International initiative

Call for projects

With the third edition of the “Science with a Future” contest, the America for Bulgaria Foundation is looking for project proposals from researchers, scientists and engineers between the ages of 16 and 40 with applied ideas in the field of biotechnology, artificial intelligence and smart technologies that solve existing problems and have the potential to be implemented in practice. The main aim of the competition is to encourage and stimulate early stage development of their developments and products.

Who can apply?

The call is open to applicants from across the country with an interest and experience in biotechnology, artificial intelligence and smart technologies, aged 16 to 40 at the time of application. Individuals meeting these conditions, teams of individuals, or already registered companies or non-profit legal entities operating in Bulgaria for no more than 5 years, where at least one of the founders of the company/legal entity is under the age of 40 at the time of application, can apply.

It is a prerequisite that the projects applied for are not only at the idea level, but have successfully passed at least the second stage of technology readiness (formulated technical concept) according to the internationally accepted scale for assessing the maturity of newly created technology (Technology Readiness Levels) and that work has begun on the third stage – proof of concept in an experimental environment.

Project Requirements

Projects developing innovative technology solutions with an applied focus in biotechnology, artificial intelligence and smart technologies will be funded, including Internet of Things and smart devices, smart wearable electronics for monitoring health indicators, smart home and smart city systems, smart solutions and technologies for healthcare, environment and accessibility for people with disabilities, smart solutions for agriculture, etc.

Projects should have a high potential to find business application in the medium term (up to 3 years) and have a real and measurable impact on business, industry and/or improving the quality of life of particular groups of people and communities.

Deadline for applications: 15 May 2023.
For more information click here.