This article is based on the original publication by the British Embassy Sofia (2 February 2026).

Semiconductors power everything from smartphones and electric vehicles to renewable energy systems and advanced industrial electronics. Strengthening supply chain resilience and technological leadership in Europe, the UK-Bulgaria partnership is unlocking innovation, investment, and talent development in the semiconductor sector.

Green Silicon Carbide Manufacturing plays a central role in this initiative, connecting UK compound semiconductor expertise with Bulgaria’s rapidly growing automotive electronics and manufacturing sector.

“This partnership accelerates Europe’s leadership in advanced electronics while building Bulgaria’s semiconductor capabilities,” said Asen Asenov, Executive Chairman of Green Silicon Carbide Manufacturing.

UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership

Under the UK-Bulgaria Strategic Partnership, the Science and Technology Network (STN) and Department for Business and Trade (DBT) have acted as bridges between government, academia, and industry, fostering collaboration and unlocking opportunities for research, investment, and skills development.

Key milestones include:

• High-level roundtable in Sofia (2024): UK and Bulgarian government, industry, and academic leaders discussed partnership opportunities.
• Study visit to Scotland (March 2025): Bulgarian stakeholders visited world-class UK factories and training programs.
• UK trade mission to Bulgaria (November 2025): Showcased Bulgaria’s growing semiconductor ecosystem and attracted UK innovators to explore partnerships.

Driving Investment & Innovation

The partnership has already delivered tangible results:

• €350M investment in the Green Silicon Carbide manufacturing facility in Bulgaria.
• £10.5M UK export wins linked to the project.
• Research collaboration: MoU between Glasgow and Sofia Universities enabling joint projects and talent exchange.
• Industry alignment: MoU between TechWorks UK and Bulgaria’s BASEL strengthening sector ties.

These initiatives strengthen Europe’s semiconductor supply chain while accelerating innovation in next-generation materials such as silicon carbide.

Talent & Skills Development

Addressing global semiconductor talent shortages, the partnership has launched programs for:

• Joint training initiatives and academic exchanges.
• Workforce development in advanced manufacturing and electronics.
• Building a pipeline of skilled professionals for the European semiconductor sector.

Bulgaria - A Strategic European Hub

Bulgaria is rapidly emerging as a key player in the European semiconductor and automotive electronics landscape:

• 80% of sensors used in European cars are produced in Bulgaria.
• Electronics sector projected growth: €2.3B → €2.7B (2023-2028).
• 380 automotive companies employing over 80,000 people, contributing more than 10% of Bulgaria’s GDP.
• State-of-the-art R&D centers and smart factories.
• Supported by €1B EU-backed R&D initiative and the EU Chips Act 2023.

These factors make Bulgaria a gateway to Eastern European markets and a competitive hub for semiconductor manufacturing.

Next Steps & Future Outlook

Green Silicon Carbide Manufacturing and the STN are now focused on:

• Launching the Bulgarian production facility.
• Deepening international R&D partnerships.
• Expanding workforce training and skills initiatives.
• Strengthening Europe’s resilient semiconductor supply chain.

By linking UK expertise with Bulgaria’s manufacturing capacity, the partnership is creating a resilient, innovative, and globally competitive European semiconductor ecosystem that powers the technologies of tomorrow.