Silicon Europe Alliance gathers at SEMICON and  highlights key areas for the future of our industry and  fosters collaboration across European clusters  

• Silicon Europe Alliance met during the SEMICON event where discussed key  topics to move forward the alliance and contribute to maintain European  sovereignty in the fields of microelectronics, components and systems 
• A meeting of the Silicon Euroclusters project was also held during the  gathering and had the opportunity to organize a European Workshop during  the SEMICON event with great participation. 
• The ambition of the alliance is to foster cooperation and innovation across  all Europe, helping cluster members to accelerate their R&D and business  connections thanks to the cross-fertilization of ecosystems. 

18th November 2024 – The Silicon Europe Alliance participated in the SEMICON event,  organizing a collaborative meeting focused on spotlighting the future of the electronics industry  and fostering partnerships across European clusters. Most cluster representatives of the alliance  were part of this gathering and had the opportunity to discuss about key topics such as European  projects, international business development, skills development or communication initiatives  among others.  

SEMICON also provided the perfect placement for the Silicon Eurocluster project, a key  initiative from the Silicon Europe Alliance, to showcase significant advancements and share the  project’s results with partners and stakeholders. In this context, a dedicated European workshop  was held, where attendees gained insights into the tangible achievements of the Eurocluster  project. This included the unveiling of a comprehensive booklet featuring 12 innovative projects  funded and developed under the Eurocluster initiative. The booklet, now available on the  project’s website, details the benefits and impactful results of each project, reflecting the  collaborative effort toward advancing Europe’s electronics sector. 

One of the highlights of the Eurocluster’s efforts is the development of a Resilience Plan, aimed  at establishing optimal conditions for Silicon Eurocluster partners and the EU’s broader  electronics value chains. The plan is designed to empower organizations to implement cutting edge digital technologies and adopt greener, more sustainable practices. By fostering resilience  and maintaining robust interconnectivity, this initiative supports partners in adapting to potential  emergencies or economic challenges, strengthening the sector’s ability to navigate future  disruptions. 

Through events like SEMICON, the Silicon Europe Alliance continues to advance the EU’s  electronics industry, ensuring it remains competitive, resilient, and well-prepared for the digital  and green transition.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the  author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [name of the  granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held  responsible for them.” 

About Silicon Europe Alliance 

Silicon Europe Alliance is a Europe-wide network of 12 leading cluster partners, focused on  SMEs and including organizations from industry, research, and the public sector. We bring  together >2000 (number to be updated) specialists in innovative electronics to solve challenges  and deliver sustainable solutions for the future. 

About Eurocluster Project 

The Eurocluster Project is a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening the European economy by supporting SMEs through innovation, skills development, and cross-sectoral collaboration. By connecting clusters across Europe, the project aims to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in various industries. 

with the participation of 10 clusters from France, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Portugal,  Austria, Sweden, Bulgaria and Spain and 

Participant clusters: 

• Minalogic Cluster
• GAIA
• High Tech NL
• Mesap Innovation Cluster
• Mobile Heights
• Secured Communicating Solutions (SCS) CLUSTER
• Silicon Alps Cluster
• Silicon Saxony
• e. V.
• TICE.PT
• ICT Cluster

Silicon Europe Alliance and Project Website: https://www.silicon-europe.eu/home/

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the  author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or [name of the  granting authority]. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held  responsible for them.” 

DIGITIS-ME - Let's go Digital in Manufacturing, 
Date: 22.11.2024, 11:00 - 13:00 EET (Bulgarian TIME)
Register Now https://forms.gle/PPYkxZAoqps911jj7

The Smart City Expo World Congress (SCEWC), the most significant international event for cities and innovative solutions, will take place from November 5 to 7 in Barcelona. This year, the event promises to blend the physical space with the digital world, creating a unique experience for participants.

We expect over 24,000 professionals from more than 800 cities and more than 600 international speakers to share their visions for building a more sustainable and livable urban future. SCEWC will serve as a key platform for the exchange of ideas and innovations, gathering experts and leaders from the most innovative cities, companies, research centers, and international organizations.

This year’s focus will be on eight main topics addressing the most pressing challenges faced by modern cities:

• Enabling Technologies
• Energy and Environment
• Mobility
• Governance
• Living and Inclusion
• Economy
• Infrastructure and Buildings
• Safety and Security

All companies participating in projects funded by the AIBC EUROCLUSTERS Project are invited.

As a key partner in both projects—MetaCities Excellence Hub in South-Eastern Europe and AIBC EUROCLUSTERS Project, the ICT Cluster will also be on-site to answer your questions and showcase its innovations.

Don’t miss the opportunity to join this significant event! For more information, visit www.smartcityexpo.com.

The fourth edition of Tech Park Talks by Sofia Tech Park will take place on 31 October 2024

Technology in the battle against fake news and misinformation is the theme of the episode, which is produced in partnership with Out Loud Foundation

The new edition of Tech Park Talks - The Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth will focus on one of the most pressing and important issues of modern society - fake news and online misinformation, as well as on the role of science and technology in preventing the spread of malicious information and counteracting its effects.

The fourth episode of Sofia Tech Park's technology, business and science series- Tech Park Talks will take place on 31 October 2024 at 19.00 in the Innovation Forum "John Atanasoff" of the Science and Technology Park.

Leading Bulgarian specialists in cybersecurity, information and communication technologies, journalists and media experts will be speakers at the event:

• Georgi Sharkov PhD - Head of the Cybersecurity Lab at Sofia Tech Park, Director of the European Software Institute Center Eastern Europe and member of the Advisory Board of the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies - BASCOM;
• Antoaneta Nikolova - communications expert and journalist with extensive experience in international and European affairs, media legislation and online regulations, Director of the Advisory Board of the Balkan Free Media Initiative (BFMI);
• Nikolay Nikolov - multimedia journalist and filmmaker exploring the new frontiers of visual content at The New York Times;
• Nikolay Nikolov - multimedia journalist and filmmaker exploring the new frontiers of visual content at The New York Times;
• Dobroslav Dimitrov - Chairman of the Advisory Board of the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies (BASCOM) and Chairman of the Bulgarian Employers Association Innovative Technologies (BRAIT);
• Krasimir Kotsev - cybersecurity specialist, founder and CEO of one of the most successful Bulgarian cybersecurity companies SoCyber and the startup Kikimora.io;
• Vladislav Venev - Director of Information and Communication Technology Security at bTV Media Group, expert in information and cyber security with over 20 years of experience, lecturer and presenter, member of the Bulgarian Association "Corporate Security"​ (BACS) and the International Information System Security Certification Consortium (ISC2);
• Polya Alexandrova - journalist and PR manager, Head of Corporate Communications at Philip Morris Bulgaria.

Moderator of Tech Park Talks The Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth will be the host of 120 minutes on bTV, Svetoslav Ivanov.

In the high-tech era, it is crucial that the public is familiar with methods for identifying fake news, techniques for recognizing manipulative texts and visuals, and the most effective technological and other tools for countering disinformation. The aim of Tech Park Talks I The Guardians: Science and Technology Protecting The Truth is to put the topic high on the agenda and to discuss it systematically and consistently at expert level in order to preserve public trust in traditional and new media and to ensure that citizens receive reliable, trustworthy and truthful information without the risk of being misled and manipulated. Among the highlights of the format will be the topic of how contradictory data creates misconceptions that affect wide swathes of society around the world, creating information chaos and uncertainty, and whether professionals in one of the new professions of the 21st century - fact-checkers - are effectively countering online misinformation.

In the context of the rapidly evolving technology and global information overload, Tech Park Talks will also address the topic of cybersecurity, which is essential for the protection of personal data and other growing threats in the online space.

Tech Park Talks is a series of motivational, educational, informative and discussion events aimed at creating a platform for dialogue between professionals from different industries, encouraging the sharing of knowledge and expertise.

The co-organizers of the format are Out Loud Foundation and Ivan Radev Studio.

Media partners of Tech Park Talks are bTV Media Group. Bulgarian News Agency, 24 Chasa.

The event is supported by Philip Morris Bulgaria and is intended for people over 18 years of age.

The initiative is part of Sofia Tech Park's participation in the Enterprise Europe Network (EEN) under the InnoForward project №101052626, co-funded by the European Commission.

Link for free registration: https://bit.ly/3Y5CGDU

26th of September 2024 – The Eurocluster Project is proud to announce the launch of a comprehensive portfolio aimed at addressing the critical skills gap faced by Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) across Europe. This strategic initiative is designed to support upskilling and reskilling efforts, enabling potential employees to acquire the essential skills required to excel in their roles.
As SMEs continue to adapt to the rapidly evolving market landscape, one of their biggest challenges remains the growing disparity between the demand for skilled professionals and the current availability of qualified candidates. To address this, the Eurocluster Project, in collaboration with various clusters, has developed a robust portfolio of services and training programs tailored to meet industry needs.
The portfolio offers a diverse range of educational and training opportunities, including workshops, certification programs, and practical courses, all aimed at empowering professionals with the competencies needed for the modern workplace. This resource is a vital tool for both employers seeking skilled talent and individuals looking to enhance their career prospects.
The portfolio is now available for access, providing a detailed overview of the services offered by clusters throughout the duration of the project. To learn more and explore the available programs.

Visit the link: https://lnkd.in/e5aJjGBj

About Eurocluster Project

The Eurocluster Project is a collaborative initiative focused on strengthening the European economy by supporting SMEs through innovation, skills development, and cross-sectoral collaboration. By connecting clusters across Europe, the project aims to drive sustainable growth and competitiveness in various industries.

Project Partners Visit Pomurje Technology Park at the “Forum of 3D and Welding Technologies”

Project partners recently toured the Pomurje Technology Park (PTP) as part of the “Forum of 3D and Welding Technologies,” where they were warmly welcomed by Mr. Marko Močnik, the Director of PTP. The event kicked off with insightful presentations on 3D technologies delivered by Dr. Teodor Štimec and Goran Radulović, setting the stage for an in-depth exploration of cutting-edge innovation in this field.

The discussions that followed allowed partners to engage with PTP's management team, gaining a deeper understanding of the park's history, ongoing initiatives, and its exciting future plans. A key focus of the conversations was identifying new services and business models that could foster further collaboration. The team also reviewed previous projects to assess past achievements and lessons learned.

One of the highlights of the visit was the conversation surrounding potential applications and partnerships within the Danube DNA project. The partners delved into possible pilot and training activities, exploring how they could work together to bring these concepts to life.

The event wrapped up with a tour of Abicor Binzel’s demo lab, a leader in welding technology and training. Here, the partners witnessed live demonstrations and joint testing activities using PTP's advanced equipment. Looking ahead, PTP is considering Bosnia and Herzegovina and/or Bulgaria as potential partner countries for its pilot project in 3D scanning and rapid prototyping. Both countries will need to confirm their interest with relevant stakeholders before moving forward.

This visit was a significant step in fostering closer collaboration between regional and international partners in the field of 3D and welding technologies.

The meeting was organised by one of the partners: TECOS, which hosted us in the capital of Slovenia.

🔍 During the consortium meeting, the project activities were summarized, the achieved indicators 📊 and conclusions were discussed, and reporting work at the final stage was planned 📑.

🏆 On 25 September 2024, the final event took place, showcasing the groundbreaking results of the project funded by the European Union 🇪🇺. The event focused on knowledge transfer experiments 🔄, fostering collaboration between SMEs, artists 🎨, and technology providers ⚙️.

🌍 Over the past few years, the Better Factory project has helped manufacturing SMEs across Europe increase their competitiveness by integrating artistic creativity into industrial innovation.

Major Announcement

The Mechatronics Cluster is taking significant steps to revolutionize small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) through the application of Artificial Intelligence (AI).

We are pleased to share that the initial trend analyses are now available, providing valuable insights that continue to evolve. At a recent project meeting in Pilsen, these findings were further explored. A special thanks goes to Marek Bureš and Renáta Csabai for organizing such a productive and inspiring event.

🎯 Next steps: AI training sessions will soon be offered, specifically designed for companies operating in the Manufacturing, Agrifood, and Health sectors.

Stay connected for more updates as we continue advancing innovation in these key industries.

🔗 Follow us to stay informed about the latest developments.

Link: https://interreg-danube.eu/projects/brain

We’re excited to share that the latest METACITIES project plenary meeting was successfully held on September 12-13, 2024, at the vibrant DIGIHUB Co-working Space in Burgas, Bulgaria. This dynamic event brought together all project partners to review progress, tackle key milestones, and map out the future of the initiative.

The agenda was packed with insightful discussions on the METACITIES business plans, cutting-edge technical developments, and the innovative joint toolkit that is currently in the works. The team also placed a strong focus on outreach and knowledge-sharing strategies, reinforcing the collaboration and driving the project forward.

Link: https://metacities-hub.com/

Don´t miss these webinars on the 22nd of October!

Explore the promising opportunities in Taiwan’s booming high-tech and microelectronics sectors! As a global leader in technology and a major producer of semiconductors, Taiwan offers immense potential. In our webinar, we’ll provide valuable insights on how to tap into this market, export your products to Taiwan, and build a strong presence in this innovative landscape. You’ll gain practical advice from a market expert and hear the success story of an SME already thriving in Taiwan.

Join this interactive session featuring a Q&A with expert Pascal Viaud, who will discuss the “Taiwanese Paradox” and their distinctive innovation strategy. He’ll guide you through the process of exporting to Taiwan or leveraging it as a gateway to global markets, highlighting new opportunities beyond the traditional ODM/OEM model, with a focus on partnerships and collaboration.

This event is organized by Silicon Saxony as part of the Eurocluster project, connecting industry professionals to help you expand into the Taiwanese market.

“Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.”

For more information check these links:
• Taiwan - https://lnkd.in/dcm8HJ3D
• US - https://lnkd.in/d8ZcpgB5

Within the scope of the European project Silicon Eurocluster, the 2nd Webinar on “Innovation Exchange & Funding Opportunities for SMEs in the (micro) electronics industrial ecosystem” will take place on September 18, 2024.

This webinar is organized by TICE.PT Cluster within the scope of the Silicon Eurocluster project. ICT Cluster is a partner in the project.

This webinar will address new EC funding opportunities dedicated to Digital and Green transitions and detail European Innovation Council initiatives and opportunities on Business Acceleration. 

PROGRAM (CET time zone)

10:30H | Open Session, Luis Miguel Silva, TICE.PT

10:35H | EUREKA – Cluster XECS Funding opportunities, Polina Pereira, ANI

10:55H | EU Funding opportunities for Green and Digital Transitions /

                Horizon Europe Cluster 4 – Afonso Duarte, ANI

11:10H | Business Scale-up – EIC opportunities, Afonso Duarte, ANI

11:25H | Cascade Funding – Process & Opportunities, Laure Tassigny, Minalogic

11:30H | Q&A

11:40H | Closing Words, Luis Miguel Silva, TICE.PT

Link: https://bit.ly/46ssnxy