Members
Regional Bioeconomy Hub – Plovdiv is a key initiative to promote sustainable development, innovation, and circular bioeconomy in Plovdiv Region and Bulgaria. The hub brings together academic and scientific institutions, business organizations, professional associations, and local authorities, NGOs, with the aim of strengthening the bioeconomy ecosystem in the region.
Agricultural University – Plovdiv
Agricultural University – Plovdiv was established in 1945. Today, it is the only specialized state university in Bulgaria dedicated to agricultural sciences. The university’s research activities align with national and European priorities in agriculture, food, and the bioeconomy. It actively collaborates with other universities, research institutes, and business organizations in Bulgaria and abroad, participates in national and international projects, and contributes to the development of the bioeconomy in the region and the country.
The university offers a Master’s program in Bioeconomy in collaboration with leading European universities, including Wageningen University & Research in the Netherlands. It is also the initiator of the Regional Bioeconomy Hub – Plovdiv, which aims to unite the efforts of academic institutions, business organizations, and public authorities to develop a circular bioeconomy in the region.
Agricultural University – Plovdiv is a full partner in the BIOEAST Bioeconomy Educational Hub – an educational network of six European universities in the field of bioeconomy. The network’s goal is to enhance the level of education and scientific capacity in member states and to facilitate knowledge and skills transfer.
The university is also a partner in the Competence Center “Agri-Food Systems and Bioeconomy,” where methods for extracting and studying biologically active substances from by-products in the processing of plant raw materials will be developed as part of an integrated approach to a circular economy.
Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB)
The Center of Plant Systems Biology and Biotechnology (CPSBB) is a plant
research organization which performs cutting-edge basic and applied
research in areas such as plant biotechnology, plant development, stress
physiology, functional genomics, metabolomics, and vegetable breeding.
CPSBB is developing new products for the global market, in particular
new diagnostic tools and technologies for plant breeding, new vegetable
varieties resistant to biotic and abiotic stresses, cultivars of
vegetable crops with improved yield stability and nutritional,
harvesting or processing qualities, and plant-derived products with new
pharmaceutical properties for innovative applications in medicine.
CPSBB is accredited to deliver PhD degree in Biotechnology. One of the
mission of CPSBB is to serve as a bridge for the academic and industry
sectors in the region for improving the scientific, social, and economic
development.
University of Food Technologies-Plovdiv
The University of Food Technologies (UFT) is a prestigious center for education and research in the fields of food science, technology, and engineering. With a rich history and traditions, UFT is a leading institution in Bulgaria and the Balkan Peninsula, training specialists for the dynamic and innovative food industry sector.
UFT has key competencies in various areas, including food processing, biotechnology, engineering, and economics. The university is committed to developing sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions to the challenges of the bioeconomy. It actively prepares highly qualified professionals to meet the needs of the bioeconomy, emphasizing practical skills and the application of scientific knowledge.
UFT also collaborates with other universities, research institutes, and business organizations in Bulgaria and abroad, participating in national and international projects and contributing to the development of the bioeconomy in the region and the country.
The university is a leading partner in the Competence Center “Agri-Food Systems and Bioeconomy,” where methods for extracting and studying biologically active substances from by-products in the processing of plant raw materials will be developed, as part of an integrated approach to a circular economy.
Bulgarian National Association of Essential Oils, Perfumery, and Cosmetics (BNAEOPC)
The Bulgarian National Association of Essential Oils, Perfumery, and Cosmetics (BNAEOPC) is a voluntary non-governmental organization whose mission is to defend and represent the interests of its members and the industry. The association unites 31 companies from the essential oils industry, 68 companies from the perfumery and cosmetics industry, as well as importers of raw materials, packaging manufacturers, equipment producers, and firms providing consulting services, audits, and laboratories.
The goal of the association is to protect and represent the interests of its members and the industry by uniting and supporting their efforts in defending their creative and professional interests, as well as in establishing their public image. BNAEOPC actively contributes to the development of the essential oils, perfumery, and cosmetics industries in Bulgaria.
As the only official representative in Bulgaria of producers and traders of essential oils, aromatherapy products, perfumery, cosmetics, packaging, and raw materials, as well as scientific institutions in the sector, BNAEOPC plays a key role in the industry. The association organizes trade missions, business delegations, and working visits, promoting growth and cooperation within the sector. BNAEOPC continually supports its members in areas such as innovation, launching new products, adhering to international standards, and improving quality.
BNAEOPC is also an active participant in the legislative process, providing opinions and proposals on regulations affecting the industry. The association organizes trade missions, business delegations, and working visits, encouraging growth and collaboration in the sector. BNAEOPC consistently supports its members in areas such as innovation, launching new products, adhering to international standards, and improving quality.
Brezovo Municipality
Brezovo Municipality is located in southern Bulgaria, in the northeastern part of Plovdiv Province, covering an area of 446 sq. km. It spans the southern slopes of the Sredna Gora mountain range, which gradually transitions into the Upper Thracian Plain to the south. The town of Brezovo is the administrative center of the municipality.
Agriculture has always been a defining sector in the municipality’s economy. The favorable soil and climate conditions in the area have led to a specific crop structure, with cereals making up the largest share. The region is particularly suitable for the development of viticulture. In the northern part of the municipality, the cultivation of oil-bearing roses is traditional. Animal husbandry is also a long-standing tradition in the area.
“Bio Brezovo” is a brand synonymous with the highest quality standards in organic farming, based on the natural and climatic characteristics of Brezovo Municipality. The project includes product certification, training for local farmers and employers, as well as promoting the transition to organic agriculture. The aim of the project is to stimulate the local economy, reduce unemployment, and position Brezovo Municipality as an environmentally clean area offering certified products that align with European goals for sustainable development and organic farming.
Cluster “Trakia Economic Zone" (TEZ)
Cluster “Trakia Economic Zone (TEZ) is a non-profit association that brings together key representatives from the private business sector, non-governmental organizations, and higher education institutions, actively working in the fields of construction, design, and regional development.
The main goals of TEZ include the development of industrial and logistics zones, with the cluster assisting in the construction of modern infrastructure and attracting investors to industrial and logistics zones that meet global standards. The cluster organizes training and qualification courses for local staff and actively participates in international partnerships.
The members of Cluster TEZ are primarily based in Plovdiv and the neighboring municipalities of Kuklen, Rakovski, and Maritsa. The geographic concentration of members contributes to better communication and coordination among them in the implementation of joint activities.
TEZ works closely with various institutions and organizations, including the Municipality of Plovdiv and other local municipalities, helping to attract investments and develop the region. It also collaborates with the Plovdiv Regional Administration, which supports regional development and project coordination, as well as with educational institutions for the preparation of staff and scientific research.
Cluster “Trakia Economic Zone” plays a key role in the economic development of the region, creating conditions for business growth, attracting investments, and improving the qualification of the workforce.
Bulgarian Greenhouse Growers Association (BGGA)
The Bulgarian Greenhouse Growers’ Association (BGGA) is a non-profit branch organization headquartered in Plovdiv, Bulgaria. The association comprises 68 full members and 39 associate members involved in related industries such as vegetable seeds, greenhouse systems and equipment, substrate production, mineral and organic fertilizers, packing and sorting machines, greenhouse construction, and maintenance services. BGGA’s primary objectives include representing and protecting the interests of its members, supporting and encouraging the development of efficient Bulgarian greenhouse production, and facilitating the adoption of European standards and requirements. The association operates on principles of equal rights among members, collective decision-making, and personal responsibility in executing decisions.
The association collaborates with governmental bodies to develop strategies aimed at stimulating the sector and creating favorable conditions for its growth.
BGGA also engages in international projects and partnerships to enhance the competitiveness of Bulgarian greenhouse products and promote sustainable practices within the industry.
SUMMIT AGRO Romania SRL – Branch Bulgaria LLC
SUMMIT AGRO is a subsidiary of one of the largest Japanese corporations, Sumitomo Corporation, a global conglomerate headquartered in Tokyo, Japan. It operates a wide range of businesses across various sectors, including construction services, media, mining, food products, trade, and finance.
Japanese production and leadership have always been symbols of quality. With the opening of Summit Agro in Bulgaria in 1999, these traditions were brought to the country. Summit Agro is the official international representative of over 40 manufacturers of crop protection products, fertilizers, and seeds. The company can update its product list in real-time, according to the needs of its clients. Annually, Summit Agro renews and adds new products to its portfolio. The company is also a recognized leader in organic farming, offering comprehensive solutions for crop protection and nutrition.
Since 2022, Summit Agro has been the official distributor in Bulgaria for the seeds from the Saaten Union Romania portfolio, which includes hybrids of corn and sunflower, varieties of wheat, barley, rye, triticale, legumes (peas, broad beans, alfalfa, soybeans), as well as intermediate and cover crops.
The collaboration between the two companies ensures the provision of an extended range of services to agricultural producers and a complete technology for crop cultivation – from sowing to harvesting.
Association "Together for Personal Development"
The Association “Together for Personal Development” is a non-governmental organization active in the following areas: agriculture, innovation, bioeconomy, social entrepreneurship, agritourism, and non-formal education. The organization is a beneficiary of national operational programs and a partner in European projects. The association is a member of the Monitoring Committee of the Operational Program “Innovation and Competitiveness” 2014-2020; the working group for the creation of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023-2027; the Monitoring Committee of the Strategic Plan for the Development of Agriculture and Rural Areas 2023-2027, and the Association “Valley for Deep Tech Innovation – Plovdiv.”
