On November 16, 2023, the Defense Research and Innovation Forum (DRIF) will be held at the Central Military Club in Sofia. The event is expected to be attended by representatives of NATO DIANA, EDA, industry and investors to discuss the defense innovation ecosystem and how to develop it in the coming years.
The purpose of the forum is to confirm the role of scientific research and innovation for the needs of defense and to outline the key priorities for adequate participation of the Republic of Bulgaria in EU and NATO initiatives in the field of innovation. Issues related to the Defense Innovation Accelerator in the North Atlantic (DIANA), the adaptation of dual-use technologies, as well as challenges and issues in a government-business-academia format will be discussed. Research and innovation in space will be presented and opportunities for the development of new technologies and innovations related to the war in Ukraine will be explored.

The opening of the forum is at 9:00 a.m. in the Ceremonial Hall of the Central Military Club.