The annual forum of the Utilities Digital Innovation Hub (UDIH) – the first of its kind European hub, entirely focused on the digitalization of key utility services such as water supply, energy, waste management, and urban infrastructure – took place in the Aula of the Technical University – Sofia, Plovdiv Branch.
The event attracted the attention of over 150 participants from the country and abroad, including representatives of the European Commission, state institutions, water and sewerage operators, technology companies, academic circles, and startups. The official partners of the event were A1 Bulgaria and ProStream Group.
Created with the mission to accelerate digital transformation in the utility sector, UDIH aims to build a sustainable network of collaboration between technology companies, service operators, scientific organizations, and institutions, promoting the implementation of innovative solutions that improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of public services.
"Data-driven solutions are the right solutions. They make the work of experts easier and more effective. Our mission is to be a bridge between innovation and the real needs of the sector," said Dimitar Ivanov, Chairman of UDIH, at the opening.
What the hub offers
During the event, the Operations Director Yana Mihaylova presented the main services and opportunities offered by the hub:
• Training and qualification – from basic digital skills to specialized programs for the utility sector;
• Consultations and support – assistance in accessing funding from national and European programs;
• Technological Test Center – opportunities for testing and validating innovations before real investment;
• Creation of networks and partnerships – connecting with the innovation ecosystem and supporting joint projects.
Dobromir Moldovanov from Qubiqo presented one of the hub's main projects – the Digital Technologies Center for the Utility Sector, which is being built in Plovdiv. The facility will offer:
• Simulations of real accidents, leaks, and network situations;
• The ability to create a digital twin – a digital model simulating 10 years of system operation in 10 minutes;
• A secure "sandbox" environment for cybersecurity – for risk-free testing of the real infrastructure.
According to him, the test environment will allow companies and operators to "test before investing," thereby reducing risks and increasing the efficiency of implemented technologies.
Three panels outlined the future of digitalization
Within the event, three panel discussions were held:
Panel 1: Early stages of digitalization
Participants: Prof. Dr. Eng. Ganche Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Emil Altimirski, Petar Bosovski, Plamen Gerdzhikov.
The topic – the historical path from automated systems to intelligent management platforms.
Panel 2: Present and challenges
Participants from companies such as Wilo, DM Арматурен, ESRI, ProStream, and ViK Ruse shared best practices, highlighting the shortage of personnel and the need for training as key barriers to digitalization.
Panel 3: Visions for the digital tomorrow
Pepe Chambó (Idrica / Global Omnium / Aguas de Valencia) presented the project for a digital twin of the water supply network in Valencia.
Schneider Electric, Veolia, A1 Bulgaria and AquaIntel demonstrated specific solutions for intelligent management, optimization and monitoring through technologies such as GIS, satellite observation, IaaS, SaaS and cybersecurity.
As a first result of its activities, UDIH presented a study on digital maturity conducted among 19 water utility companies in Bulgaria. The average score of 2.7 out of 5 indicates that the sector has significant potential for development, but also faces serious challenges.
Participants in the interactive voting identified water losses and the lack of timely data as the most serious problems that digitalization can address.
Call for a national strategy
During the forum, it was emphasized that digital transformation requires coordinated efforts and a comprehensive national strategy, including:
• development of digital competencies;
• sustainable funding for innovations;
• improving the qualifications of personnel;
• reducing resistance to change and innovations.
The Utilities Digital Innovation Hub (UDIH) is a European hub for innovation dedicated to the digitalization of the utilities sector. Established to accelerate digital transformation through innovation, partnerships, and training, the hub provides infrastructure and expertise for the sustainable development of public services
The event attracted the attention of over 150 participants from the country and abroad, including representatives of the European Commission, state institutions, water and sewerage operators, technology companies, academic circles, and startups. The official partners of the event were A1 Bulgaria and ProStream Group.
Created with the mission to accelerate digital transformation in the utility sector, UDIH aims to build a sustainable network of collaboration between technology companies, service operators, scientific organizations, and institutions, promoting the implementation of innovative solutions that improve the quality, efficiency, and sustainability of public services.
"Data-driven solutions are the right solutions. They make the work of experts easier and more effective. Our mission is to be a bridge between innovation and the real needs of the sector," said Dimitar Ivanov, Chairman of UDIH, at the opening.
What the hub offers
During the event, the Operations Director Yana Mihaylova presented the main services and opportunities offered by the hub:
• Training and qualification – from basic digital skills to specialized programs for the utility sector;
• Consultations and support – assistance in accessing funding from national and European programs;
• Technological Test Center – opportunities for testing and validating innovations before real investment;
• Creation of networks and partnerships – connecting with the innovation ecosystem and supporting joint projects.
Dobromir Moldovanov from Qubiqo presented one of the hub's main projects – the Digital Technologies Center for the Utility Sector, which is being built in Plovdiv. The facility will offer:
• Simulations of real accidents, leaks, and network situations;
• The ability to create a digital twin – a digital model simulating 10 years of system operation in 10 minutes;
• A secure "sandbox" environment for cybersecurity – for risk-free testing of the real infrastructure.
According to him, the test environment will allow companies and operators to "test before investing," thereby reducing risks and increasing the efficiency of implemented technologies.
Three panels outlined the future of digitalization
Within the event, three panel discussions were held:
Panel 1: Early stages of digitalization
Participants: Prof. Dr. Eng. Ganche Dimitrov, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Emil Altimirski, Petar Bosovski, Plamen Gerdzhikov.
The topic – the historical path from automated systems to intelligent management platforms.
Panel 2: Present and challenges
Participants from companies such as Wilo, DM Арматурен, ESRI, ProStream, and ViK Ruse shared best practices, highlighting the shortage of personnel and the need for training as key barriers to digitalization.
Panel 3: Visions for the digital tomorrow
Pepe Chambó (Idrica / Global Omnium / Aguas de Valencia) presented the project for a digital twin of the water supply network in Valencia.
Schneider Electric, Veolia, A1 Bulgaria and AquaIntel demonstrated specific solutions for intelligent management, optimization and monitoring through technologies such as GIS, satellite observation, IaaS, SaaS and cybersecurity.
As a first result of its activities, UDIH presented a study on digital maturity conducted among 19 water utility companies in Bulgaria. The average score of 2.7 out of 5 indicates that the sector has significant potential for development, but also faces serious challenges.
Participants in the interactive voting identified water losses and the lack of timely data as the most serious problems that digitalization can address.
Call for a national strategy
During the forum, it was emphasized that digital transformation requires coordinated efforts and a comprehensive national strategy, including:
• development of digital competencies;
• sustainable funding for innovations;
• improving the qualifications of personnel;
• reducing resistance to change and innovations.
The Utilities Digital Innovation Hub (UDIH) is a European hub for innovation dedicated to the digitalization of the utilities sector. Established to accelerate digital transformation through innovation, partnerships, and training, the hub provides infrastructure and expertise for the sustainable development of public services
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