Core thread across all three projects — INSITER (construction), INCEPTION (heritage 3D modelling), and 4CH (heritage conservation)
RDF OOD AR DI EF
Bulgarian technology SME providing 3D modelling, AR visualization, and digital tools for construction inspection and cultural heritage preservation.
Their core work
RDF is a Bulgarian technology SME specializing in 3D modelling, visualization, and software development for the built environment and cultural heritage sectors. Their work spans augmented reality tools for construction quality inspection, 3D semantic modelling for heritage buildings, and digital infrastructure for heritage conservation. They provide technical software components and digital solutions within larger European research consortia focused on digitizing physical structures and preserving cultural assets.
What they specialise in
INSITER project focused specifically on AR-based self-inspection techniques for construction and refurbishment
INCEPTION (3D semantic modelling for cultural heritage) and 4CH (Competence Centre for Conservation of Cultural Heritage)
INSITER and INCEPTION both involve digital representation of building data, a core BIM application
How they've shifted over time
RDF started in the construction technology space with INSITER (2014-2018), focusing on augmented reality tools for building inspection and refurbishment. Their work then shifted toward cultural heritage digitization with INCEPTION (2015-2019) and deepened with 4CH (2021-2023), moving from construction-site tools to heritage conservation infrastructure. The trajectory shows a clear pivot from general construction tech toward the more specialized niche of digital cultural heritage.
RDF is consolidating around digital cultural heritage — expect them to pursue further projects in heritage digitization, 3D documentation, and conservation technology platforms.
How they like to work
RDF operates exclusively as a participant, never as coordinator, which is typical for a specialist SME contributing technical components to larger consortia. With 43 unique partners across 15 countries from just 3 projects, they work in large European consortia and appear comfortable integrating into diverse, multi-national teams. This suggests they are a reliable technical contributor who can plug into complex projects without needing to drive governance.
Despite only three projects, RDF has built a broad network of 43 partners across 15 countries, reflecting participation in large consortia. Their network spans Western and Southern Europe, with strong connections in the construction and cultural heritage research communities.
What sets them apart
RDF occupies a rare niche as a Bulgarian SME with proven experience in both construction technology and cultural heritage digitization — two domains that increasingly overlap through BIM and 3D modelling. For consortium builders, they offer an affordable Eastern European technology partner with hands-on experience in AR, 3D visualization, and heritage-specific digital tools. Their location in Bulgaria also strengthens geographic diversity for proposals requiring broad EU coverage.
Highlights from their portfolio
- INSITERTheir largest funded project (EUR 236K), combining augmented reality with construction inspection — an unusual and forward-looking application area for a Bulgarian SME.
- INCEPTIONFlagship cultural heritage project on 3D semantic modelling with EUR 250K funding — their highest single grant and the bridge between their construction and heritage work.
- 4CHMost recent project (2021-2023) establishing a Competence Centre for heritage conservation, signalling RDF's commitment to this growing field.