Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications

Bulgarian scientific organizations and companies can participate in competitions under the Work Program 2016 - 2017, of the Framework Program for research and innovation "Horizon 2020". Application requirements and preparation of projects and programs on the topic of "Information and Communication Technologies" with priority on "Industrial Leadership" and "Science and Society" were presented by the Ministry of Transport, Information Technology and Communications during an information day. For 2016 these two programs provide a total budget of 488 million euros for all Member States and the associated countries to "Horizon 2020".

Program "Horizon 2020" supports basic and applied research, demonstration, development of prototypes and validation of the results of research and development in laboratory and real conditions, the market introduction of innovative products and services.

Up to 100% of the eligible costs will be financed for of the type "research and innovation” projects; and up to 70% - for "innovative activities" projects.

SMEs can apply for funding under the topic of innovation. In the previous competitions last year, three small companies from Sofia, Varna and Burgas were awarded funding under "Instruments for SMEs".

The main technological areas that the "Information and Communication Technologies" supports with a priority on "Industrial leadership" are: a new generation of components and systems, computing systems, future Internet, digital content, robotics, micro- and nano-electronics, photonics.

In 2015, 42 Bulgarian organizations submitted 30 proposals for projects under the ICT Program of the Framework Program for research and innovation "Horizon 2020". Two organizations received funding amounting to 543,750 euros.