On October 15, 2025, the Technical University – Sofia and Siemens Bulgaria officially opened the first specialized laboratory in Bulgaria for industrial communication and cybersecurity in automation systems at the Department of "Automation of Continuous Processes" (ACP) of the Faculty of "Automation". This is another step in the strategic partnership between the two institutions, aimed at preparing highly qualified specialists in key areas for the future of technology. The laboratory is equipped with the most modern equipment and software for protecting automated systems and critical infrastructure, donated by the German company.
The opening ceremony was attended by the CEO of Siemens for Bulgaria and North Macedonia, Dr. Eng. Boryana Manolova, the Deputy Rector for International Activities and Integration of TU – Sofia, Prof. Dr. Eng. Lidia Galbova, the Dean of the Faculty of "Automation", Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Tsonyo Slavov, the Head of the Department of "Automation of Continuous Processes", Prof. Dr. Eng. Nina Nikolova, the Head of the newly opened laboratory, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Metodi Georgiev, faculty members and students from the Faculty of "Automation", managers and team members from Siemens.
The laboratory is the first of its kind in Bulgaria and the region and is equipped with the most modern equipment and specialized software, provided free of charge by Siemens Bulgaria, with a total market value exceeding 50,000 BGN. The investment aims to build and develop a research and educational environment that meets the highest global standards and allows researchers and students to work with the latest tools and technologies used in real industrial practice.
The laboratory offers numerous opportunities for scientific and research activities in the field of industrial communications to ensure maximum speed of information flows, real-time data experimentation, and the creation of new or improved approaches to counter cyberattacks targeting industrial systems. In addition to the free equipment and software, Siemens provides 13 specially developed practical scenarios/exercises that can be used by faculty and students. Upon completion, they will gain practical insight into the main processes and challenges in the industry, including the construction of redundant industrial networks, VPN creation, establishment of secure communication links, configuration of industrial firewalls, and working with software for industrial network management and secure remote access. Such products and solutions are currently used or are gradually entering industrial enterprises in Bulgaria and worldwide. A secure remote connection to other Siemens laboratories for industrial automation is also planned. This will enable the industrial network equivalent to a medium-sized industrial production to be managed from the laboratory.
