GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” is hosting the three-day NATO Allied Command Transformation (ACT) Innovation Continuum – SPARK Phase 2026 (IC26) from 24 to 26 February 2026 in Sofia.
The event brings together representatives from more than 21 NATO member states, alongside innovation leaders, start-up representatives, experts, and technology stakeholders, to collaborate on technologies and emerging innovation domains.
The official opening featured welcome addresses by Dr. Irena Mladenova, Minister for Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria, and Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of GATE. Minister Mladenova expressed strong support for hosting the initiative in Bulgaria, highlighting NATO’s growing focus on dual-use technologies and its investment-driven approach to innovation. She underlined the importance of positioning Bulgaria as an active contributor to the Alliance’s innovation ecosystem.
Prof. Ilieva welcomed the international attendees and emphasized that investing in advanced technologies is not only a strategic priority but also an investment in a peaceful and prosperous future. She reaffirmed GATE’s commitment to supporting the innovation ecosystem through research excellence, experimentation environments, and collaboration across academia, industry, and government.
The event provides a structured platform for refining concepts and developing solutions across four thematic syndicates. Over the three days, participants engage in focused working sessions, concept validation, and use case development, supported by presentations on NATO DIANA, SACT Beacon Projects 2026, the Military Use Case Framework, and related innovation instruments.
A dedicated demonstration segment showcased cutting-edge Bulgarian technological capabilities and GATE’s own innovation tools.
Bulgarian aerospace company EnduroSat presented its satellite technologies and space innovation solutions.
Defence and electronics manufacturer Samel 90 demonstrated drone systems and integrated software-hardware solutions relevant to dual-use applications.
Representatives from Graphwise discussed advanced narrative analysis and data-driven insights for understanding information environments.
GATE introduced Ally1, its newly developed platform designed to support innovators, companies, and investors in identifying and navigating NATO innovation initiatives, providing structured access to funding instruments and collaboration opportunities within the Alliance’s ecosystem.
Hosting IC26 – SPARK reinforces GATE’s role as a trusted partner within NATO’s innovation landscape and positions Bulgaria as an active contributor to the Alliance’s technology-driven transformation. As a Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence and DIANA NATO Test Centre, GATE provides the infrastructure and expertise necessary to bridge research, operational needs, and industry collaboration.