The Deputy Minister of Innovations and Growth, Prof. Georgi Angelov, opened today in Sofia the Tech Park "4th National Forum for Contemporary Space Research". It is organized by the Space Branch of the Union of Physicists in Bulgaria. Representatives of business and scientific circles, including universities that have successfully implemented and are implementing projects under the Agreement for a European Cooperating State of Bulgaria and the European Space Agency (ESA) and its Tender Procedures for Bulgaria, were present at the event. The forum is dedicated to the opportunities provided to Bulgarian companies and scientific organizations, in particular from the European Earth observation program - Copernicus, as well as those that Bulgaria provides through cooperation for a European Cooperating State with the European Space Agency. "The space sector is a driver of scientific research, a means of stimulating new technologies and a source of innovation. Investments in space open up new opportunities for science and scientific research, create new jobs and growth," said Prof. Angelov. He emphasized the successful cooperation of Bulgaria with the European Space Agency and stated that the Agreement for a European Cooperating State, which our country is implementing, is yet another tool to encourage businesses to participate in the development of the space sector. "Bulgaria is striving for Associated Membership, in order to provide more opportunities for stakeholders to fully participate in ESA programs," said the Deputy Minister of Innovations. He emphasized that the Ministry of Innovations and Growth (MIR) has taken actions regarding the phased increase of Bulgaria's membership contribution to ESA, which will further increase the opportunities for the implementation of Bulgarian space projects. "The Ministry of Innovations and Growth encourages the expansion of Bulgaria's cooperation with ESA and supports the development of innovations in the "Space" sector," Prof. Angelov added. He also commented on Bulgaria's partnership with the Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and the European Space Agency. In recent years, nine tender procedures for Bulgaria have been conducted, of which 127 project proposals have been received and 44 projects have been approved for implementation. The budget used for the implementation of Bulgarian space projects amounts to over 8 million euros. Among the widely applicable innovative solutions created by Bulgarian companies are monitoring the quality of atmospheric air in urban environments, building models for the development of microbial degradation of waste, modules for space food for crews, power supply systems from nanosatellites, designing a system for monitoring large hydroelectric reservoirs, etc. The event program included a presentation by the ESA Coordinator for Bulgaria, Michele Yapalo, on completed and upcoming joint activities between MIR and the Agency, including the need for active business participation to increase international partnerships and enhance its competitiveness.
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mig.government.bg, 19.10.2023
