EU programs
Our role
We inform you about all opportunities for funding
We advise on choosing the most suitable program
- We work together with your partner or consultant
We are preparing the complete project documentation
We assist with applying to ISUN
We deliver and implement the approved technological solutions
We provide accountability and follow-up support
Industry 4.0
The procedure aims to increase the level of digitization of small and medium-sized enterprises by encouraging investments in the introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies.
Application deadlines
- Initial deadline: August 6, 2025, 5:30 p.m.
- Final deadline: December 15, 2025, 4:30 p.m.
The total amount of non-repayable financial assistance under this procedure is close to BGN 106 million.
Following financial support under previous programs for projects at the first two levels of digitization (Level 1 “Computerization” and Level 2 “Connectivity”), the current program aims to provide support for the last four levels of digitization. Under this program, projects must be focused on to the latest four levels of digitization, in which are being developed the necessary technologies for Industry 4.0: level 3 “Visibility,” level 4 “Transparency,” level 5 “Predictive capacity” and level 6 “Adaptability” 4.
The minimum and maximum amount of the requested non-repayable financial assistance for each individual project under the procedure, through the selection of project proposals BG16RFPR001-1.008 “Introduction of Industry 4.0 technologies in enterprises” is determined by the category of the applicant enterprise (small or medium-sized enterprise) and the selected aid regime for the project (“regional investment aid” and/or “de minimis aid”), and are as follows:
- Minimum amount of the requested BFP – 150,000 leva (76,693.78 euros)
- Maximum amount of the requested non-repayable financial assistance depending on the a9> the category of the applicant enterprise and the selected mode of aid under the project:
- Small enterprises – 450,000 leva (230,081.34 euros) without meaning from the elected regime of assistance;
- Medium-sized enterprises:
450,000 leva (230,081.34 euros) for projects, implemented ONLY under the conditions of the “de minimis” aid regime;
2) 850,000 leva (434,598.10 euros) for projects, implemented ONLY under the conditions of the regime “regional” investment aid”, or for projects, including both regimes of aid (“regional investment aid” and “de minimis”).
In addition, the maximum amount of the requested non-repayable financial assistance for individual project proposal NOT shall exceed:
- for small enterprises: 60% of the applicant’s average annual net sales revenue for the three-year period 2022, 2023, and 2024.
- for medium-sized enterprises: 25% of the applicant’s average annual net sales revenue for the three-year period 2022, 2023, and 2024.
ALLOWED ACTIVITIES
- ELEMENT A (mandatory):
Activity 1. Implementation of technologies from Industry 4.0.
To be eligible for funding, Activity 1 must cumulatively lead to:
1) implementation of one or more Industry 4.0 technologies in the applicant enterprise in accordance with “Types of eligible Industry 4.0 technologies” (Annex 18);
2) integration of newly introduced Industry 4.0 technologies with existing technologies in the applicant enterprise.
Applicants should describe the eligible activity in the “Implementation Plan/Project Activities” of the Application Form, specifying one or more Industry 4.0 technologies in accordance with Annex 18 that will be introduced under the project, as well as what fixed assets are planned for the introduction of each technology. In addition, in the section “Additional information necessary for the evaluation of the project proposal” of the Application Form, applicants should provide a justification showing how the specific tangible and intangible assets under Element A, included for acquisition in the project budget (section “Budget” of the Application Form) will lead to the introduction of one or more technologies from the field of Industry 4.0, included in Annex 18. In the project proposal, applicants may apply for technologies from the different groups listed in Annex 18, depending on their needs and the type of investment.
Additionally, in the section “Additional information necessary for the evaluation of the project proposal” of the Application Form, applicants should justify how the new technologies introduced by Industry 4.0 are integrated with the existing technologies in the enterprise. The integration of new technologies must lead to their connection with at least one business process.
2. ELEMENT B (optional):
Activity 2. Enhancing cybersecurity and data privacy.
Improving the cybersecurity and confidentiality of data can include activities related to: a8> include activities related to:
- Implementation of an information protection system in a local network;
- Implementation of a system for archiving of information;
- Implementation of a system for managing the a6> storage and sharing of information;
- Implementation and certification of an information security management system in accordance with the requirements of the international standard BDS ISO/IEC 27001.
Project proposals may include one or more of the systems listed.
Activity 3. Implementation of standards in the field of Industry 4.0.
Consulting services for implementation of the following standards in the field of Industry 4.0:
- BDS EN 62264 “Integration of an enterprise management system”;
- BDS EN 61512 “Batch” mode of control and verification of production process”;
- BDS EN IEC 62890 “Management of the life cycle of systems and components”.
The implementation of the three standards in the field of Industry 4.0 is certified by documents developed by the service provider, such as: manuals, procedures, specifications, records, diagrams, charts, system reports, and other applicable documents, depending on the specifics of the relevant standard and the particularities of the economic activity of the applicant enterprise. If, during the project implementation period, the applicable documents are not received and/or the implementation of the planned activity for the introduction of a standard(s) in the field of Industry 4.0 is not proven, the expenses incurred for the relevant standard will not be recognized.
The application process is through the system ISUN – https://eumis2020.government.bg/bg/s/Procedure/Info/e60fd5f2-a7be-479c-a16f-ae8a95d58911.
Digitization of enterprises
Micro and small enterprises can now accelerate their transition to Industry 4.0 through the “Digitization of Enterprises” program. In the context of low levels of digitization in Bulgaria, the initiative provides up to 70% grant funding for the implementation of technological solutions that increase efficiency and competitiveness and reduce administrative burdens.
Basic parameters
- Funding: from BGN 5,000 to BGN 50,000.
- Budget: BGN 80 million.
- Deadline: September 26, 2025, 4:30 p.m. via ISUN
- Self-participation: 30%
Who can apply
- Micro and small enterprises registered by 31st of December 2023.
- Net revenue ≥ 100,000 BGN. for 2023 and 2024.
- Staff ≥ 2 employed persons
- Activity outside the ICT sector (according to NACE-2008)
Solutions from Eskom Bulgaria – ready for financing
- Development of a system for archiving of information;
- Development of a system for management of storage and sharing of information.
- Introduction of a system/platform for internal training of employees from a distance in an electronic environment.
All solutions are fixed-price, include training and support for a minimum of 3 years after funding.
Priority areas
- Group 1: Vidin, Silistra, Smolyan, Kyustendil, Razgrad, Pernik, Montana, Targovishte, Yambol, Lovech, Kardzhali, Sliven, Gabrovo, Dobrich, Shumen, Haskovo;
- Group 2: Pazardzhik, Pleven, Vratsa, Ruse, Veliko Tarnovo, Blagoevgrad, Sofia region;
- Group 3: Burgas, Stara Zagora, Varna, Plovdiv;
- No priority: Sofia city (capital).
National priority sectors under the National Strategy for a small and medium-sized enterprises 2021-2027 (NSME)
- High-tech manufacturing: C21, C26;
- Medium to high tech: C20, C27, C28, C29, C30;
- Waste management and recycling: E38, E39;
- High-tech services with intensive use of knowledge: J59, J60, J61, M71, M72.
- Regional: 3 groups areas with different degrees of prioritization
- Sectoral: high-tech manufacturing and services, recycling, innovation
Applications are submitted electronically via the ISUN system – https://eumis2020.government.bg/bg/s/Procedure/InfoEnded/546bcb64-0e8b-418e-94a5-cb7a2cc73e12.
Cybersecurity in SMEs
The Ministry of Electronic Governance announced an open procedure DEP-1.001 – “Support for improving cybersecurity in small and medium-sized enterprises in the Republic of Bulgaria” under the “Digital Europe” program, aimed at improving the cybersecurity of micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises in Bulgaria.
FINANCING
- 100% non-repayable aid (no need for co-financing)
- 5,000 to 60,000 BGN. for micro and small enterprises
- 5,000 to 120,000 BGN. for medium-sized enterprises
ELIGIBLE BENEFICIARIES
- Micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises registered under the Commercial Law;
- Have a minimum turnover (41,000 / 82,000 / 123,000 BGN depending on the category of micro, small, or medium-sized enterprise);
- Yes have at least one employed person during the last financial year.
Deadline for applications: until 15 August 2025, 16:30.
The projects shall be carried out implemented within the framework of up to 3 months from the date of signing of the contract.
Important changes to the procedure
Assignment of activities:
- for contracting authorities under the Public Procurement Act – the Public Procurement Act applies
- for other organizations – Article 208 of Regulation (EU, Euratom) 2024/2509 applies, requiring a market survey with at least two suppliers, including technical requirements, criteria, sample offers, and a draft contract
Criteria for selecting a contractor:
- Evaluation based on comprehensive evaluation (CE) – a combination of technical and price indicators
- For certain IT solutions (SIEM, XDR, DLP, SoCaaS, WAF), technical sub-indicators described in the updated Terms and Conditions for Application and Implementation – ISUN are also used.
Project sustainability:
- Minimum 12 months warranty/support
- Recommendation: minimum 3 years maintenance for long-term sustainability
Eligible project activities
Category | Examples of solutions we can implement together |
Cloud-based software solutions for cybersecurity | – Cybersecurity center as a service (SoCaaS); |
Locally based hardware or software solutions for cybersecurity | – Detection and response to threats to endpoints and connected systems – EDR (Endpoint Detection and Response) and XDR (Extended Detection and Response); – Security monitoring (SIEM – Security Information and Event Management) and vulnerability management (Vulnerability Management); – Local network information protection system with a next-generation firewall (NGFW) and intrusion prevention system (IPS); – System for archiving of information; integration of protection against attacks such as malicious software “ransomware”; – Secure channels for data transmission between offices or clients via VPN (Virtual Private Network); – System for managing the storage and sharing of information, including centralized access management for employees, DLP (Data Loss Prevention), action logging (audit log), server infrastructure, and necessary hardware components; – Training for professional capacity building and upskilling of employees in the organization in the field of cybersecurity; – Licenses, valid for a period of 3 years after completion of the project (e.g. antivirus software, databases data, firewalls from the next generation – NGFW, servers, and others.). |
Compliance with the NIS2 Directive and building of capacity | – Audits on information security; – Penetration tests; – Training; – Conducting vulnerability tests. |
Applications are submitted electronically via the ISUN system – https://eumis2020.government.bg/bg/s/Procedure/InfoEnded/a4f81dae-8d22-4632-836e-32435e8916d2.
Diversification of SMEs
The procedure involves choosing one of two options:
- Increasing the capacity of an existing commercial facility:
An increase in the capacity of an existing industrial facility occurs when, as a result of the investment, the existing industrial facility will be able to produce more than one of the products already produced, provided that the basic production process does not change fundamentally.
- Diversification of the production of a given business entity with products or services that it has not produced or offered to date:
Diversification of the production of a given business entity with products or services that it has not produced or offered to date is present when the product has not been produced in the enterprise prior to the investment for which the application is being made.
And all this through the prism of Informatics and ICT.
How do we assist in project preparation?
Our team of experts in the ICT sector can provide you with full support in:
- Preparation and submission of project documentation;
- Development of the idea and its application;
- Compliance with the requirements of European regulations.
The final deadline for submitting project proposals is May 15, 2025, at 6:00 p.m.
The European framework provides financial incentives, but also imposes regulatory requirements that must be taken into account in technological modernization. The implementation of the priority thematic areas of ISIS must comply with the relevant European directives and regulations:
- In accordance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR):
- When processing data in systems based on AI, IoT, blockchain, and big data (Big Data), companies must ensure the protection of personal and sensitive data, data minimization, and transparency.
- The NIS2 Directive (Network and Information Security 2) requires companies classified as essential and important entities to implement minimum security measures to address specific forms of likely cyber threats in four key areas:
- Risk management
- Corporate responsibility
- Incident handling and reporting
- Business continuity
- The legislative EU Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act introduces requirements for transparency, safety and ethics in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI).
- The European Regulation on Crypto Assets (MiCA) regulates the issuance, public offering, and admission to trading of crypto assets, as well as the provision of services related to crypto assets, ensuring security and consumer protection.
- The Payment Services Directive PSD 2 Directive (EU) facilitates innovation in financial technologies, but requires authentication (MFA) and transaction protection.
Cybersecurity is a key aspect of any modern business strategy, especially in today’s digital world. Our team is ready to provide you with advice and solutions to protect your data and information systems.
The program aims to stimulate economic activity and overcome the challenges associated with the transition to a sustainable and climate-neutral economy. Eligible costs include:
- Costs for the acquisition of machinery, facilities, and equipment representing long-term tangible assets;
- Costs for acquiring specialized software for the production process, representing a long-term intangible asset;
- Expenses for construction and installation activities related to investments for diversification of SMEs;
- Costs for renting work premises;
- Expenses for purchasing land;
- Expenses for services, necessary for developing new products/services;
- Expenses for training of employees of the applicant, in connection with the investment made in the project under the project ;
- Costs for building and developing partnerships and promoting the transfer of a9> knowledge and skills.
Applications are submitted electronically through the ISUN system – https://eumis2020.government.bg/bg/s/Procedure/InfoEnded/12fc8e57-53fb-48c1-b6a8-41f6fd986913.
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