The Fund of Funds (FoF) will participate in the Black Sea Technology Forum CONNEXUS 2026, a three-day technology event bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders and representatives of academia from more than 10 countries. The event will take place from 5 to 7 October in Varna, under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms Iliana Iotova.
On the second day of the forum, Dr Dotchka Vassileva, Head of the Project Planning and Institutional Cooperation Department, will take part in the panel discussion “Financing, Exports, New Markets and VC Funds”. The topic is particularly relevant to companies seeking to develop competitive products, attract capital and expand their presence beyond Bulgaria. The discussion will present the Fund of Funds' financial instruments supporting entrepreneurial ideas, innovation and business growth, as well as the mechanisms through which companies and municipalities can access financing.
CONNEXUS 2026 will bring together entrepreneurs, investors, representatives of the technology sector, the research community, public institutions and international partners. The forum is designed as a platform for cooperation, knowledge exchange and the establishment of new business contacts in the Black Sea region. The event is expected to attract more than 500 participants and over 35 exhibitors from more than 10 countries. Its programme includes parallel thematic sessions, panel discussions, B2B meetings, technology demonstrations and startup presentations.
The main topics of CONNEXUS 2026 include artificial intelligence and automation, cybersecurity, robotics, maritime technologies, biotechnology and healthcare, smart cities, future mobility, digital transformation, tourism, agricultural technologies and regional innovation policies. The programme and discussions will focus on the links between technology, infrastructure and economic development, as well as the potential of the Black Sea region to establish itself as a recognised hub for innovation, entrepreneurship and sustainable growth.
Of particular relevance to the technology forum's audience are the Fund of Funds' financial instruments for strategic technologies and digitalisation. These instruments aim to support projects in digital and green technologies, deep tech, biotechnology, dual-use products and the adoption of Industry 4.0 technologies, including artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous systems. Interested companies can obtain further information at the Fund of Funds' stand in the CONNEXUS 2026 exhibition area. Visitors will have the opportunity to learn about current and upcoming financial instruments and receive guidance on the most suitable financing options according to the development stage and specific characteristics of their projects.
CONNEXUS 2026 is organised by ICT Cluster Varna, the Bulgarian Small and Medium Enterprises Promotion Agency, the Bulgarian Artificial Intelligence Factory BRAIN++ and the Applied Research and Communications Fund, in partnership with Varna Municipality. The forum is held under the patronage of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, Ms Iliana Iotova. Through its participation, the Fund of Funds reaffirms its commitment to being an active partner to innovative companies and entrepreneurs transforming technological potential into sustainable solutions, new markets and economic growth.
More information about the programme, participants and registration is available on the CONNEXUS 2026 website.
