The CEE - Nordics Connection Forum (a Techarena side event)
The CEE–Nordics Connection Forum is designed to bridge CEE scale-ups and tech leaders with Nordic innovators, investors, and ecosystem builders, creating pathways for collaboration and expansion.
Taking place alongside Techarena 2026 under the theme “New Era, New Mindset,” the forum will bring together CEE and Nordic companies shaping innovation, technology, and adaptive business models, while fostering cross-border collaboration.
What to Expect
Showcase: Hear success stories & business practices from some of the fastest-growing companies across CEE and the Nordics.
Insights: From CEE’s deep tech momentum to Sweden’s sustainability-driven ICT leadership, 2026 VC investment priorities, and the global-first DNA of Nordic startups.
Opportunities: Connect with partners, discover collaboration potential in outsourcing, R&D, and cross-border growth during a curated networking session.
Who Should Attend
Investors, Scale-up Founders, Corporate Innovation Leaders.
Partners
This event is made possible through the collaboration of:
The Bulgarian SME Promotion Agency (BSMEPA) - The national body supporting the international growth of Bulgaria’s small and medium-sized enterprises, fostering trade missions, and connecting Bulgarian companies to global markets.
The Recursive - A leading CEE-focused media and ecosystem builder, amplifying the stories of founders, investors, and innovators shaping the region’s future.
Connect Nordics - A digital platform, operated by the Bulgaria-Nordics Business Council, enabling businesses, companies, and individuals to build networks, forge partnerships, access information, and explore new market opportunities between the Nordics and Southeastern Europe.
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Agenda
02:00 – 02:05 Welcoming by Dimitar Ivanov (Political Attaché at the Bulgarian Embassy in Sweden)
02:05 – 02:10 Welcoming by Dilyana Haralanova (COO & Managing Partner, The Recursive)
02:10 – 02:15 Welcoming by Galateya Kolikova (Founding Member, Connect Nordics) & Stefan Bengtsson (Chairman, SWECHAM)
02:15 – 02:35 Panel Discussion
Central & Eastern Europe as a region – not a single country
- Yane Frenski - Founder @Vizipedia
- Eva Faltusova - Investor @Rockaway Ventures
- Momchill Zarev - Chief Growth Officer @Sirma
- Dilyana Haralanova - COO & Managing Partner @The Recursive (Moderator)
02:35 – 02:55 Panel Discussion
Creating world-class competitive products combining Nordic innovation with CEE tech talent
- Stefan Frank - Chairman of the Board @SWEDSOFT
- Iris Öhrn - Investment Advisor @Business Region Göteborg
- Erik Behm - Investment Strategist @Invest in Halland
- Niclas Widell - Business Development Manager @Business Region Stockholm
- Armando Cezares - Head of Community @The Park
- Marin Georgiev - Board Member @Connect Nordics (Moderator)
Closing Remarks & Networking
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Please note: This is an on-site side event at Techarena 2026 that requires a ticket to enter Strawberry Arena. The side event is independently organized and run by the host of the side event. Please direct any questions (or praise!) to the event organizers.