The 2025 edition of GATE Institute’s Summer Internship Program launched with strong international participation and remarkable interest. Under the motto “From Intern to Innovator”, this year’s program brings together 24 talented students from leading universities in Bulgaria, Europe, and Japan, who share a keen interest in the latest technologies and their real-world applications for the benefit of society. 

The three-month program offers a unique opportunity for hands-on experience in a dynamic and interdisciplinary research environment. Participants will engage in real-world projects across four key domains: Future Cities, Smart Industry, Intelligent Government, and Digital Health, working in close collaboration with leading researchers from GATE Institute. 

A major highlight this year is the international exchange with Japan. As part of the strategic partnership between GATE Institute and the Center for Computational Sciences at the University of Tsukuba, three exceptionally talented Japanese students have joined the internship program. 

This partnership not only enriches the global scientific ecosystem – of which GATE is a part – but also opens the door to deeper collaboration between the innovation communities of Bulgaria and Japan. 

The official start of the program was marked by a welcome address from Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, who greeted the participants with the following words: 

“This internship program is an invitation to become part of an interdisciplinary international community of thinkers, doers, and changemakers. If you are curious, bold, and committed, this summer can be your launchpad toward a long-term scientific and professional career.”

The participants were warmly welcomed by the research teams from all GATE domains, who introduced them to ongoing projects and upcoming challenges. In a hybrid work environment, with access to high-tech infrastructure and mentorship support, the young interns will gain valuable practical experience in solving real-world problems through innovative technological solutions. 

GATE’s Summer Internship Program is open to students from diverse academic backgrounds – from STEM fields to social sciences and the humanities – because, as Prof. Ilieva emphasized, it is precisely the blend of different perspectives and expertise that drives innovation. 

“From Intern to Innovator” is an opportunity for young talents to become architects of the future, where knowledge, technology, and human potential come together to create sustainable solutions for a better world. At GATE, they are in for a transformative summer filled with science, technology, international exchange, and inspiration.