About us

The transition to green technologies and sustainable practices is essential for the future of the Southeast Region. The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Zagore will support and promote projects and initiatives that reduce the environmental footprint and aid in decarbonization.

Innovation is the key and an integral part of modern economic development and achieving competitiveness. The European Digital Innovation Hub (EDIH) Zagore will support entrepreneurs, researchers and startups in the region by providing them with the necessary resources and platforms to develop new ideas, technologies, and products.

Our team believes that cooperation with other regions and countries is essential for successfully achieving our goals. We are always open to partnerships and knowledge exchange to strengthen the regional and international innovation network.

We have identified two leading priorities for the region – Mechatronics and Clean Technologies (MCT) and Life and Health Science (LHS). Our mission includes fostering innovation and development in these areas, thereby supporting the diversity and specialisation of the region’s economy.

We established the EDIH Zagore with the clear vision of the responsibility that each member has towards the transformation of the region and its communities towards clean and new technologies in all areas of socio-economic life.

Creating the EDIH Zagore website, we wanted to involve another part of the community – the creative youth in the region. We are grateful to the teachers and students of the National School of Plastic Arts and Design “Dechko Uzunov” – Kazanlak for the graphic vision that transforms one of the city’s and the country’s symbols into the dimensions of the digital age.

Read more about the history of the Samara flag here

Slavin Yanakiev

Chairman of the Board of Directors

Prof. Dr. Daria Vladikova

Member of the Board of Directors

Marin Marinov

Member of the Board of Directors

Georgi Simeonov

Member of the Board of Directors

Dr. Rumyana Grozeva

Managing Partner

Dr. Rumyana Grozeva

Dr. Rumyana Grozeva has a PhD in economics from the Institute for Economic Research of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and has many years of expertise in the field of regional economic development.

For the past 15 years, she has been working as Executive Director at the Regional Economic Development Agency of Stara Zagora.

She was part of the board of directors of the Zagore Industrial Zone and currently remains seriously involved in attracting sustainable investments in the region.

Since April 2021, she is the coordinating manager of EDIH Zagore. Rumiana is a teacher at SU “St. Kliment Ohridski” and Thrace University.

Since April 2021, she has been the coordinating manager of the European Digital Innovation Hub Zagore. Rumyana is a lecturer at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and Trakia University.

She is a well-known and sought-after expert and lecturer on international projects and events.

Vasil Demirev

Project Coordinator

Vasil Demirev

Vasil Demirev is a Master of Law with many years of experience in the non-governmental sector in the field of social entrepreneurship.

He is the creator of mentoring programs and events for young people, aiming to develop their personal and professional opportunities.

Public figure, initiator and organizer of a number of humanitarian projects, in his capacity as a member and past president of the Stara Zagora Rotary Club.