Gabrovo Municipality receives funding for its project for the development of an "innovation valley", with which it is applying under the procedure for support for integrated development in 40 urban municipalities. The approved proposal "Gabrovo - center of innovation, education and entrepreneurship" is part of a concept for integrated territorial investments (ITI) and is worth 16,910,828 leva. The funds are allocated under the "Regional Development" Program 2021-2027.
The former "Radio Umnikov" school will be transformed into a center for digital skills and innovations. The building - a cultural monument from the 1890s, will offer training in robotics and automation, highly equipped halls and technological laboratories. The base will have spaces for virtual reality, 3D creativity and prototyping activities. Gabrovo Municipality has already announced the public procurement for the construction and installation works and offers can be submitted until July 28, 2025.
Technical University – Gabrovo, which is a partner in the project, will create an innovation zone on its site. A “House of the Future“ will be built there with technological rooms, a seminar hall and offices. A production hall will be built in which start-up companies will test innovative products. The place will also offer training for young entrepreneurs, innovation camps, support for service development.
The project also includes renovation activities for a shared space in the “Sixth District“ neighborhood. It will have two rooms for creative studios, an exhibition hall and an outdoor area for cultural events. The building is owned by the Technical University, and the courtyard is municipal. The maximum period for the implementation of the projects is 36 months. A contract for the provision of the grant is pending.
**The ITI approach is part of a pilot procedure in the new territorial development strategy of Bulgaria, supported under the cohesion policy of the European Union. The main emphasis is on partnership both at the local level and between the central and municipal administrations. The project ideas have undergone public discussion and have been prioritized by the Regional Council for the Development of the North Central Planning Region.