European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (EDIH-NWACB)

Grant agreement:
BG16RFPR002-1.002-0010-C01

Financing programme:
Scientific Research, Innovation, and Digitization for Smart Transformation Program (PNIIIDIT);
Co-funded by the European Union

Start date:
28.10.2024

End date:
28.10.2027

Project duration:
36 months

The European Digital Innovation Hub – Northwest Automotive Cluster Bulgaria (EDIH-NWACB) supports the digital and green transformation of the Bulgarian automotive and manufacturing sector. The project builds on long-term cooperation between key industry and research players, establishing a regional infrastructure for innovation, AI uptake, and Industry 4.0 competences in the Northwest region.

The hub offers SMEs and public bodies a full portfolio of services – test-before-invest, training and upskilling, access to finance, and networking with European DIHs.

Cleantech Bulgaria leads Work Package 3 on trainings and capacity building, developing hybrid courses and practical modules that combine AI, resource efficiency, and circular economy principles.

Project Activities

Development of the “Test Before Invest” infrastructure and laboratory services
Delivery of hybrid training programmes on digital and innovation skills
Training Needs Assessment and setup of the Educational and Data-Science Platform
Specialised courses on Industry 4.0 and mechatronics
Organisation of traineeships linking academia and business
Advisory support for SMEs on access to finance and investment readiness
Communication and networking events to strengthen visibility and cross-hub collaboration

Expected Results

Enhanced digital and innovation skills across automotive SMEs and institutions
At least 8 training types and 44 supported organisations (SMEs and public bodies)
Developed curricula and installed e-learning platform for hybrid education
Completed traineeships and demo events within the European EDIH network
Strengthened academia-industry collaboration in Northwest Bulgaria