The international forum will highlight how European data spaces, AI and collaboration between academia and industry are opening up new opportunities
On 17 November, the GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” will host UpToGATE 2026: Powered by Data, an international forum bringing together representatives from academia, business, the public sector and the technology community. The event will explore how data and artificial intelligence are driving change in urban development, healthcare, mobility and public services.
The focus will be on how data can be turned into practical solutions – from building trusted, interconnected data spaces and advancing AI and digital twin technologies to developing and deploying innovations that address real societal and economic needs.
“Data is a strategic asset for Europe’s future. Its true value, however, lies in our ability to share it securely, turn it into knowledge and use it to develop solutions that make a tangible difference. Through its European partnerships and research projects, GATE is helping to make this happen by bringing together research, technology, business and public institutions,” says Prof. Dr Sylvia Ilieva, Director of the GATE Institute.
The program will feature two thematic sessions addressing key priorities on Europe’s digital agenda.
The first session, “Building Europe’s Data Spaces: The Foundation for Digital Sovereignty and Innovation”, will examine how trusted and secure data sharing can strengthen Europe’s competitiveness and technological autonomy. Drawing on its European projects deployEMDS, DS4PED, VELES, DataPact and DataTwin, GATE will present practical applications in mobility, energy, healthcare and smart cities. These include solutions for low-carbon mobility and improved walkability in Sofia, data spaces supporting positive energy districts, and secure health data sharing. The session will also explore why interoperability, trust and regulatory compliance are essential to creating connected European data ecosystems.
The second session, “AI and Data for Society: Creating Impact for Citizens, Business and Communities”, will showcase GATE’s research and technology applications, highlighting how scientific advances can be translated into solutions with practical value. The presentations will cover technologies for remote patient monitoring, tools for analysing the urban environment, and solutions to combat disinformation, alongside technologies with both civilian and defence applications.
Another key theme will be how research and technological innovation can translate into viable business solutions and lasting partnerships. In the panel “INNOVATION THAT PAYS OFF”, GATE will share successful examples of collaboration with companies and public-sector organisations, demonstrating how research expertise and technological capabilities can help solve real-world challenges.
The discussion will explore different approaches to collaboration between academia and industry – from jointly developing and testing technologies in real-world settings to bringing them to market as new products and services. Representatives from businesses and institutions will also discuss emerging technological needs and opportunities for future partnerships.
The programme will conclude with a live demonstration of the 3D city model, illustrating how digital twins can support urban simulations and enable better-informed decisions in city planning and management.
With UpToGATE 2026, the GATE Institute continues to strengthen the links between European research and innovation, demonstrating how advances in data and AI can be translated into practical solutions with lasting impact.