On 29–30 August 2025, leading experts, policymakers, and researchers from Bulgaria and Japan will come together for a high-level seminar titled “Digital Synergies: Bulgaria–Japan Dialogue on Digital Twins, AI, Data Spaces & Urban Futures.” The event is jointly organised by the GATE Institute and the Center for Computational Sciences (CCS), University of Tsukuba (Japan), with the support of the Embassy of the Republic of Bulgaria in Tokyo, Ministry of Education and Science of Bulgaria,
Ministry of Innovation and Growth of Bulgaria, Bulgaria and Ministry of Economy and Industry of Bulgaria.

This initiative builds on the Joint Statement on the Establishment of Strategic Partnership between the Republic of Bulgaria and Japan, signed in May 2025 by Bulgarian President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. As one of the first academic milestones following the declaration, the seminar reflects a shared commitment to advancing digital transformation, research collaboration, and innovation diplomacy.

The two-day exchange across borders and disciplines includes:

Day 1 – August 29, 2025

International Conference Hall, University of Tsukuba

Participants will explore the intersection of emerging digital technologies and urban development. The programme includes:

  • Opening remarks by H.E. Ms. Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan
  • Welcome addresses by Prof. Shigeta Yasuteru (CCS) and Prof. Sylvia Ilieva (GATE)
  • A live Digital Twin demonstration showcasing applications in climate, mobility, and planning
  • A high-level panel discussion on collaboration between academia, government, and business
  • Structured bilateral sessions for future cooperation and knowledge exchange

Day 2 – August 30, 2025

Bulgarian Pavilion, Expo 2025 Osaka

The second day, titled “Academic Days of the GATE Institute,” will spotlight Bulgaria’s scientific contribution to global challenges. Highlights include:

  • An introduction to GATE’s mission and impact
  • An interactive exhibition featuring research projects from both GATE and CCS
  • A visual showcase of Bulgaria’s participation in Expo 2025

The seminar marks a key moment in the long-term collaboration between GATE and CCS, established under a bilateral Memorandum of Understanding. It also positions both institutions as leaders in applied research in AI, Data Spaces, Smart Cities, and Digital Twins.

Together, GATE and CCS aim to foster new forms of cooperation that support sustainable urban development, ethical AI, and cross-border innovation ecosystems—not just between Bulgaria and Japan, but across Europe and Asia.

Registration is now open. Participants may attend in person (registration deadline: August 10) or online (August 27).

For more details and to register, click HERE.

Full Program of Day 1

 

Time (JST) Activity Details / Highlights Person in Charge / Speaker
13:00 – 13:05 Opening & Welcome Introductory remarks by organisers and diplomatic representatives Prof. OHNEDA Osamu, Vice President, the University of Tsukuba 
Opening & Welcome Introductory remarks by organisers and diplomatic representatives Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of the GATE Institute 
Opening & Welcome Introductory remarks by organisers and diplomatic representatives  H.E. Ms. Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Japan
13:05 – 13:20 Keynote Speeches Introduction of the CCS and the University of Tsukuba Prof. SHIGETA Yasuteru, Director of the Center for Computational Sciences (CCS), the University of Tsukuba  
13:20 – 13:35 Keynote Speeches Introduction of the GATE Institute Prof. Dessislava Petrova-Antonova, Lead of Future Cities Group, GATE Institute 
13:35 – 13:50 Keynote Speeches (To be decided) Mila Nenova, Executive DirectorInvest Bulgaria Agency 
13:50 – 14:05 Keynote Speeches
Bulgaria as a leading innovation hub in Europe 
H. E. Ms. Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Japan 
14:05 – 14:20 Keynote Speeches Introduction of the CCS
Japanese Government representative  
14:20 – 14:35 Keynote Speeches (To be decided) Prof. SUZUKI Kenji, Provost of the Institute of Systems and Information Engineering, University of Tsukuba, Japan (online)
14:35 – 14:45 Break
14:45 – 15:00 Keynote Speeches Urban Digital Twins for a Sustainable Future Prof. Mila Koeva, Vice Dean Research, ITC Faculty Geo-Information Science and Earth Observation, University of Twente (online
15:00 – 15:15 Keynote Speeches (To be decided) (To be decided)
15:15 – 15:30 Keynote Speeches (To be decided) (To be decided)
15:30 – 15:45 Keynote Speeches (To be decided) (To be decided)
15:45 – 16:00 Keynote Speeches (To be decided) (To be decided)
16:00 – 16:30 Live Demonstrations: Urban Digital Twin Solutions Showcase of digital twin applications for urban planning, climate, and mobility Session chairs from CCS and GATE
16:30 – 16:50 Expert Panel Discussion Synergising Academia, Government & Business for Digital Urban Futures Session chairs from CCS and GATE
16:50 – 17:00 Closing Remarks & Summary Sessions Key takeaways and next steps for collaboration Organising Committees (GATE & CCS)
17:00 – 17:30 Networking & Bilateral Dialogue Structured networking and bilateral cooperation discussions Organising Committees (GATE & CCS)