American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria held a round table with native companies on the economic development of the Cosmos

The American Chamber of Commerce in Bulgaria (ACCB) hosted a round table where the commercial opportunities of the U.S. Space Force were presented and the technological potential of the Bulgarian industry - represented by the members of the Chamber - was discussed for partnership and cooperation with the newest component of the US Armed Forces. The event took place on September 12 this year.

The main goal of the initiative is to familiarize the Bulgarian private sector and the academic community with the activities of the US Space Force, as well as to create opportunities to promote commercial, academic and business cooperation between the interested parties. The round table "Bulgaria's Leap into Space: Opportunities and Achievements" was organized in partnership with EnduroSat, a member of ACC. The event welcomed two senior representatives of the US Space Force: Merrick Garb, Chief of the Commercial, Civilian and Interagency Partnerships Division, General Staff, and Major Vernon E. Greer III, Chief of the Division, S5I - International Engagement - Europe and Africa.

"This event is part of a larger initiative of ours and a logical continuation of our multi-year efforts to cooperate with our strategic partners from the United States - including from – government and business. We are confident that they can bring new ideas, technologies and funds for the necessary stimulation of sectors of the Bulgarian economy. Space has become an important field – it is the fastest growing industry with high added value. And it has been building significant commercial applications and partnerships for years now. An example of this is the accession in 2023 of Bulgaria to the "Artemis" Agreements. Our chamber aims to position Bulgarian businesses and ideas on the global space map, joining them to other successful stories in areas that already inspire others," said Ivan Mihailov, CEO of ACC, about the event.

"Bulgaria is ready to make its big leap into space. Our efforts have already positioned the company and our country on the world map of the space industry. Now we dream bigger – creating a bigger, stronger and more reliable space business community. Current capabilities must be supported by private and public funds to sustain ongoing development and create opportunities for the growth that is inevitable. Space is becoming the new field for cooperation between nations, governments and businesses - that's why Bulgaria must focus its efforts, maintain its intellectual potential and gain advantages that will benefit the entire country," Raycho Raichev said at the opening of the meeting. CEO and founder of EnduroSat.

Merrick Garb presented the US Space Force's Commercial Space Strategy, outlining its scope, goals, and opportunities for commercial collaboration with allies, international partners, and industry partners.

"The U.S. Space Force will leverage the commercial sector's innovative capabilities, large-scale manufacturing, and rapid technology refresh rates to improve the resiliency of national security space structures, enhance deterrence, and support the objectives of the Commander of the U.S. Space Force." We must be able to integrate, plan and work with our NATO allies in space today, and there is no better way to do that than with commercial space technology.”

Major Greer explained the requirements for delivery of products and services to the Space Force. "Bulgaria has clearly distinguished itself as a leader in the commercial space industry. The innovation and expertise we saw during our visit was incredible, and we are excited about the opportunity to collaborate with companies here to meet the requirements of the US Space Force in the future.”

Afterwards, the 30 participants – representatives of AmCham members, stakeholders and the academic community – held a lively discussion about their opportunities and potential cooperation in the development of relations between Bulgaria and the US Space Force.