Central and Eastern Europe’s largest blockchain forum will be coming to Sofia Tech Park in October, according to recent announcements. Led by the Digital Commissioner Mariya Gabriel, the two-day event descending on the Bulgarian capital will bring together over 1,000 visitors as well as policymakers and members of the European Union for what is set to be one of the biggest blockchain gatherings so far in the area.

The key agenda for the event is geared towards building decentralised bridges throughout Europe, as the continent edges forward with the new digital technology. According to the CEE BLOCK site, the outcome will see progress in regulation, legal and tax frameworks that will support the growth of blockchain internationally.

What is important about the upcoming gathering is the broad range of areas that the blockchain focus will touch upon. The showcase is set to boast the major blockchain contenders within music and social media as well as healthcare, energy and government policy.

Sofia Tech Park, the chosen location for the blockchain event, is the first purpose-built science and technology location within the country and has welcomed researchers and entrepreneurs from a global arena. With a focus on acceleration of the technology and science fields in the Balkans, a mix of learning, networking and innovation take the leading spots in the growth of the tech park. Alongside innovative events such as the CEE BLOCK, the 40,000 m2 venue has already joined forces with Bulgaria’s top universities and businesses.

With less than three months until the event, visitors can look forward to the main forum, countless networking opportunities and also a startup HACK-A-CHAIN where visitors can hear from the most exciting startup entrepreneurs from across Europe. This comes alongside ample accelerator opportunities and pitching windows with blockchain investors.  

Digital Commissioner Gabriel,  who will be delivering a keynote speech at the event was also recently quoted as heralding the future vision of a world with blockchain.

“Blockchain is changing the look of the digital world and I want Europe to be the engine of this change,’’ she said at the recent Blockchain Forum.  ‘‘We need to put the right foundation for this – a single digital blockchain market for the benefit of all citizens.’’

Set amongst the backdrop of a historic Sofia skyline, one of the oldest cities in Europe, the event looks forward to the inevitable growth of blockchain and its vast potential to revolutionise countless areas of technology and beyond. Here in Sofia, the past brushes shoulders with an exciting future.