The innovation and digital transformation ministry says it has approved funding for 127 companies under the "Scientific Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation" programme. The projects are worth almost 62 million euros in total.

The money comes from the "green and digital partnerships for smart transformation" scheme. To get funding, companies must run their projects together with research organisations or universities. The work will cover digital technology and artificial intelligence, smart manufacturing and automation, new materials, green technology and resource efficiency, health and biotechnology.

The programme is run by the Executive Agency for European Funds for Competitiveness, part of the innovation and digital transformation ministry. In all, 273 companies applied.

In the southwest region, classed as a transition region, 79 project bids were approved, worth 35.35 million euros in grants. In Bulgaria's less developed regions, 48 projects worth 26.317 million euros in total were approved.

Another 130 bids passed assessment but are on a reserve list, because there isn't enough money left to fund them.

The approved companies will now be invited to sign contracts with the Executive Agency for European Funds for Competitiveness.