Bulgaria has the potential to be not only a participant, but a leader in areas such as space technologies, artificial intelligence, aviation, cybersecurity and robotics. I strongly believe that nowadays success is not achieved by individual participants, but by an ecosystem that can connect knowledge with practice, ideas with investments, talents with opportunities. This was stated by the Minister of Innovation and Growth Irena Mladenova during today's establishment of the “Your Wings” cluster at the Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI).
The new initiative unites aviation, innovation, high technologies, business, science and education. “When all of them come together in one place, an environment is created in which innovations can be born, develop and, most importantly, find real application“, said Mladenova and emphasized that the cluster is a new partnership with a vision for the future and is a strong sign that there are people with vision, courage and ambition.
The organization focuses on young people and the development of talents in the aviation, space, high-tech sectors.
“Aviation has always been a symbol of progress and courage to look beyond the horizon. The development of an innovation ecosystem, scientific research and the implementation of new technologies are not only important, but are now also strategically necessary“, added Mladenova. She told those present that she had outlined the topics of technology transfer, implementation of innovations, the relationship between science and business as the main priorities in the work of the Ministry. “This can take our economy a step forward“, the minister added.
“I believe that the “Your Wings“ cluster will become a platform for bold space ideas and a driver of innovation and innovative solutions in aviation, space applications and autonomous systems. MIR supports new technologies, modernization and digitalization of business, as well as investments in sectors with high added value, with various policies and financial instruments“, she concluded and wished Bulgarian talents that their ideas fly high – beyond borders and expectations.
The founders of the cluster are the Association of the Bulgarian Aviation Industry (ABAI), the United Drone Society, the Bulgarian Air Force Foundation, the Professional Association for Robotics, Automation and Innovation (PARAi), the Association for the History and Future of Bulgarian Aviation, the Bulgarian Aviation Association, the Association of Ultralight Aviation in Bulgaria, the Bulgarian Federation of Aeromodelling, the Bulgarian Association Defence Industry Club.
Among the goals outlined by the new initiative are the stimulation of scientific research, technology transfer and implementation of innovative solutions in aviation, space applications and autonomous systems; development and implementation of solutions based on artificial intelligence for process optimization, data analysis, traffic management and increased safety; strengthening cybersecurity in aviation and aerospace infrastructure, including protection of critical systems, data and communications; promoting digitalization, automation and sustainable technologies in the aviation and aerospace industry; building a strategic vision for the development of aviation, artificial intelligence and space technologies in Bulgaria as part of the European and global innovation ecosystem and developing young professionals in the field.
The event was also attended by Deputy Minister of Transport and Communications Dimitar Nedyalkov, Chairman of the BCCI Tsvetan Simeonov, Chairman of ABAI Todor Ivandzhikov and others.