On October 10, 2025, the Regional Innovation Center – Gabrovo hosted the second partner meeting on the ADi4SMEs project, aimed at building a European Digital Innovation Hub with a focus on artificial intelligence. During the meeting, the results of the first year of implementation were presented, as well as the planned activities for the next stages. During the reporting period, contracts worth a total of BGN 2,160,500 were signed, which represents significant progress against the total budget of BGN 6,000,000. The project successfully held three partner meetings, including one online, as well as an event dedicated to the NIS2 Directive. Five laboratories have been set up, an official website has been created, and a communication plan, visual identity, and information materials have been developed. Information contact points have been opened in the five regional cities of Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, Ruse, Silistra, and Razgrad.
As part of the project activities to date, 50 employees have been trained in a digital skills program, five digital experts have been selected to conduct a digital talent audit, and 18 small and medium-sized enterprises and seven public organizations have undergone digital screening. Four partnerships with other European digital innovation hubs have been established, and communication activities have reached over 62,000 representatives of the target groups.
The next steps include organizing innovation workshops in Gabrovo, Veliko Tarnovo, and Razgrad, online training on concluding contracts with SMEs for the use of the services offered, finalizing the training programs, and continuing the training.
The next significant event within the project is the Open Day of the European Digital Innovation Hub for the North Central Region, which will take place on December 2, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in Gabrovo, 7 Raiko Daskalov Street (Mechatronica).