Innovation and digital transformation minister Ivan Vasilev said nearly €83m is set aside to bring green technology to micro, small and medium-sized firms. He spoke at the Sliven Future Forum 2026 in Sliven.

Firms can spend the money on machines, plant, equipment, software and intellectual property rights linked to green technology and circular models of production and use.

Data from the Agency for European Funds for Competitiveness show 133 projects in Sliven region with grants of more than €9.8m. Of these, 45 are finished and have received €4.6m, while the other 88 are under way.

Vasilev called on local business to use the funding on offer and to look for ways to apply artificial intelligence to raise productivity and start new companies.

The minister also spoke about the Brain++ supercomputer, which will be built at Sofia Tech Park as part of the European EuroHPC network. The investment is more than €90m, and the machine will have 700 graphics cards. Half of the computing power will go to Bulgarian companies, and the rest will be shared by companies across the EU.

Vasilev said the aim is for access to Brain++ to follow clear rules, with entrepreneurs and researchers from across the country as users.