A NEW CONTRACT FOR GRANT FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE

On 18.02.2026, an administrative agreement was concluded between the Industrial Cluster Underground Infrastructure Association (IKPI) and the Ministry of Innovation and Growth for the provision of grant aid under the approved project No. BG16RFPR002-1.003-0005 "Support for an innovative "Industrial Cluster Underground Infrastructure", financed under procedure No. BG16RFPR002-1.003 "Support for the development of existing innovation clusters" of the Program "Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation" 2021-2027.

The overall goal of the project is to sustainably increase the competitiveness of the Industrial Cluster Underground Infrastructure Association and its members through innovation activity.

The specific objectives of the project are:
1) Overcoming regional imbalances in the Stara Zagora region through investments in an existing innovation cluster;
2) Increasing the innovation activity of the cluster and its members, expanding cluster activities, attracting new members and developing new services;
3) Strengthening the links and cooperation between the cluster and research, innovation and academic organizations.
4) Ensuring access to technologies and expertise necessary to strengthen the innovation and development activities of the cluster and its members.

The total amount of the project is 852,834.86 euros, of which 554,342.66 euros (65%) is the amount of the grant.

The Industrial Cluster Underground Infrastructure Association (IKPI) was established in July 2012 with the main activity of preserving, restoring and improving the existing underground pipeline infrastructure, as well as developing and implementing new technologies for the reconstruction and modernization of the underground infrastructure.

Within the framework of this project, ICPI plans to increase its innovation activity and upgrade its existing Center for Development, Experimental Activities and Testing as a shared cluster infrastructure, through investment in new technologies.

The project envisages the implementation of eligible activity 1. DEVELOPMENT OF AN INNOVATION CLUSTER, incl. by improving its business model, upgrading existing assets (incl. shared infrastructure), as the following DMA will be acquired within the framework of the activity:
1. ROBOTIC SYSTEM FOR TRENCHLESS REHABILITATION BY APPLICATION OF GEOPOLYMER COATING ON PIPES WITH ARRANDOM CROSS-SECTION - 1 set

The robotic system will function as a shared resource for the cluster members to provide comprehensive R&D services, including the development of new materials and methods for robotic restoration of the functional suitability of water supply and sewage systems, and in general to ensure access for the cluster members and its clients to modern trenchless technologies.

In addition to R&D, the acquired technology will also be used to implement real demonstration projects for trenchless rehabilitation of underground pipelines. In this way, the opportunities for developing innovative materials and methods for applying the acquired technology will be combined with real possibilities for their implementation in the business practice of the cluster and its members.

The implementation of the project will provide an opportunity to increase the innovation activity of the cluster, strengthen ties and cooperation between members and increase their competitiveness.

Project No. BG16RFPR002-1.003-0005 "Support for an innovative "Industrial Cluster Underground Infrastructure", funded by the "Research, Innovation and Digitalization for Smart Transformation" Program 2021 - 2027, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund