:40
Where: TRIA SPACE, Central Park, Burgas
Participation: free for EDIH DIGIHUB clients (with prior registration)
For whom: micro, small and medium manufacturing enterprises planning an investment in a new product/service or production process.
Procedure: BG16RFPR001-1.010 “New Models in Manufacturing by SMEs”, applications via ISUN 2020 until 27.05.2026 at 16:30.
Funding opportunity: up to EUR 400,000 in grant funding for implementing a “new model in manufacturing” (new/improved product/service or new/improved process).
Link to official information in ISUN: link
EVENT
This event has been created specifically for manufacturing companies that want to take advantage of the “New Models in Manufacturing” programme but need clear answers:
- Is our project eligible, or is it “too small a change”?
- What exactly can be funded – machinery, equipment, software?
- What costs are most commonly rejected as ineligible?
- How do we describe the idea “before/after” so that it is clear and acceptable during evaluation?
- How do you apply for the programme?
We will go through the conditions in plain language, with practical examples and concrete preparation steps.
FUNDING
- Minimum grant amount: EUR 25,000
- Maximum grant amount:
- micro and small enterprises: up to EUR 250,000
- medium enterprises: up to EUR 400,000
- Funding rate: depending on the aid scheme and region, up to 70% (regional exceptions apply – e.g. for Sofia City, the rate also depends on the aid scheme (regional aid vs de minimis) and the enterprise category).
- Additional restrictions may apply based on revenue figures for 2022–2024.
WHAT IS FUNDED
The programme is for real change in manufacturing, for example:
- a new product or service that the company has not previously offered;
- a significant improvement to an existing product/service (features, quality, characteristics);
- a new or improved production process (automation, efficiency, less waste, shorter cycle time, etc.).
Important: this is not about “cosmetic” changes or routine replacements, but about implementing a new model that is fully operational within the enterprise by the end of the project.
ELIGIBLE COSTS
- Machinery, installations and equipment required for the new model
- Software, patents and licences when directly necessary for the implementation
(The key requirement is that costs are directly linked to the new model and are justified within the project.)
BENEFITS OF ATTENDING
- You will quickly find out whether you are an eligible applicant and whether your idea meets the requirements for a “new model” in manufacturing
- You will receive a clear preparation plan (what to gather and how to describe it)
- We will show you the typical mistakes that lead to rejection
- Q&A with the opportunity to raise a specific case from your company
SPEAKERS
- Nebi Kehaya – Project Manager, DIGIHUB
- Hristo Kovachev – Sales Manager, DIGIHUB
- Stoyan Nikolov – Head of Laboratory Complex, DIGIHUB
