The GATE Institute has signed an Agreement for scientific and technological cooperation and innovation in the field of security and defence. The initiative, led by the Ministry of Innovation and Growth, brings together also Sofia Tech Park, the Defence Institute “Prof. Tsvetan Lazarov”, the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna, and the Association for Research and Development.
The main objective of the agreement is to foster the development of research and innovation activities in strategically important areas, including dual-use technologies, unmanned systems, drone technologies, artificial intelligence, data analytics, autonomous systems, and cybersecurity. The partnership creates opportunities for joint participation in research and development projects, as well as for strengthening collaboration between research organizations, higher education institutions, public bodies, and industry.
The agreement will support the preparation and implementation of joint initiatives funded by national, European, and international programmes, while also contributing to the establishment of a sustainable environment for the exchange of knowledge, infrastructure, and expertise.
During the signing ceremony, Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova emphasized that this partnership opens up new opportunities for Bulgarian innovators, researchers, startups, and companies. She highlighted innovation in defence and technology transfer as key priorities, as well as Bulgaria’s potential to position itself as a hub for the rapid deployment of dual-use innovations.
“Strengthening the link between academia and companies in the sector creates new prospects for economic development,” Mladenova noted.
“No single institution can independently complete the journey from idea to implementation. This is precisely why today’s partnership is so important—it lays the foundation for more targeted and practically oriented cooperation,” said Prof. Silvia Ilieva, Director of the GATE Institute.
Through its participation in the agreement, the GATE Institute reaffirms its commitment to advancing research and innovation in Bulgaria and to contributing to the development of a modern and competitive technological ecosystem.