Space & Steam Cluster
ABOUT THE SPACE & STEAM CLUSTER
In 2021, under the visionary leadership of Dr. Solomon Passy and the Atlantic Club in Bulgaria, our country hosted the first edition of the youth science festival “HELLO, SPACE | Speaks Bulgaria!”, featuring a historic live connection with the International Space Station.
The success and international recognition of the event, broadcast on NASA TV and reaching millions of viewers worldwide, inspired thousands of young Bulgarians and laid the foundation for the National Space&STEAM Cluster – a strategic platform uniting scientists, educational institutions, industry, and international partners with the mission to prepare the next Bulgarian astronaut and position Bulgaria as an active participant in the future of science, technology, and space exploration.
Built on the experience and international networks of the Atlantic Club and supported by organizations such as NASA, ESA, NATO, Axiom Space, CERN, and Lockheed Martin, the cluster is establishing itself as a bridge between education, innovation, and space.
Today, the Space&STEAM Cluster brings together over 100 organizations, 30+ universities and schools, institutions, and industry leaders, creating a sustainable national ecosystem with a long-term vision – not only for economic return, but also for strategic national impact in the emerging space and technological economy.
What Is an Innovation Cluster?
The classical definition of the concept of a “cluster” originates from economics and geography and represents a geographic concentration of interconnected companies, specialized suppliers, related institutions, and associations that both compete and cooperate to enhance the competitiveness and innovation capacity of a region (Porter, Harvard Business School). In this sense, clusters are systems of interdependent organizations that, through the exchange of knowledge, resources, and human capital, create synergy for economic and technological growth (OECD).
The “Space Cluster” represents an innovation cluster that brings together modern infrastructure potential, entrepreneurial drive, and a transformative mission – preparing the future Bulgarian astronaut, positioning the country within the international space and STEAM ecosystem, and creating a sustainable environment for high-level innovation at both national and international levels.
Innovation clusters are geographically concentrated, interconnected companies, small firms, startups, suppliers, research organizations, and educational institutions that jointly create new products, services, and technologies through the exchange of knowledge, resources, and network-based collaboration.
Mission, Vision & Long-Term Goals
| Mission
Space&STEAM Cluster’s Mission is to inspire, prepare, and advance the next Bulgarian astronaut, while simultaneously developing national capacity for participation in the global space and technological economy. The cluster aims to create a sustainable platform that integrates education, science, business, the public sector, and international partners into a unified ecosystem for innovation, entrepreneurship, and scientific achievement.
The “Space” Festival and the cluster’s activities are focused on building upon the national scientific and technological potential beyond political cycles and short-term initiatives, with a vision for long-term societal and economic impact.
At the core of this mission are several key priorities:
Education & Inspiration
Encouraging young people to pursue STEAM careers, providing access to world-class knowledge and technologies, and promoting critical and creative thinking.
Scientific & Technical Preparation
Developing training programs and practical pathways for careers in the space and high-tech industries.
International Cooperation
Actively integrating Bulgaria into global networks of space agencies, research centers, and innovation communities.
Innovation & Economic Growth
Supporting startups, research initiatives, and industrial projects that apply space technologies on Earth.
Long-Term National Contribution
Building a sustainable scientific and technological culture contributing to Bulgaria’s economic independence, security, and competitiveness.
| Vision
Space&STEAM Cluster’s vision is for Bulgaria to be recognized as an active, innovative, and strategically significant participant in the global scientific, technological, and space ecosystem.
This means the country having well-prepared professionals, competitive industries, and sustainable international partnerships that contribute to global progress in science and technology.
This vision is based on several pillars:
Bulgaria as a hub for space and high-tech innovation
Development of infrastructure that attracts international projects, investments, and talent.
Integrated STEAM ecosystem
Creation of a functional network between universities, schools, research institutes, companies, and government institutions.
Global recognition
Active participation in international programs and initiatives, including joint missions, scientific experiments, and technological projects.
Societal impact
Shaping attitudes and culture by promoting science, space exploration, and technology as drivers of development.
Leadership in the ethical and sustainable use of technologies
Applying responsible and ethical practices in research and innovation, including in the fields of artificial intelligence and space resources.
| Long-Term Goals
Preparation and launch of the next Bulgarian astronaut (within the next 25 years)
In cooperation with NASA, ESA, and other international partners, to establish a national program for selection, training, and a space mission.
Increasing the economic contribution of space technologies (within the next decade)
Stimulating startups and innovation projects that use space-based data and technologies in areas such as agriculture, energy, transport, medicine, and climate research.
Creation of a sustainable ecosystem of partnerships
Long-term agreements with international agencies, industry leaders, and scientific organizations for the exchange of expertise and resources.
Regional leadership
Positioning Bulgaria as a leading innovation and educational center in Southeast Europe in the field of space and technology.
Establishment of a national center for space technologies and innovation (by 2030)
Building infrastructure for the development and testing of satellites, Earth observation systems, robotics, and space medicine.
Development of STEM/STEAM education at a national level
Integrating space-related topics into curricula, supporting teachers, and developing interactive educational platforms.
Digital transformation and social inclusion
Through partners such as the Digital National Coalition, ensuring access to digital and technological skills for all social groups and regions.
Ethical and sustainable approach to space exploration
Promoting policies and practices that minimize environmental impact and protect the space environment.
Изложители
Partners
