The European Funds for Competitiveness Directorate General and the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking of the European Commission have joined hands with the Innovation Ministry of Bulgaria to bolster the hydrogen economy. This collaboration, marked by the signing of a Memorandum in Brussels, aims to create a partnership mechanism to support new technologies, particularly hydrogen technologies. The initiative seeks to amplify the engagement of Bulgarian entities in funding opportunities for research and demonstration projects within the clean hydrogen domain. Deputy Innovation Minister Veselina Mincheva underlined the significance of such partnerships in driving innovation, enhancing competitiveness, fostering economic growth, and generating employment opportunities. The approval of the Innovation Ministry's application by the European Commission paved the way for this cooperation. The overarching goal is to promote the green transition through sustainable policies and the advancement of clean technologies. With the backing of the Clean Hydrogen Joint Undertaking and the RIDST OP, Bulgaria is set to initiate the ZAHYR project in the Stara Zagora region, which will serve as the country's inaugural hydrogen valley. This project aims to kickstart a sustainable hydrogen economy at a regional and national level by developing models for hydrogen production, storage, transmission, and utilization. The optimization of investments is a key aspect to ensure the financial viability of these initiatives, setting a solid foundation for Bulgaria's hydrogen future.