Stara Zagora municipality’s chatbot and bear counting software are some of the most interesting digital services currently being developed by the European Digital Innovation Hub Zagore. On 10 May, the deadline for applying for the second grant funding procedure for digital services within theSynGReDiT project expired. 31 small and medium-sized enterprises have applied for a total of 129 services between 11 February and 10 May 2025. The third call for funding for companies with a focus on hydrogen technologies is currently being prepared. The second SynGReDiT funding call was launched on 11 February and attracted twice as much interest as the first call, which was open between August and October 2024. The main interest came from small and medium-sized enterprises, with all applicants falling into this bracket – 31 enterprises requesting 129 services.
In the first call, a total of 19 companies and organisations applied, including 12 SMEs and 7 public institutions. The total number of services requested then was 75. These results demonstrate the increased confidence of businesses in the digital transformation opportunities and services offered by the ZAGORE ECIC. Among the most interesting services that EDIH Zagore has implemented are the development of a chatbot for the municipality of Stara Zagora and specialized software for bear monitoring. The chatbot, specially designed for the municipality, will improve the administrative system and communication between the institution and the citizens. The software product, in turn, is an automated system for passporting and taxing (counting) of Ursus arctos arctos bears through facial recognition with a global application. A third open call for grant funding within the SynGReDiT project will be launched in the autumn. It will target companies and public organisations with a focus on developing hydrogen technologies. The vision of the European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Zagore is to build an environment for innovation and a sustainable future for the South East region of Bulgaria. The main objective is to be the engine of digital transformation and decarbonisation in the region, achieving equality and competitiveness in the European context. The Hub’s efforts are focused on fostering a society in which innovation and digital technologies are a fundamental prerequisite for sustainable development and quality of life. Within the SynGReDiT project
