The implementation of the project BG05M2OP001-2.01-0026 "Innovative model for modernization of higher education by creating an academic ecosystem VFU "Chernorizets Hrabar" - Technical University - Varna - Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv”” with beneficiary Varna Free University "Chernorizets Hrabar" has started. The project is financed by the Operational Program "Science and Education for Smart Growth", BG05M2OP001-2.016, "Modernization of Higher Education Institutions ", priority axis "Education and Lifelong Learning", with the financial support of the European Social Fund. The total value of the project is BGN 1,498,758.36. The implementation period is from 08/11/2021 to 31/12/2023.
The project will be implemented in partnership with the Technical University - Varna and Paisii Hilendarski University of Plovdiv. All three established universities in Bulgaria have institutional accreditation and program accreditations of the professional areas in which they conduct studies. Associate partners - National Distance Learning University - Spain, University of Žilina - Slovakia, University of Bucharest and University of Craiova, Romania are also accredited and holding a signed Erasmus Higher Education Charter.

Through the created new academic ecosystem, the following will be achieved: increasing the competitiveness of higher education; the introduction of innovative technologies and "problem-based" learning; the use of shared resources; creation of conditions for internal mobility; exchange of good practices with Bulgarian and foreign universities.

The new educational partnership is innovative because: 1. It is a collaboration between private and public higher education institutions using shared resources; 2. Is a collaboration between universities from the two largest cities in the country, Varna and Plovdiv, while preserving their academic autonomy; 3. Joint educational programs in the field of technical sciences will be established, ending with the issuance of several diplomas.

The project will be implemented with the participation of students, doctoral students, young scientists and academic staff from professional fields: "Technical Sciences" - "Architecture, Construction and Geodesy", "Electrical Engineering, Electronics and Automation", "Energy", "Transport, Shipping and Aviation'; "Arts" - "Fine Art"; "Social, economic and legal sciences" - "Psychology", "Law", "Administration and management", "Economics".

The expected results are:
- two joint interdisciplinary master programs ending with joint diplomas. One program is in the field of green and blue industries with the main goal - training of technical personnel for environmentally friendly technologies, recycling and extending the life cycle of products, sustainable development of the marine ecosystem, etc. The second intersectoral program is entirely subordinated to digitalization and the use of digital technologies in the engineering fields. The study and practical application of 3D-technologies, data and process visualization, virtual reality, additive technologies, etc., which are the main components of Industry 4.0 and digitized production, are laid down.
- developed electronic educational resources, incl. and laboratories for virtual reality and additive technologies, for the training of engineering personnel;
- increased language and digital skills, developed soft skills, specializations and mobility of students, doctoral students, young scientists and academic staff;
- created a common network of university career centers;
- conducted short-term specializations and mobilities in the associated partners of students, doctoral students, young scientists and academic staff.