The forum will be held under the patronage of H.E. Iliana Iotova, President of the Republic of Bulgaria, and will bring together globally recognised experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and technology leaders from more than 10 countries.
On 5–7 October 2026, the city of Varna, Bulgaria, will host the CONNEXUS Black Sea Technology Forum—a three-day international technology event bringing together entrepreneurs, investors, industry leaders, researchers, and representatives of academia from more than ten countries.
The forum is organised by ICT Cluster – Varna in partnership with the Municipality of Varna, the Executive Agency for the Promotion of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises, BRAIN++ – the Bulgarian AI Factory, and the Applied Research and Communications Fund (ARCFund). The event is held under the patronage of H.E. Iliana Iotova, President of the Republic of Bulgaria.
The forum aims to strengthen the Black Sea region’s position as an emerging hub for entrepreneurship, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
The Forum
The forum will take place at the Cherno More Hotel over three days, featuring two parallel conference tracks and a large exhibition area for technology companies and partners.
More than 500 participants and 35+ exhibitors from Bulgaria and abroad are expected to showcase innovative products, technologies, and services in artificial intelligence, automation, industrial solutions, cybersecurity, maritime technologies, smart cities, and digital transformation.
The exhibition will create opportunities for live demonstrations, direct meetings with technology developers and investors, and new business partnerships.
The programme includes keynote sessions, thematic panel discussions, B2B meetings, technology demonstrations, startup pitches, and networking events focused on practical solutions and market-ready innovations. A dedicated part of the programme will also explore collaboration between business, academia, and public institutions, an important approach to building competitive innovation ecosystems across the Black Sea region.
International Speakers
CONNEXUS will welcome an outstanding lineup of international speakers, including:
- Lars Frølund, Lecturer at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Strategic Advisor to the NATO Innovation Fund;
- Paul Lambert, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Belgium to Bulgaria;
- Michel Roux, Ambassador of France for the Eastern Partnership and the Black Sea Region;
- Svetoslava Georgieva, Chair of the EIC Fund Board;
- Kristina Eskenazi, Chair of Health & Life Sciences Cluster Bulgaria and AI Cluster Bulgaria;
- Dragomir Vatkov, Lead Cyber Security Architect and SABSA methodology expert;
- Cemile Köseler Usta, Deputy Manager, R&D and Technology Department, Istanbul Chamber of Industry;
- Yasen Tanev, Cybersecurity Expert at the Trakia Digital Innovation Hub;
- Elitsa Stoilova, Co-founder and CEO of Umni;
- Andrey Lilov, Co-founder and CEO of URBO Studio.
They will be joined by leading entrepreneurs, researchers, investors, representatives of international companies, and public institutions from Bulgaria, Europe, and the wider Black Sea region, sharing practical experience and insights into the future of technology.
Topics
The CONNEXUS programme focuses on strategic areas for the region, including:
- Artificial Intelligence
- Future Mobility and Transport
- Cybersecurity
- Automation and Robotics
- Smart Cities
- Maritime Technologies
- Regional Innovation Policies
- Tourism Technologies
- AgriTech
- Biotechnology
Special emphasis will be placed on the intersection of technology, infrastructure, and economic development across the Black Sea region.
Side Events
Alongside the main conference, CONNEXUS 2026 offers a rich programme of accompanying events designed to encourage education, professional networking, and international exchange.
On 4 October, the official pre-forum event—the fourth edition of the School for Success Conference—will focus on innovation in education and the skills of the future.
The accompanying programme also includes:
- TECHNOSTART Motivator, connecting school and university students with inspiring leaders from the technology sector;
- an official Gala Dinner for speakers, partners, and distinguished guests;
- the CONNEXUS Networking Party, providing an informal environment for participants from different countries to connect;
- organised city tours, showcasing Varna’s cultural heritage, maritime history, and growing entrepreneurial ecosystem.
The Black Sea Region: From Potential to Impact
The Black Sea region stands at a pivotal moment, with enormous potential for technological transformation.
Recent years have demonstrated that the world is changing faster than traditional economic models can adapt, while technology provides the region with an opportunity to leap forward rather than simply catch up. This transformation is already taking place. Artificial intelligence is optimising manufacturing processes, ports are increasingly using real-time digital systems to improve their operations, agriculture is becoming more resource-efficient, and companies across the region are developing solutions with global market potential.
Despite these achievements, the Black Sea region remains underrepresented in the international technology landscape.
How to Participate
Information about registration, conference tickets, and exhibition opportunities is available on the CONNEXUS Black Sea Technology Forum website.
CONNEXUS 2026 is an invitation to everyone who wants to play an active role in shaping the next wave of technological innovation in the Black Sea region.
BBCC Members get a 10% discount on ticket prices, use code BBCC
Why Varna?
Varna combines a strategic geographic location with a rapidly developing ICT ecosystem, a well-established academic community, a thriving maritime industry, and a dynamic entrepreneurial community.
The city offers modern infrastructure, excellent international connectivity, and favourable conditions for innovation-driven business development.
CONNEXUS represents another important step towards building a stronger, more connected, and internationally recognised Black Sea technology community.