IGNITE-LDR

ICT Cluster is a proud partner in the IGNITE-LDR project, a European innovation project funded under Interregional Innovation Investments Instrument (I3) and designed to accelerate the adoption of advanced manufacturing and digital technologies in less developed regions (LDRs). 

Building on a strong foundation of proven tools and platforms, including AGORA for innovation networking, F6S for funding discovery, and the RAMP Marketplace for business collaboration and rapid technology deployment, IGNITE-LDR lowers the barriers to advanced technology adoption for manufacturing SMEs. These digital enablers are complemented by a network of regional hubs and industrial testbeds, ensuring local accessibility and measurable impact across participating regions. 

At its core, IGNITE is about momentum - helping teams collaborate smarter, experiment faster, and scale what works and aims to empower creators, researchers, and organizations to transform ambition into tangible change. Through tailored open calls and pilot demonstrators, IGNITE-LDR fosters regional innovation, cross-border cooperation, and the scaling of technologies from TRL 6-7 to TRL 8-9. The project equips SMEs with market-ready solutions to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and support the transition to circular economy practices. 

The project delivers cutting-edge solutions such as intelligent process orchestration, cloud tools, and robotic automation while fostering training and upskilling through dedicated courses and workshops. IGNITE-LDR offers Bulgarian SMEs a low-risk entry point into Industry 4.0, enabling them to improve efficiency, reduce waste, and adopt circular economy practices while strengthening their position in European value chains. 

Bulgarian companies, particularly SMEs, can benefit from IGNITE-LDR by gaining practical support to adopt and scale advanced digital and manufacturing technologies. The project is especially relevant for Bulgarian companies operating in manufacturing and industrial sectors such as machinery and equipment production, automotive and transport components, electronics and electrical equipment, metal processing, plastics and composites, food and beverage manufacturing, textiles, and other light manufacturing industries. 

Companies can benefit from:

• Technology piloting and validation in real industrial environments
• Access to innovation platforms (AGORA, F6S, RAMP Marketplace) for networking, funding discovery, and business collaboration
• Upskilling and training in digital manufacturing, automation, and data-driven production
• Support for sustainability and circular economy adoption, including waste reduction and energy efficiency
• Improved market readiness and competitiveness at EU level

In addition to technical and innovation support, Bulgarian companies will also be able to benefit from cascade funding opportunities offered through IGNITE-LDR. Through dedicated open calls, manufacturing SMEs will be able to apply for financial support to pilot, test, and deploy advanced digital and manufacturing solutions with reduced investment risk.

IGNITE-LDR is implemented by a strong consortium of 23 partners spanning 14 countries, including 9 LDRs (Greece, Croatia, Romania, Poland, Slovenia, Bulgaria, Hungary, Latvia, Portugal), including innovation networks, research organisations, technology providers, universities, and regional innovation hubs. The consortium combines expertise across the full manufacturing value chain, ensuring both technological excellence and strong regional impact.

Stay in touch for updates on IGNITE-LDR project outputs, cascade funding calls, and new opportunities to collaborate and innovate.