Programme: Programme "Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation"

Trakia University (TRU), based in Stara Zagora, Bulgaria (BG), aims to enhance excellence and innovation through the ambitious REDBUL project. This initiative aligns with the Bulgarian Research and Innovation (R&I) Agenda, with strategic partnerships involving two leading European Union (EU) scientific entities and an innovative startup. Charité University of Medicine Berlin (CUB), a respected academic partner, brings expertise in medical sciences, enriching TRU's research and enabling global scientific collaborations. CUB's involvement exposes TRU researchers to pioneering methodologies, fostering innovation. Additionally, the partnership with CIC biomaGUNE (CIC), a prestigious biomaterials research institution in Spain, complements TRU's pursuits in nanosciences and biomaterials and offers access to advanced imaging facilities. The innovation journey is supported by POLYKEY (POLY), a Spanish company with a strong background in polymer sciences, facilitating the transfer of advanced technologies. Together, they amplify the impact of BG's Innovation Strategy for Smart Specialisation (IS3), advancing the nation's R&I ecosystem. Through REDBUL, TRU aspires to fortify expertise in biomedicine, biomaterials, and nanosciences, while the synergistic partnership with CUB, POLY and CIC accelerates TRU's prominence in the European R&I landscape. This transformative collaboration signifies a commitment to excellence, knowledge exchange, and innovation-driven progress. TRU's engagement with these eminent EU organisations cements its position as a hub for cutting-edge research and knowledge creation in BG. Collectively, TRU, CUB, POLY, and CIC amplify TRU's scientific capabilities and its impact on both academic and nonacademic sectors, catalysing positive changes in BG's R&I landscape.