ARC FUND

Events

ARC Fund coordinates, through its subsidiary ARC Consulting, the Enterprise Europe Network for Bulgaria. The Network supports SMEs to improve their positions on the international market. EEN-Bulgaria further advises businesses, research and industry organizations on the Framework Programs of the EU, including the European Innovation Council, facilitates the establishment of international partnerships, enhances the SMEs’ capacity to manage their innovative processes, to transform digital or sustainable, and introduce resilient business models. The target group of EEN-Bulgaria includes SMEs with high potential for growth or development of innovation. The services are open to enterprises from all sectors of economic activity. The portfolio of services includes access to finance, partner search, sustainability consulting, digital transformation, introduction of sustainable business models.

Twentieth National Innovation Forum

The 20th edition of the National Innovation Forum Innovation and Sustainability for Future Growth and the Award Ceremony for the winners of the National Innovation Enterprise of the Year Competition took place on 10 December 2024 and brought together some of the most prominent representatives of the innovation community in the country, including leading figures from business, sciences and the public sector. The Forum, organised by the Applied Research and Communications Fund and Enterprise Europe Network – Bulgaria, in partnership with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, and with the...

Awarded Innovative Bulgarian Companies and Finalists in the Innovative Enterprise of the Year Contest 2023

The national "Innovative Enterprise of the Year" contest has been recognized by the European Commission as the best national practice for promoting innovative business development. The Excellence in Innovation label of the Applied Research and Communications Fund is granted annually to the finalists in the national Innovative Enterprise of the Year Contest. The label recognises excellence, impact and effectiveness of cutting-edge innovations developed by Bulgarian enterprises.

Nineteenth National Innovation Forum

The nineteenth edition of the National Innovation Forum "Innovation and Sustainable Growth" and the Award Ceremony of the National Innovative Enterprise of the Year Competition, held on December 19, 2023, brought together the most prominent representatives of the innovation community in the country.

Nineteenth edition

Until 15 October 2023, Bulgarian companies that have successfully developed and implemented an innovation over the last 3 years had the opportunity to apply for the 2023 Innovative Enterprise of the Year Contest. The organizers of the Contest are the Applied Research and Communications Fund, ARC Consulting and Enterprise Europe Network – Bulgaria, with the support of the Directorate General for Internal Market, Industry, Entrepreneurship and SMEs of the European Commission and Sofia Tech Park, with the support of BAIT – Bulgarian Information Technology Association, BESCO –...

Transformative visions for territorial development

In the period 29 – 30 June 2023, ARC Fund and Sofia Development Association organized a policy-learning workshop on the topic “Transformative visions for territorial development”, within the project Leveraging Leadership for Responsible Research and Innovation in Territories, funded by Horizon 2020 program. Integration of responsible research and innovation in territorial policymaking was in the focus of the discussions among experts from Switzerland, Denmark, Spain, Greece and Bulgaria, Norway, Belgium and Germany. Representatives of the municipalities of Sofia (Bulgaria), Sabadell...

Laboratory for “wind” ideas

In June, the first expert discussion within the framework of the “Wind” Ideas Lab: Just and effective development of wind energy in North-East Bulgaria” (within JustWind4All) was held. The topic was specifically dedicated to spatial planning approaches for wind development acceleration zones. The meeting was attended by representatives of municipalities in Bulgaria and leading wind associations and investors, as well as individual independent researchers. In the course of the discussion, a two-stage approach to mapping and identifying Renewable Energy Accelerated Zones was...

Training on Japanese business culture and traditions

The “Get ready for Japan” training will take place onsite again after a break due to the pandemic. The event has a long history, dating back to 1987. During this period, the initiative has provided over 600 European companies with knowledge of Japanese cultural values and the opportunity to experience the formula for success in the Japanese market. In 2023, the two-week programme will take place from 15 to 26 May in Tokyo, Japan. The training is designed for SMEs, with a focus on business management, successful business practices and negotiation styles with local businesses. It...

Expert Council and Innovation Business Club Meeting

On 17 March 2023, meetings of the Innovation Expert Council and the Innovation Business Club of the Applied Research and Communications Fund will be held. These meetings are an independent but complementary part of the Innovation in Agribusiness event programme, a joint initiative of the Faculty of Economics of Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski, the Applied Research and Communications Fund, CleanTech Bulgaria, and the Professional Association of Robotics and Automation (PARA). The activities of the Expert Council and the Business Club are an integral part of the preparation of the annual...

Companies awarded the Excellence in Innovation Label

The "Excellence in Innovation" label of the Applied Research and Communications Fund is awarded annually to the winning enterprises in the National Innovative Enterprise of the Year Contest. The label recognises excellence, impact and effectiveness of cutting-edge innovations developed by Bulgarian enterprises.

Eighteenth National Innovation Forum

The Eighteenth edition of the National Innovation Forum "Innovations in Support of Digital and Green Transition" and the Award Ceremony of the National Contest "Innovative Enterprise of the Year", 2022 was held on 7 December 2022.