Sofia Tech Park opened

The first science and technology park in the country was officially opened in Sofia. The ceremony was attended by President Rosen Plevneliev, Prime Minister Boyko Borisov, President of Slovakia Andrej Kiska, Prime Minister of Bavaria Horst Seehofer, European Commissioner for Regional Development Corina Cretu, Deputy Prime Minister Tomislav Donchev, Minister of Economy Bozhidar Lukarski and Executive Director of Sofia Tech Park Elitsa Panayotova. The project officially named Technology+Innovation Network, also known as Sofia Tech Park, has two main objectives – to keep the young people in the country and to lay the foundations for building economy of knowledge and innovation. “When we created the Bulgarian information cluster in 2003 we did not believe that it will provide 5,700 jobs. Then as Minister of Regional Development I did not realize how fast this project will develop and how ambitious Bulgaria will be to give perspective on young people,” said President Rosen Plevneliev. He thanked the government that presented the ground of divisions to young people and to industries of the future. Sofia Tech Park is a cause for Bulgaria of the future, which is leading in the region, which will retain the young people. This is a cause of innovation and high technology,” said the head of state. In his words, the site will have a key role in supporting innovation and entrepreneurship not only in the country but also in the region of Southeast Europe. “After building this modern infrastructure no less challenge is coming. We need to breathe life into this place,” said President and urged businesses, academic circles and investors to recognize the purposes and environment which Sofia Tech Park provides.” “I follow and support this project from the beginning and I am proud to be its patron. Together we went through the procedures in the various ministries and inspected the progress of construction,” said the President. “The focus of our work from now on is not who but how we will manage this project in order to achieve the ambitious goals and to become a center of innovation ecosystem,” stressed the head of state. Rosen Plevneliev was categorical that our capital city has already established as a regional center of entrepreneurship. For the second consecutive year Sofia was declared the third best destination for startups in Europe, and the creation of innovative and competitive products with high added value justifies the efforts. “We have to return talent here and to create conditions in which even the wildest ideas are met with enthusiasm and support. This is the recipe for attracting more entrepreneurs in the country and for increasing entrepreneurial capacity of young Bulgarians,” said in his speech the head of state.