JOIST Innovation Park has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with 12 leading science and technology parks across Southeast Europe, officially launching SEE Science & Technology Parks Alliance. This groundbreaking alliance aims to strengthen innovation, entrepreneurship, and technological development in the region by fostering collaboration, shared resources, and support for startups.
Establishing SEE Science & Technology Parks Alliance
The Alliance was officially introduced at the inaugural South East European Innovators Challenge (SEEIC), a regional conference and startup competition held from October 27-29 at Sofia Tech Park. Representatives from 13 science and technology parks in five Southeast European countries gathered to discuss the Alliance’s mission: creating a robust platform to support innovative businesses, facilitate knowledge exchange, and drive economic growth across the region.
With participants from Bulgaria, Greece, Romania, Serbia, Turkey, and Montenegro, the SEE Science & Technology Parks Alliance unites some of the region’s most prominent tech parks and innovation zones, each dedicated to advancing entrepreneurship and technological progress.
A Platform for Startup Support and Cross-Border Collaboration
The SEE Science & Technology Parks Alliance provides vital support for startups by offering flexible office space, organizing networking opportunities with investors and industry leaders, and granting access to laboratory and research facilities. By pooling infrastructure and expertise, the Alliance aims to empower startups to develop their products, secure funding, and expand into international markets.
As Sofia Tech Park CEO Todor Mladenov explained,
“We will initiate a series of events to help startups develop their products, secure funding, and access international markets, while also helping technology park teams enhance their skills.”
Key Events and Future Initiatives
Alliance members plan to host four major events annually across different member countries, promoting engagement between entrepreneurs, investors, and academic leaders throughout the region. JOIST Innovation Park is honored to host the flagship annual conference in 2025, followed by Science Technology Park Nis in Serbia in 2026. These events will be essential in connecting innovators with the resources and partnerships they need to bring their ideas to life and thrive in competitive markets.
Open Invitation for Regional Collaboration
SEE Science & Technology Parks Alliance welcomes additional science and technology parks and innovation zones in Southeast Europe to join its mission. The Alliance’s open format seeks to build a collaborative ecosystem where knowledge, infrastructure, and services can be shared to drive the growth of entrepreneurship and innovation across the region.
Founding Members of SEE Science & Technology Parks Alliance
The Alliance currently includes the following founding members:
- Bulgaria: Sofia Tech Park, Technology Park – Gabrovo
- Greece: JOIST Innovation Park, Thessaloniki Innovation and Technology Center
- Romania: Magurele Science Park
- Serbia: Technology Park Novi Sad, Science Technology Park Nis
- Turkey: Ostim Teknopark, Antalya OIZ Technopark, Bursa Technopark, BUDOTEK Teknopark, Namık Kemal University Technology Development Zone
- Montenegro: Science and Technology Park Montenegro
This regional partnership aims to strengthen the innovation landscape, uplift startups, and contribute to Southeast Europe’s economic and technological growth.
As a founding member, JOIST Innovation Park is committed to supporting this dynamic, cross-border ecosystem, empowering innovators across the region. For more information on upcoming events and collaboration opportunities, contact JOIST Innovation Park today and explore how we can help your business succeed in a thriving, collaborative environment.