The European Digital Innovation Hub for the North Central Region showcased technologies and solutions for accelerated digitalization in business and public administration

On December 2, 2025, the Regional Innovation Centre “Ambitious Gabrovo” hosted the Open Doors Day of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) – North Central Region. The event brought together representatives from business, public administration, and higher education from the municipalities of Gabrovo, Tryavna, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Razgrad, Svishtov, and Silistra to present opportunities for digital transformation and innovation.

The event is part of project BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001-C01 “Accelerated Digitalization for SMEs in the North Central Region through the Creation and Development of an EDIH,” funded under the Programme “Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation” 2021–2027, with co-financing from the EU through the European Regional Development Fund.

The Open Doors Day was organized by the coordinator of the project RIC “Ambitious Gabrovo” with the support of the Technical University – Gabrovo, Gabrovo Municipality, the Mechatronics and Automation Cluster, and leading industrial companies in the region.

Irina Rashkova, Chair of the Board of the Regional Innovation Centre “Ambitious Gabrovo,” officially opened the event, stating: “Our mission is clear – accelerating the digital transformation of small and medium-sized enterprises through knowledge, technology, and innovation.”

Maria Basheva–Venkova, Regional Governor of Gabrovo region, added: “I can see that through today’s Open Doors Day, we are stepping directly into the future.”

A central highlight of the programme was the motivational presentation by Alexander Ivanov (CEO of wellConnected Marketing Ecosystem, Managing Partner at CreateX Digital Agency and Native Digital), whose keynote message was formulated as “From the factory floor to the office: how AI is transforming industry from within.”

The programme also included interactive demonstrations and presentations of specific products and services offered by the EDIH and its partners:

• AI-based voice assistant, digital twin of the environment, and platforms for online learning and digital skills assessment
  (Speakers: Svetoslav Mateev, Alexander Angelov, and Dobromira Yaneva)

• Implementation of IIoT (Industrial Internet of Things) in the production facilities of “EMKA” Sevlievo
  (Speaker: Stanimir Yovchev, representative of “David Holding” – a member of the Mechatronics and Automation Cluster and associated project partner)

• Machine digital twin and CAM product
  (Speaker: Georgi Beyriyski from “Polymeta”)

Participants had the opportunity to meet directly with the hub’s experts and discover how their organizations can take the next decisive step toward digital transformation.

The event concluded with a final discussion, delivering a clear message to businesses and institutions:
“The future is here. Come and touch it!”

This news post was created with the financial support of the “Research, Innovation and Digitization for Smart Transformation” Program 2021-2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund Regional Development under project BG16RFPR002-1.002-0001-C01 “Accelerated Digitalization for SMEs in the Central Region through the Creation and Development of the EDIH.” The Regional Innovation Center “Ambitious Gabrovo” bears full responsibility for the content of the document and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official position of the European Union and the Managing Authority.