The MIR defense technology program has attracted twice as much interest

Nearly 200 companies have applied for European funding under the procedure for strengthening defense capabilities, the Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIR) announced. The results of the specialized procedure show that Bulgarian businesses are ready to invest heavily in security and high technology.

The total value of the requested grant funding amounts to €151.4 million. It is provided under the "Competitiveness and Innovation in Enterprises" (CIE) program. The amount exceeds the measure’s allocated budget – €70.6 million – by more than two times.

The significant budget overrun underscores the critical need for modernization in the sector and the ambition of Bulgarian companies to establish a more stable position in the European defense and security market.

The procedure was developed in direct alignment with European Union policies aimed at enhancing the autonomy and strategic capabilities of member states. Eligible applicants come from key sectors such as “Manufacturing,” “Information Technology,” and “Scientific Research.”

With the approved funding, which ranges from €51,000 to €3.6 million per project, companies will be able to finance: The grant under the program covers up to 70% of costs, depending on the size of the company and the region of implementation.

• Purchase of new machinery, facilities, and specialized equipment;
• Acquisition of software, patents, licenses, and “know-how”;
• Construction and installation works (up to 50% of the project cost).

Focus on dual-use technologies

The program places particular emphasis on dual-use products – technologies that find application in both the civilian and military sectors. Examples of such products include high-performance microprocessors, radar systems, lidars, cryptographic software, and unmanned aerial vehicles (drones). The latter are becoming increasingly important not only for reconnaissance purposes but also in fields such as agriculture, surveying, and logistics.

What’s next?

The Ministry of Innovation and Growth announced that the evaluation of the submitted proposals will begin by the end of this month. Once the process is complete, the official lists of approved candidates who will receive funding to improve their industrial capacity will be published.

Translated with DeepL.