IT hub with a Rich Past

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria

IT hub with a Rich Past

Veliko Tarnovo, traditionally known as Bulgaria’s city of tsars and an old capital, is steadily transforming into a well-functioning IT hub in the heart of Bulgaria.

This evolution is deeply connected to the city’s rich legacy of industrial and technological advancements, which continues to inspire its growth into a prominent center for technology and innovation.

Technological Innovation

The city’s innovative spirit dates back to the 20th century, notably through the “Завод за записващи устройства” (Memory Device Factory), established in the 1970s. This facility was pivotal in producing memory for computing machines and particularly “ЕСТЕЛ” teleprocessing systems, under license from the Institute of Computer Technology in Sofia.

These systems, comprising networked terminal stations, laid the groundwork for modern computing environments by allowing multiple users to work across a network, much like today’s computer networks. These technologies were not only advanced for their time but also widely used across various sectors in Bulgaria, the former Soviet Union, and even reached as far as China.

Pioneering in Electronics

The historical narrative of innovation extends to the production of television sets. Starting in 1975, Veliko Tarnovo became a center for the burgeoning electronic industry, alongside Pravets. The “Битова електроника” company was instrumental in producing the first television models like “Мизия”, “София-21”, and “София-22”, reflecting significant industrial growth.

By the 1980s, the factory, then known as the “Комбинат за радиотехническа апаратура”, employed over 6,000 people and launched innovative products like the “Велико Търново T3104” portable black-and-white TV and later, the “Велико Търново 84”, a color TV that was a technological marvel of its time.

Academic Foundations

Veliko Tarnovo is a bustling academic hub, home to between 10,000 and 12,000 students across its two major universities and various branches of other leading institutions. These schools, including one of Bulgaria’s oldest universities, produce between 3,000 and 4,000 graduates annually, who are well-prepared to enter the tech industry.

This steady flow of skilled graduates helps sustain Veliko Tarnovo’s evolving status as a center of innovation and technological development, continually revitalizing the local and regional tech ecosystems with new talent.

Today's Technological Ecosystem

Today, Veliko Tarnovo is leveraging this rich heritage to build a robust technological ecosystem.

Over 30 IT companies have clustered here, creating a dynamic environment that nurtures collaboration and innovation. This synergy is not only revitalizing the local economy but also positioning Veliko Tarnovo as an attractive location for tech startups and established firms seeking a supportive community and a high quality of life.

Strategic Initiatives and Future Outlook

To enhance its role as a tech hub, Veliko Tarnovo is focusing on developing state-of-the-art infrastructure and fostering strong partnerships between the business community and academic institutions.

These initiatives are designed to attract investment and talent, furthering the city’s development into a center of technological excellence.

Veliko Tarnovo is calling on tech leaders, entrepreneurs, and innovators to be part of this exciting transformation. By integrating its historical strengths with a forward-looking strategy, Veliko Tarnovo is not just preserving its past but also shaping a future where technology and tradition converge.

Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria