Leonardo Da Vinci Center of Competence
Advancing precision healthcare through science, technology, and clinical innovation
The Leonardo da Vinci Center of Competence advances personalized medicine, 3D technologies, telemedicine, robotic surgery, and minimally invasive surgery through research, innovation, and collaboration between healthcare, academia, and industry.
The Center aims to strengthen Bulgaria’s research and innovation capacity, accelerate the development and adoption of advanced healthcare technologies, and support the translation of scientific discoveries into clinical practice. Its activities contribute to improved patient outcomes, enhanced healthcare services, and the modernization of the healthcare system.
The Leonardo da Vinci Center of Competence is co-funded by the European Union under Project BG16RFPR002-1.014-0002 “Center of Competence for Personalized Medicine, 3D and Telemedicine, Robotic and Minimally Invasive Surgery”, implemented through the Programme “Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation”.
Why We Are Here
Research, clinical expertise, and technology - unified.
We bring together research, clinical expertise, and advanced technologies to develop solutions that improve patient care and accelerate the translation of science into real-world application.
HOW WE WORK
An integrated translational ecosystem
We operate as an integrated translational ecosystem, connecting academic institutions, university hospitals, and regional healthcare providers.
Through this collaborative model, we transform scientific discovery into:
- Clinical impact
- Workforce development
- Commercially viable healthcare solutions
What we do
Four core strategic areas
Precision Medicine & Translational Diagnostics
Developing and applying advanced molecular, genetic, and digital diagnostics to personalize treatment and rapidly translate research discoveries into clinical practice.
Read MorePrecision Medicine
Minimally Invasive Surgery & Surgical Oncology
Advancing modern surgical techniques and clinical research to improve cancer care through safer procedures, faster recovery, and evidence-based innovation.
Read MoreMinimally Invasive Surgery
Robotic Surgery & Digital Surgery Platforms
Deploying robotic systems, simulators, and data-driven surgical technologies to enhance precision, training, and next-generation operative workflows.
Read MoreRobotic Surgery
Our national network
Partners across Bulgaria
Medical University – Pleven
Medical University – Varna
St. Marina University Hospital – Pleven
Infrastructure & Capabilities
Advanced facilities across Bulgaria
Molecular pathology and genomics laboratories
Telepathology and telemedicine platforms
Robotic surgery centers in Pleven and Varna
Experimental robotic surgery laboratories in collaboration with the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences
3D bioprinting and tissue engineering platforms
Digital surgical simulation environments
Certified quality and operational systems
Education & Talent Development
Developing people is central to our mission
Through structured training programs in robotic surgery, minimally invasive techniques, regenerative medicine, digital health, and precision diagnostics, we prepare the next generation of healthcare innovators.
We engage:
01
Medical students & doctoral candidates
02
Surgical residents & young physicians
03
Biomedical engineers
04
Early-career researchers
Research Excellence & Impact
Strengthening Bulgaria's role in European biomedical research
Leonardo Da Vinci Center of Competence contributes to peer-reviewed scientific publications and participates in international research networks. Our work supports:
- Improved patient outcomes
- Modernization of regional healthcare systems
-
Development of new medical technologies
and pathways to market
Industry Collaboration & Commercialization
From research to real-world application
We collaborate with innovative companies, startups, and medical technology developers to:
01
Conduct applied research and development
02
Validate clinical solutions
03
Pilot new devices and digital platforms
04
Co-develop technologies
05
Support commercialization and market entry
06
Accelerate the transition from research to real-world healthcare applications.
European Support & Sustainability
The Center is supported through European Union innovation and education programs, as well as national funding mechanisms, ensuring long-term sustainability and alignment with European research and innovation priorities.