Welcome to T+IN 01

Welcome to T+IN Technology + Innovation Network (T+IN) is the first science and technology park in Bulgaria. A strategic project of Bulgaria and the EU, focused on the development of innovation, science and new technologies, T+IN is a place where science, business and education join hands to realize and develop their projects.

Apart from modern infrastructure and laboratory equipment, the park also provides professional services to technology-based companies in the process of incubation.

A number of events are being organized in T+IN , including forums on entrepreneurship, innovation and science, in cooperation with leading universities and technology companies.

T+IN Mission T+IN‘s mission is to promote the development of high technology, innovation and applied science in Bulgaria, as well as to strengthen the competitiveness of science and entrepreneurship.

T+IN will accelerate these processes by bridging the gap between the academic and business communities and by creating favourable conditions for startup companies with innovative ideas.

02

03

T+IN Objectives • To be a prestigious location for the global, regional and national

researchers and innovative companies in Bulgaria and on the Balkans.

• To further upgrade the system that assists innovations and new technologies through providing support for enterprises that can further develop the knowledge economy in Bulgaria.

• To unite business and scientific efforts by focusing mainly on the development and implementation of projects in the three focal areas of the science and technology park – information and communication technologies (ICT), life sciences and clean energy.

04

05

Distance

6 min from the Bulgarian academy of Science

7 min from city center

13 min from Sofia airport

15 min from central railway Station

5 min from Sofia univerSity “ St. Kliment ohridSKi” – main Building

6 min from technical univerSity of Sofia

13 min from medical univerSity of Sofia

06

T+IN in Detail

T+IN in Numbers

1

2

6

8

4

3 7

51

2

Multi-storey car park

3 4

Disaster Prevention Center

5

6

7 Collider Activity Center8

Аlleys

Green space

1000 is the number of people that

the largest hall in T+IN can hold.

57 000 sq.m of total surface area

17 000 sq.m onto which T+IN is built..

11 is the number of labs where

scientific and research activity is being carried out.

24.07.2014 is the day when

the construction of T+IN began.

07

Laboratory Complex02

Laboratory ComplexThe laboratory complex is one of the keystones of T+IN, consisting of 11 laboratories and managed by an independent consortium, established specifically for that purpose. Among the members of the consortium we can see some of the leading academic institutions such as Sofia University, Technical University of Sofia, Medical University of Sofia, and the Bulgarian Academy of Science.

Laboratories within the complex carry out independent and collaborative research and development activities.

10

Bioinformatics Lab – BioInfoTechMIssIoN aNd objecTIvesThe main objective of the lab is to develop the capacity of Bulgarian science in the field of bioelectronics, bioinformatics and biotechnology. It’s role is also to establish itself as a modern center for technological knowledge, scientific research, education and training of professionals, research and development activities and innovation.

acTIvITIes

• Measurements, analysis and real-time control of the biological parameters of raw materials and semi-finished and finished products, processes and environments in experimental, industrial and field conditions.

• Development of methods and tools for measurement, analysis and real-time control of biological parameters.

• Development of virtual models of processes, devices, and technological lines as the basis of virtual bioengineering.

• Accelerated prototyping and preparation for the production of specialized biotech equipment.

• Scientific and applied research in the following areas: modelling of the cell cultivating process, genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, metabolomics, combined administration of omiks analyses).

• Development of technology and product innovation (creating new bioproducts or improving/enhancing the quality of existing ones).

11

Biopharmaceutical Laboratory Complex ‒ BioPharmMIssIoN The BioPharm Lab Complex includes three well integrated laboratories and a supporting analytical center:

— Laboratory for extraction of natural products and synthesis of bioactive compounds;

— “In vitro” laboratory for evaluation of biological activity and toxicity;

— Pharmaceutical development and characterization and “In Silico“ design.

The lab complex is designed to perform problem-driven and industry-oriented R&D directed to efficient, value-added and environmentally-friendly utilization of the national bio-resources and valorization of industry by-products and bio-wastes to obtain products with high added value.

acTIvITIes 1. Laboratory for extraction of natural products and synthesis of bioactive

compounds

• Application of green extraction technologies for utilization of Medicinal Aromatic Plants (MAPs).

• Fractioning and purification of extracts, investigation of the content of active ingredients and their biological activity.

• Determination of activity profiles and development of standard procedures and documentation for phytochemical production, oriented to small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs).

• Development of standardization and control procedures for MAPs-based products, with the purpose to guarantee the consumer’s interests.

• Isolation of individual biologically active compounds, structure elucidation and synthesis of natural compounds analogues, possessing structural diversity and bioactivity (identification of promising compounds for development of drug candidates).

12

2. “In vitro” laboratory for evaluation of biological activity and toxicity

• Human and mammalian cell cultures for testing and characterization of biological activities of various extracts and purified bioactive compounds.

• Antimicrobial activities of various extracts and individual biologically active compounds.

• Plant cell and tissue cultures for propagation and maintaining of valuable MAPs accessions and cell lines.

• Bacterial, yeast and fungi cultures for obtaining and biotransformation of bioactive compounds and production of recombinant proteins.

• Various applications of molecular biology and recombinant DNA methods including molecular marker applications for genotyping and genetic authenticity analysis, gene expression analysis, tailor-made expression vectors construction and various expression studies.

• Ecotoxicology testing and valuation of various industry products, wastes, bioactive extracts and compounds.

3. Pharmaceutical development and characterization and ‘In silico’ design

• Full characterization of raw materials, intermediate and final products, as well as long term and accelerated stability.

• Development of pharmaceutical and nutraceutical formulations.

• External quality control for pharma companies.

• Complete physicochemical characterization of new chemical entities (required for every drug).

• Ligand-based drug design. Quantitative structure/bioactivity relationships (QSAR) and 3D QSAR; Prediction of physicochemical properties.

• Quantitative chemical structure/property relationships (QSPR).

• Prediction of pharmacokinetic behavior. Quantitative chemical structure/pharmacokinetics relationships (QSPhR).

13

Artificial Intelligence and CAD Systems Laboratory MIssIoN aNd objecTIves The laboratory aims, in collaboration with research organizations and industrial clusters, to become a leading center that facilitates the access to specialized software and CAD systems and contributes to the development and maintenance of highly qualified specialists in the field of artificial intelligence.

acTIvITIes

• Developing a suitable simulator of human brain activity, as well as the relevant information and computer technologies that promote and guarantee its activity.

• Scientific research and developments in the following areas: intelligent systems for medical applications, algorithms for controlling robots and drones, intelligent systems for early warning of natural disasters and intelligent systems for the recognition and certification of materials and products.

• Use of CAD systems in the field of microelectronics, telecommunications and intelligent transportation; design and modelling of new devices, systems and technologies, as well as design and modelling of sea vessels.

• Computer design of complex systems for industry, business, etc.

14

15

Intelligent Communication Infrastructures LaboratoryMIssIoN aNd objecTIvesThe laboratory aims to create a unique platform for validation and certification of industrial solutions and components in the railway signalling sector (ERTMS) and board computers.

acTIvITIes The laboratory is composed of two separate units operating in different fields of research and innovation – rail traffic management, as well as cooperative smart grids and Internet of Things.

• Rail Traffic Management:

– Research, development and testing of devices for the European Rail Traffic Management System (ERTMS).

– Development of methodologies and procedures for testing and validation of industrial solutions and ERTMS components.

– Research, development and testing of components and devices, offering solutions for maintenance, validation of devices, modelling and simulation of devices and systems, and personnel training in the field of railway signalling and management.

• cooperative smart networks and the Internet of Things:

– Research and development activites in the field of new generation telecommunication networks and their applications in certain specific areas.

– Working with next generation access networks, architectures and access technologies, convergence beyond the last mile.

16

Micro Nano Lab ‒ MINOLabMIssIoN aNd objecTIves The laboratory aims to create, maintain and develop an environment for applied and innovative scientific research, testing, analyzing, designing and prototyping in the field of micro- and nanoelectronics, bioelectronics and nanotechnology applications.

The main objective of the lab is to solve problems and tasks arising from applications in electronics, microelectronics and nanoelectronics, development of high-tech, affordable methods and tools for design, modelling and testing.

acTIvITIes

• Early detection and correction of errors and failure analysis of micro and nanoelements, projects, modules and systems, and prototypes at chip level.

• Design at circuit- and element-level and creation of prototypes.

• Measurements of integral circuits and systems, circuit boards and devices.

• Development and testing of devices at circuit- and system-level, including embedded systems;

• Training of experts in the field of micro- and nanoelectronics, aimed at employees of companies, students and others.

– Management of networks, scenarios for smart cities, self-organizing architectures, 5G and integration of wireless technologies, Internet of Things application of communication technologies and applications for an active life.

17

Virtual and Augmented Reality LabMIssIoN aNd objecTIves The aim of the laboratory is to develop and apply virtual and augmented reality and the related innovative technologies, work methods, tools and equipment in various fields of industry, science, education and social life.

acTIvITIes

• Training, research and correction three-dimensional models of products and equipment in true to scale immersive environment using natural interaction techniques for visual verification of the structure and properties of objects and integration of tactile feedback and sound effects for the purposes of rapid development of systems and support in decision-making.

• Development and practical application of methods for collaboration and integration of systems for virtual reality in the overall life-cycle management of the product directly into virtual reality systems and implementation of an effective information exchange between CAD software and systems for virtual and augmented reality.

• Development and practical application of methods for virtual prototyping based on the collaboration of software for engineering analysis and simulation systems for virtual and augmented reality.

• Development and practical application of the methods for virtual video conferencing services and virtual product presentation.

• Multi-modal presentation, exploration and extraction of information from big data mining, 3D screenings of presentations, videos and simulations.

18

• Use of artificially created multi-modal virtual learning environment (arena) with different levels of immersion, along with the development of the relevant scenarios and narratives.

• Research and development in the field of new methods, technologies, interfaces and interaction techniques, tools and auxiliary tools.

19

Cyber Security Lab MIssIoN aNd objecTIves It is the laboratory‘s mission, within five years of its opening, to become a regional Eastern European center of competence on the issues of cyber security, to perform scientific research activities and create partnerships on a global scale.

acTIvITIesThe laboratory is specifically designed and equipped to carry out activities in two key areas – cyber security research and development of innovative models and methods.

• cyber security research:

– Sustainability – maintaining the basic functions of organizations under crisis situations.

– Detection and recovery of incidents and security breaches.

– Creating secure systems and product architectures and designs.

– Secure code development.

– Security and reliability of information – methods for encryption, authentication, protection and communication.

– Integration of security models and models for improvement of business processes.

• development of innovative models and methods:

– Testing and audits for cyber security – of components, systems and organizations.

– Simulation of cyber-attacks and methods for protection and prevention in complex infrastructures and systems.

– Training and education programs, simulation models and technical platforms.

20

21

3D Creativity and New Products Rapid Prototyping Laboratory MIssIoN aNd objecTIvesThe main objective of the rapid prototyping laboratory is to develop a research capacity for the application of innovative technologies for materialization of virtual 3D models with complex forms in a very short time.

This lab’s mission is to create innovative practices and to build unique and accessible opportunities for research and development in the field of 3D creativity through systems for quick physical manifestation of new ideas and products in order to shorten the time to market.

acTIvITIes

• Application of high technologies in the area of Reverse Engineering using a unique for Bulgaria 3D high precision contact and non-contact measuring system and specialized software.

• Building of conceptual, preproduction or unique products using 3D Printing technology (Low Volume Production) from polymeric materials.

• Building of conceptual, preproduction or unique products and building of preproduction or industrial moulding metal tools through the Laser Additive & High Speed Milling technology.

• Quick construction of conceptual, preproduction or unique products and models from ceramics, plastics and other materials.

22

23

High Performance Computing LaboratoryMIssIoN aNd goaLs The mission of the HPC laboratory is to deliver reliable, sustainable computing resources and services to facilitate the use of high-performance computing and to meet the small scale and midrange computational demands of the scientific research community in the academic institutions and high-tech SMEs located all over the country and the region.

Computing is a tool as important as experimentation and theory in solving various scientific problems of the twenty-first century. The mission of the laboratory is to support computational science, in which interdisciplinary teams of scientists consider fundamental problems in science and engineering that require computation and have broad scientific and economic impacts.

MaIN acTIvITIes aNd ReseaRch aT The hPc Lab

• Research at the hPc lab:

– Examples include global climate modelling, carbon materials, astrophysics, computational biology and nano medicine.

– Highly scalable methods for modelling and simulation that can exploit massive parallelism and data locality.

ADVISING

In order to benefit from HPC, the lab team helps the users to understand what hardware, software and methodologies are available and which are appropriate for their needs.

24

TRAINING AND SHARING oF BEST PRACTICE

HPC has a wide range of business applications, from analyzing increasingly large volumes of customer data and monitoring real-time network and application logs to modelling complex workflows and simulating product designs.

SoCIETAL AND ECoNoMIC BENEFITS oF HPC LAB ACTIVITIES

The trend in high performance computing is towards the use of Linux clusters, which provide a cost effective way to obtain a high performance system. To be successful in terms of industrial competitiveness, it is important that all relevant industrial actors collaborate: end-users, HPC service providers, research software providers and application experts.

25

Other buildings03

Innovation Forum The Innovation Forum is a meeting place and a hosting venue for various events. It facilitates the formation of an ecosystem in the field of high-tech knowledge and innovation transfer, as it offers scientists and entrepreneurs the opportunity to exchange knowledge and ideas.

The Innovation Forum has three medium-sized halls that can be transformed into a large hall with capacity for up to 1,000 people.

Any events that take place under the roof of T+IN roof are thematically related to science, new technologies, innovation and education.

Museum / ExperimentariumA space open to the general public where visitors and students can interact with science and technology, while companies could present their innovative products. The Experimentarium is the place where everyone can see clearly the results of scientific research and technological transfer. Here, one can also enjoy the presentations of various innovative services and products, equipment and machinery.

It is located in a landscaped park environment between „Tsarigradsko Shose“ and the inside of T+IN. The main visitors’ entrance is located on the south facade, in the axis of the pedestrian bridge.

For any students here there will be entertaining lectures with demonstrations that will interactively introduce them to various scientific and technological discoveries.

28

29

IncubatorThis place is specifically designed for working, networking and supporting startup companies to develop their ideas into successful business ventures, while it also provides them with the opportunity to access various funding sources. This is the place that gathers young entrepreneurs, mentors, accelerators and investment funds under the same roof.

The incubator is intended for startup and spin-off companies that need help in the first years of their existence. The incubator can provide such companies with consulting services, fully equipped office space, conference halls for shared use, workshop space with a prototyping equipment, cantine, recreational areas, etc.

Park and sports complexA large portion of the area of T+IN is allocated to a park zone with great conditions for outdoor activities and leisure, jogging alleys, fitness equipment, skateboarding area.

T+IN‘s sports complex has four tennis courts, a mini football court, volleyball and basketball courts and playgrounds. Multi-storey car park housing 450 cars and bicycle stands are also part of the project.

30

31

Partners04

T+IN Partners• Bulgarian Academy of Science

• Sofia University „St. Kliment ohridski“

• Technical University of Sofia

• Medical University of Sofia

• „Information and Communication Technology Cluster“ Foundation

• „European Software Institute – Center Eastern Europe“ Foundation

• Agrobioinstitute

• University of National and World Economy

• University of Finance, Business and Entrepreneurship (VUZF)

• others

How can I become part of T+IN?T+IN offers various forms of partnership for organizations whose activities are related to focal areas of the science and technology park – information and communication technologies (ICT), life sciences and biotechnology, agriculture and food, green energy and clean technologies.

The possibilities include collaborative research and development projects with the laboratories of the park, technology transfer, as well as exchange of ideas, experience and contacts in a common interdisciplinary network.

Any company that would like to have their own innovation center within T+IN, must be involved in activities that fall within the focal areas of the park, while it should also utilize scientific research and development activities as a major pathway to the creation of innovative products and services.

The T+IN incubator will support the development of innovative startup companies working in the main thematic areas of the park.

34

HistoryDo you know where the name "Fourth kilometer" (the place where T+IN is located today) comes from?

To be precise, the technology park is located on the Aviation Square that everybody knows as the Fourth Kilometer. The place bears this name because during the monarchy years of Bulgaria, it was exactly four kilometres away from the city center, where the barracks had been located.

35

Bulgaria05

Bulgaria – a favourable business destinationBulgaria can offer your business a stable political environment, thanks to the country‘s membership in NATo and the EU.

• Population: 7,282,041 (2012)

• 61,8% of the population is of working age (25-64)

• 60% of the working age population speaks more than one foreign language

• Approximately 80% of the working age population has secondary or higher education

• Approximately two thirds of students learn English or German

• Bulgaria is a highly urbanized country, with more than 5 million people living in cities

The foLLowINg daTa show The MacRoecoNoMIc aNd fINaNcIaL sTabILITy of buLgaRIa:

• actual GDP growth – 1,2% (2014)

• inflation, annual variation – 1,6% (2014)

• unemployment rate – 10,6% (2014)

• without currency risk, fixed exchange rate of BGN to the EUR

• budget surplus – 1,5% (2013)

• gross national debt – 18,9% (2013)

• investment credit rating from major rating agencies Tax environment that facilitates business and investment.

• 10% corporate tax rate; 0% in regions with high unemployment

• 10% personal income tax rate

• 2-year VAT exemption in case of equipment imports for investment projects of over EUR 5 million, that create at least 50 jobs

• 2-year wear and tear of computers and new production facilities

• deductibility of costs for research and development activities

• 5% withholding tax on dividends and liquidation quotas (0% for EU companies)

38

LaboR foRce

• highly skilled, multilingual workforce

• the most competitive salary levels in Europe

• 45,000 Bulgarian students in Europe

• The lowest operating costs in Europe

• Free movement of capital

• Possibility of paying the minimum wage and social and health insurance for up to 1 year, when employing young and/or disadvantaged people through the Employment Agency

• Government financial support for priority investment projects

INceNTIves as PeR The INvesTMeNT PRoMoTIoN acT (IPa)

Under the Investment Promotion Act (IPA), any projects certified under class A or B shall enjoy the following incentive measures:

1. Information servicing and shortened administrative deadlines

2. Individual administrative servicing

3. A possibility to acquire, without any tender procedures, the right of ownership, as well as limited property rights over real estates – whether owned by the state or such that are private municipal property

4. Financial support for vocational training of individuals for the needs of the investment project

5. Financial support for the construction of elements of the adjoining infrastructure within the limits of the investment project

6. Financial support for partial reimbursement of the mandatory contributions made by the investor for newly hired workers and employees.

IPA provides support for priority investment projects in all sectors of the economy, in case one or more of the following requirements are fulfilled:

• the amount of investment is at least three times larger than the minimum amount for certification under Class A

• the projects create jobs in disadvantaged regions or jobs related to high-tech activities

• the projects provide for the construction of industrial zones and technology parks

39

Capital city:

Bulgaria in brief*

Time zone:

Area:

Land:

Water:

Climate:

Population:

Employed Bulgarians:

Urban population:

eeT (uTc+2) summer time zone (dst): eesT (uTc+3)

110 879 sq.m.

108 489 sq.m.

2 390 sq.m.ModeRaTe

7,4 million

3,4 million

73%

sofIa

Priority investment projects are encouraged through a package of measures, including those under Class A and Class B, as well as:

• institutional support or public-private partnership

• granting financial assistance, subject to observing certain conditions – up to 50% maximum aid intensity for investments in education and scientific research and up to 10% maximum aid intensity for investments in the processing industry.

*Data from the Bulgarian Investment Agency, 2012

40

official language:

widely used:

Religion:

Currency:

Fixed exchange rate: Corporate income tax rate: Personal income tax rate:

VAT (standard):

Type of Government:

Supreme legislative power:

State executive authority:

*Source: Bulgarian National Bank, National Statistical Institute, 2011

buLgaRIaN

NgLIsh, geRMaN, RussIaN, fReNch

oRThodox chRIsTIaNITy

PaRLIaMeNTaRy deMocRacy

oNe-chaMbeR 240-MeMbeRs NaTIoNaL asseMbLy

couNcIL of MINIsTeRs, headed by a PRIMe MINIsTeR

eu MeMbeR sINce 2007

NaTo MeMbeR sINce 2004

wTo MeMbeR sINce 1996

Лев (bgN)

EUR 1 = BGN 1.95583

10%10%

20%

41

Welcome to a country with traditions in the ICT sector...„Rich in highly qualified developers, with low expenses; known as the Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe“.

business Monitor International

„Hundreds of small software companies are taking care of the programming for some of the largest customers worldwide, including Boeing, BMW and Nortel. Giants such as SAP and Computer Sciences already have local laboratories in Sofia.“

business week

„Bulgaria offers the perfect combination of high skills, relatively low labor costs and high quality products.“

accelerance

forbes puts Sofia in the „Top 10 cities for startup business,“ adding that the tax income in Bulgaria is among the lowest ones in the European Union, unlike the internet speed, which is among the highest ones in the EU, and that Sofia has become a magnet for top companies in the industry, which is also facilitated by the possibility to absorb European investment funds.

Bulgaria is among the only four countries in SEE, which actually show improvement in their positions in the index of competitiveness of IT industry since 2011, as issued by The business software alliance (bsa) and The economist Intelligence unit.

42

43

... and an established hub for services with high added value and R&D.

saP: SAP‘s first investment in South-East Europe. Similar software development is only done in Germany, Israel and in the USA.

vMware: The largest VMware global development center in the EMEA region and the third largest R&D office of VMware worldwide.

csc: CSC has been represented in Eastern Europe for more than 15 years now. Since 2008, CSC EE Bulgaria employs over 600 individuals in the field of software development, integration and maintenance.

johnson control: The center for research and development of new products in Sofia is the largest of all the eight centers for automotive electronics worldwide.

cIsco: Sofia is one of the three world centers of the company in Eastern Europe. The main function is the development of software, business intelligence tools, server applications and network administration, BPo.

hP invent: In 2010, Bulgaria became one of HP‘s 6 distribution centers as a result of the company‘s demand for cost-effective, scalable services that effectively meet business needs. HP has its own R&D center in Bulgaria, as well as a high-tech lab which constitutes the largest investment of such type in the region.

atos: The largest SAP integrator in Bulgaria (ERP, CRM, BI, HR).

44

INVESTING IN YOUR FUTURE

COMPETIT IV E BULGARIA

EUROPEAN UNION

EUROPEAN REGIONAL DEVELOPMENT FUND

NATIONAL STRATEGIC REFERENCE

FRAMEWORK 2007 ─ 2013

This catalogue was created under a project with Operational program “Development of the Competitiveness of the Bulgarian Economy” 2007-2013, co-financed by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund. The full responsibility for the contents of the catalogue lies with “Sofia Tech Park” JSC in the capacity of beneficiary under project BG161PO003-1.2.05.0001-C0001 “Constructing a Science and Technology Park” and under no circumstances can it be assumed that this document reflects the official opinion of the European Union or the Ministry of Economics.

coNTacTs

e-mail: office@sofiatech.bgwebsite:www.sofiatech.bg