Automotive Cluster Bulgaria

02/06/2026

Thanks to everyone who joined us at the Automotive Forum and made the networking experience truly memorable.

We’re excited to share the official photo gallery from the event — capturing key moments, conversations, and interactions with Robert the Robot.

Take a look back at the atmosphere and see if you can spot yourself in the networking moments 👇

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/networking-moments-robert-the-robot/

Looking forward to seeing you at our next events and continuing to build meaningful connections across the automotive and manufacturing community.

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the Automotive Forum and helped make the event such a valuable networking experience. We are excited to share a collection of memorable moments from the event, featuring inspiring conversations, new connections, and photos with Robert the Robot. Browse the gall...

29/05/2026

How are European innovation hubs shaping the future of industry, cities, and digital transformation?

The second day of Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 focused on the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) ecosystem, bringing together experts, innovators, and institutions to explore AI adoption, smart manufacturing, construction digitalization, and Smart City development.

The program featured contributions from multiple EDIHs, including EDIH AI Hungary, EDIH Südwestfalen, EDIH Zagore, EDIH Construction, Ventspils High Technology Park (Latvia), as well as a Smart City discussion with representatives from different sectors exploring how digital technologies are transforming urban environments.

Thank you to all speakers and partners for sharing valuable insights on Europe’s innovation ecosystem and its role in accelerating digital transformation.

📸 View the gallery:

The second day of Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, dedicated to the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) ecosystem, brought together experts, innovators, institutions, and technology leaders to discuss digital transformation, AI adoption, smart manufacturing, and the future of innovation ecosystem...

29/05/2026

What will mobility look like in a more digital, connected, and sustainable world?

The Digital, Sustainable & Connected Mobility session at Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 brought together experts from the automotive, technology, energy, and mobility sectors to discuss the future of smart transportation, electric mobility, digital transformation, and customer experience.

Thank you to Leena Pishe Thomas, Ivan Simeonov, Dilian Peitchev, Blagoy Burdin, and Anıl Barış Açık for sharing their expertise and perspectives on the future of connected and sustainable mobility.

From connected vehicles and sustainable technologies to the future of urban mobility, the session showcased some of the key trends shaping the next generation of transportation.

📸 View the gallery:

Digital, Sustainable & Connected Mobility focused on the future of smart and sustainable transportation, highlighting innovations in digital solutions, customer experience, energy transition, and electric mobility. The session featured presentations by Leena Pishe Thomas, Director at Global Business...

28/05/2026

Are robots the future of industry?

At Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, Robert the Robot took the stage with a speech and presentation, setting the tone for a session dedicated to robotics, AI, and the future of industrial development.

The program also featured separate presentations by Svetoslav Vasilev from Siviko and Kristiyan Mihaylov from Parai, showcasing real-world applications of advanced manufacturing and automation technologies.

The session highlighted how rapidly robotics and AI are moving from prototypes to practical industrial use across the automotive ecosystem.

🔗 You can watch Robert’s speech and read the full post here:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1130097-az-ne-sam-prosto-mashina-koyato-izpalnyava-komandi-az-sam-pogled-kam-badeshtet

📸 View the gallery:

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-robotics-automation/

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Роботите ли са бъдещето на индустрията?

По време на Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 Робърт роботът излезе на сцената с реч и презентация, с които постави фокус върху роботиката, изкуствения интелект и бъдещето на индустриалното развитие.

В програмата бяха включени и отделни презентации на Светослав Василев от Siviko и Кристиян Михайлов от Parai, които представиха реални приложения на съвременни технологии за производство и автоматизация.

Сесията показа как бързо роботиката и AI преминават от прототипи към реални индустриални решения в автомобилната екосистема.

🔗 Можете да гледате речта на Робърт и да прочетете пълната публикация тук:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1130097-az-ne-sam-prosto-mashina-koyato-izpalnyava-komandi-az-sam-pogled-kam-badeshtet

📸 Разгледайте галерията:

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-robotics-automation/

Аз не съм просто машина, която изпълнява команди, аз съм поглед към бъдещето. Бъдеще, в което хора и роботи работят рамо до рамо. Това каза Робърт Роботът на форума „A...

27/05/2026

How fast is the automotive industry changing — and what will mobility look like in the next decade?

During Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, Dimitar Dimitrov from Deloitte CE discussed the impact of electrification, digitalization, changing consumer behaviour, and the growing role of software-defined vehicles on the future of the automotive industry.

🔗 Read the full article here:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129827-analiz-za-promenyashtite-se-potrebitelski-naglasi-v-avtomobilniya-sektor-beshe-p #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 View the gallery: https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

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Колко бързо се променя автомобилната индустрия — и как ще изглежда мобилността през следващото десетилетие?

По време на Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 Димитър Димитров от Deloitte CE коментира влиянието на електрификацията, дигитализацията, променящото се потребителско поведение и нарастващата роля на software-defined vehicles върху бъдещето на автомобилната индустрия.

🔗 Прочетете цялата статия тук:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129827-analiz-za-promenyashtite-se-potrebitelski-naglasi-v-avtomobilniya-sektor-beshe-p #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 Разгледайте галерията: https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

27/05/2026

How can Europe stay competitive in times of economic uncertainty and rapid industrial transformation?

During Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, Iliya Lingorski from the Bulgarian National Bank discussed the role of innovation, productivity, industrial resilience, and electric mobility in shaping Europe’s future economy.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129872-potentsialnata-energiya-na-shokovete-da-bade-prevarnata-v-kinetichen-impuls-za-i

📸 View the gallery: https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

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Как Европа може да остане конкурентоспособна в условията на икономическа несигурност и бърза индустриална трансформация?

По време на Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 Илия Лингорски от Българската народна банка коментира ролята на иновациите, производителността, индустриалната устойчивост и електрическата мобилност за бъдещето на европейската икономика.

🔗 Прочетете цялата статия тук:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129872-potentsialnata-energiya-na-shokovete-da-bade-prevarnata-v-kinetichen-impuls-za-i

📸 Разгледайте галерията:

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

Потенциалната енергия на шоковете да бъде превърната в кинетичен импулс за иновации, по-висока производителност и растеж, препоръчва Илия Лингорски, член на Управ....

27/05/2026

The “Cross Industry” module at Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 brought together experts from the automotive, defence, aerospace and technology sectors to discuss the growing importance of cross-sector collaboration, dual-use technologies, AI, security and Europe’s future innovation ecosystem.

The programme included a dedicated Cross Industry panel featuring representatives from the defence, aerospace and technology sectors, alongside a presentation by SeeNext Insights focused on key findings from the latest report “Defence & Security in Southeast Europe: Preparing for a New World”.

🔗 Explore the report:
https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1130110-analiz-za-sigurnostta-v-yugoiztochna-evropa-i-rolyata-na-balgariya-v-otbraniteln #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 View the gallery from Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026:
https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/cross-industry/

26/05/2026

Tommy Ver Elst, General Manager of Sensata Technologies Bulgaria and Chairman of Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, discussed some of the biggest challenges and opportunities facing Europe’s automotive industry during Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026.

The discussion focused on electrification, changing supply chains, growing global competition, and the future competitiveness of European automotive manufacturing. Special attention was also given to investments, innovation, digitalization, and the conditions needed for the industry to continue growing in Europe and Bulgaria.

🔗 Read the full article here:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129875-evropeyskata-avtomobilna-industriya-gubi-pazaren-dyal-i-izostava-v-elektrifikats #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 View the gallery from Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026:

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

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Томи Вер Елст, Генерален мениджър на Sensata Technologies България и председател на Automotive Cluster Bulgaria, коментира част от най-големите предизвикателства и възможности пред европейската автомобилна индустрия по време на Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026.

Дискусията беше фокусирана върху електрификацията, променящите се вериги на доставки, нарастващата глобална конкуренция и бъдещата конкурентоспособност на автомобилното производство в Европа. Специално внимание беше отделено и на инвестициите, иновациите, дигитализацията и условията, необходими за развитието на индустрията в Европа и България.

🔗 Прочетете цялата статия тук:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129875-evropeyskata-avtomobilna-industriya-gubi-pazaren-dyal-i-izostava-v-elektrifikats #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 Разгледайте галерията от Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026:

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

26/05/2026

Can Europe remain competitive in the global automotive race?

This was one of the key questions discussed by Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General of CLEPA - European Association of Automotive Suppliers, during Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 at Sofia Tech Park.

In his keynote, Krieger addressed the major challenges facing the European automotive industry — from the slower-than-expected transition to electric vehicles and rising energy costs to the growing pressure from Chinese manufacturers and the need for a more competitive industrial environment in Europe.

He also highlighted the importance of innovation, software, digitalization, and stronger cooperation between industry and European institutions in shaping the future of mobility and manufacturing.

The discussion was part of Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, organized by Automotive Cluster Bulgaria.

🔗 Read the full article here: https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129785-evropeyskata-avtomobilna-industriya-se-nuzhdae-ot-po-konkurentna-sreda-i-regulat #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 View the gallery from Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026: https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

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Може ли Европа да остане конкурентоспособна в глобалната автомобилна надпревара?

Това беше един от ключовите въпроси, поставени от Benjamin Krieger, Secretary General на CLEPA - European Association of Automotive Suppliers, по време на Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 в Sofia Tech Park.

В рамките на своята keynote презентация той засегна основните предизвикателства пред европейската автомобилна индустрия — от по-бавния от очакваното преход към електромобили и високите енергийни разходи до нарастващия натиск от китайските производители и необходимостта от по-конкурентна индустриална среда в Европа.

Той също така подчерта значението на иновациите, софтуера, дигитализацията и по-тясното сътрудничество между индустрията и европейските институции за бъдещето на мобилността и производството.

Дискусията беше част от Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, организиран от Automotive Cluster Bulgaria.

🔗 Прочетете цялата статия тук:

https://www.bta.bg/bg/news/economy/1129785-evropeyskata-avtomobilna-industriya-se-nuzhdae-ot-po-konkurentna-sreda-i-regulat #%D0%B0%D1%83%D1%82%D0%BE%D0%BC%D0%BE%D1%82%D0%B8%D0%B2

📸 Разгледайте галерията от Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026:

https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

26/05/2026

How is the global automotive industry changing — and what role will Bulgaria play in the next generation of automotive technologies?

During Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026, Marc Biron, CEO of MELEXIS, spoke with Economy.bg about the company’s strategy, the future of the automotive sector, and the growing importance of Melexis Bulgaria as a key R&D and testing hub.

Among the highlights of the interview were:

• expansion plans for Melexis Bulgaria

• growing testing capacity and new investments in Sofia

• the future of electrification and automotive innovation

• diversification into robotics, digital healthcare, and alternative mobility

• the increasing role of semiconductors in next-generation technologies

Melexis currently employs around 800 people in Sofia, making Bulgaria the company’s largest location globally.

🔗 Read the full interview here: https://www.economy.bg/business/view/64052/Bylgariya-se-utvyrzhdava-kato-strategicheski-centyr-v-globalnata-transformaciya-na-Melexis

📸 View the gallery from Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026: https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

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Как се променя глобалната автомобилна индустрия — и каква ще бъде ролята на България в следващото поколение автомобилни технологии?

По време на Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 Марк Бирон, CEO на MELEXIS, разговаря с Economy.bg за стратегията на компанията, бъдещето на автомобилния сектор и нарастващото значение на Melexis Bulgaria като ключов център за развойна дейност и тестване.

Сред основните акценти в интервюто бяха:

• плановете за разширяване на Melexis Bulgaria

• увеличаването на тестовия капацитет и новите инвестиции в София

• бъдещето на електрификацията и автомобилните иновации

• разширяването към роботика, дигитално здравеопазване и алтернативна мобилност

• нарастващата роля на полупроводниците в следващото поколение технологии

В момента Melexis има около 800 служители в София, което прави България най-голямата локация на компанията в световен мащаб.

🔗 Прочетете цялото интервю тук: https://www.economy.bg/business/view/64052/Bylgariya-se-utvyrzhdava-kato-strategicheski-centyr-v-globalnata-transformaciya-na-Melexis

📸 Разгледайте галерията от Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026: https://automotive.bg/gallery-posts/automotive-forum-bulgaria-2026-the-future-of-industry-technology-and-mobility/

Automotive Forum Bulgaria 2026 took place on 20 May 2026 at the John Atanasoff Innovation Forum in Sofia Tech Park, bringing together leading representatives from the automotive, technology, and institutional sectors to discuss the future of mobility and industrial transformation. The conference foc...