Industry 4.0 : A Practical Guide for Bulgarian Business Leaders to Secure up to BGN 850,000 for AI and Data Transformation  

Is your business ready to compete in the next decade?   

The Fourth Industrial Revolution, or Industry 4.0, isn’t a distant concept but a present-day reality distinguishing market leaders. For Bulgarian businesses, this is a key moment. The choice is not simply whether to adopt new technologies, but how to do so strategically to achieve real growth, efficiency, and a sustainable competitive advantage.  

Recognizing this, the Bulgarian government has introduced a significant financial incentive to accelerate this transition. The “Technologies in Industry 4.0” funding program is more than just a grant. It’s considered a strategic stimulus designed to push Bulgarian enterprises forward. With a total budget of 106 Million BGN, this is a clear signal of the opportunity at hand.  

For all business leaders eager to grasp the new “must”; we’ve compiled a straightforward guide. 

We will break down what the program means for you, help you quickly assess your eligibility, and outline a clear path  but without the complex technical jargon.  

Decoding the “Technologies in Industry 4.0” Program: What It Really Means for Your Bottom Line  

At its core, the program’s objective is to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgarian small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) by co-investing in smart manufacturing and intelligent business operations. It’s designed to bridge the gap between your current processes and the future of your industry.  

Numbers that matter for your strategic planning:  

• Grant Size: Eligible projects can receive between BGN 150,000 and BGN 850, 000.  

• Co-Funding: The program covers up to 50% of your project’s eligible costs, significantly reducing the financial barrier to innovation.  

• Application Deadline: The window of opportunity is now. All project proposals must be submitted by December 15, 2025.  

For the first time, companies can combine grants with the “Portfolio Guarantee with Loss Cap for Digitalization”, a 90 million BGN financial instrument managed by the Fund of Funds. This combination allows larger transformation projects while effectively managing cash flow.  

The true value, however, lies in translating these funds into substantial business outcomes. This program enables you to invest in powerful technologies that solve critical operational challenges. Let’s move beyond the buzzwords and look at the real-world impact:  

• Solve Production Constraints with AI: Instead of reacting to equipment failures, you can use Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) to predict them before they happen, potentially reducing costly downtime by up to 50%.  

• Optimize Your Entire Value Chain with Big Data: Implement Big Data Analytics to gain clear, real-time understanding of your customers and supply chain. This allows you to improve delivery reliability, optimize inventory, and cut operational costs.  

• Innovate Safely with Digital Twins: Create a virtual replica of your production line or processes using Digital Twin technology. This allows you to simulate and optimize new workflows in a risk-free digital environment before committing to costly real-world changes.  

• Empower Your Team with Automation: Free your highly skilled employees from repetitive, manual tasks by implementing Robotic Process Automation (RPA) and other Business Process Automation solutions. This allows your team to focus on strategic, high-value work that drives the business forward.   

Are You Eligible? A 30-Second Checklist for the Busy Executive  

It’s often said that time is the most valuable asset. It’s true. Use this quick checklist to determine if your organization is a strong candidate for the “Technologies in Industry 4.0” program.  

1. Company Profile: Is your company a small or medium-sized enterprise in Bulgaria, established before December 31, 2022?  

2. Financial Standing: Did your company’s net sales revenue for 2024 meet the required threshold? (≥ BGN 300,000 for small enterprises, and ≥ BGN 1,000,000 for medium enterprises).  

3. Digital Readiness: Does your business have a foundational level of digitalization? The program requires a “digital maturity” score between 25% and 80%, a metric that assesses your current use of digital tools and processes. (An initial assessment can quickly clarify your standing).  

If you answered “yes” to these questions, you are likely in a strong position to apply.  

Your Roadmap to a Successful Application: It’s Simpler Than You Think  

Navigating a funding application can seem daunting, but a strategic approach simplifies the process and dramatically increases your chances of success.  

Step 1: Start with Your Business, Not Technology. The most compelling and fundable projects don’t start with a desire for “AI”. They begin with a critical business problem. What is your biggest operational headache? Where are you losing money? What is preventing you from scaling? Answering these questions is the foundation of a powerful proposal.  

Step 2: The Power of Partnership. You don’t need to be a technology expert. The key is to find a partner who speaks the language of business first and can translate your strategic goals into a technically sound and fundable project. This partner will help you define the scope, calculate the potential return on investment, and navigate the application requirements.  

Step 3: Navigating the Process. The formal application is submitted online via the UMIS 2020 platform. With a well-defined project and an experienced partner guiding you, this administrative step becomes a manageable part of the overall strategy.  

  

Why Partnership is Your Greatest Asset: Choosing a Guide for Your Digital Journey  

Securing the grant is just the beginning. True transformation, the kind that delivers a lasting competitive advantage, comes from a partnership focused on long-term value, not just a one-time project installation.  

At the Center of Excellence for Data, AI, and Business Automation at TBS, we are more than just technology implementers, we are your strategic partners in growth.  

• Making the Complex, Simple: Our expertise lies in cutting through the noise. We work with you to identify the most impactful solutions and present them in a clear, actionable strategy that your entire leadership team can stand behind.  

• Local Understanding, Global Expertise: We combine world-class best practices in Data Management, AI, and Automation with a deep understanding of the Bulgarian business landscape. We know what it takes to succeed here.  

• A Part of Your Team: Our approach is collaborative. We work with you, embedding ourselves to understand your unique challenges and, most importantly, enabling your team for long-term success long after the project is complete.  

• Focused on Real, Measurable Results: Our work isn’t done until you see a real, measurable impact on your business, whether it’s increased production capacity, reduced operational costs, or improved customer satisfaction.  

Conclusion and Next Steps  

The “Technologies in Industry 4.0” program presents a significant opportunity for Bulgarian businesses to accelerate their growth and secure their position as leaders in a competitive market. The funding is available, the technology is proven, and the time to act is now.  

The opportunity is here, but the December 15, 2025 deadline is very soon.  

To take the first step, schedule a complimentary, no-obligation strategy consultation  with our team at Telelink Business Services. We will help you validate your eligibility, explore potential projects that align with your business goals, and build a powerful business case for your digital transformation.