Search Results for “ilieva” – Gate

GATE Contributes to High-Level AI and Digital Diplomacy Forum

Eleonora Getsova — Tue, 21 Jul 2026 12:38:45 +0000

The event brought together representatives of government, the diplomatic service, academia and international organisations to discuss the role of Artificial Intelligence, innovation and digital diplomacy in addressing today’s global challenges.

GATE Institute was honoured to contribute to the panel “Building Resilience: Artificial Intelligence, Innovation, and the Role of Digital Diplomacy”, represented by its Director, Prof. Sylvia Ilieva.

Opening the discussion, Ivan Vasilev, Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation, reaffirmed the government’s ambition to position Bulgaria as a trusted partner in innovation and high technologies. Emphasising that “the future will be dominated by technology, but led by people,” he outlined the vision for Bulgaria to become one of Europe’s leading destinations for business and technology by 2030.

In her presentation, Prof. Sylvia Ilieva highlighted the growing importance of science diplomacy as a bridge between research, innovation, and policymaking. Drawing on GATE’s international collaborations, she demonstrated how scientific excellence and cross-border partnerships can strengthen institutions, support evidence-based decision-making, and enhance societal resilience.

Prof. Ilieva also underlined the strategic value of Open Science, describing it as not only a driver of scientific progress but also a catalyst for economic development, innovation, and competitiveness. She emphasised that research organisations have an important role in supporting public institutions with trusted expertise and strategic advice for the responsible adoption of Artificial Intelligence and data-driven technologies.

The panel also featured Bálint Pataki, Director of Policy at Arq Foundation (Brussels), and Alexey Andreev, Ambassador-at-Large for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Diplomacy. The discussion was moderated by Maria Spasova, Ambassador-at-Large for Resilience.

GATE’s participation in this high-level forum reflects the Institute’s growing role in shaping strategic discussions on trustworthy AI, digital transformation, and evidence-based policymaking. As a Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, GATE continues to work closely with national and international partners to advance responsible AI, support innovation, and contribute scientific expertise to the development of effective public policies.

GATE Welcomes a Record Number of Young Talents to Its NEXT GATE TALENTS 2026 Summer Internship Program

Katya Vassileva — Thu, 16 Jul 2026 07:48:57 +0000

NEXT GATE TALENTS 2026 has attracted participants not only from Bulgaria but also from abroad. Among the selected interns are students from Japan, Ghana, and Hungary, further reinforcing GATE’s international profile and the growing global interest in its research environment.

The greatest interest has been in the Machine Learning & AI and Future Cities research areas. This year, however, GATE will host interns across all of its research domains—from trustworthy computing models and Big Data engineering to information environment analysis and cutting-edge AI technologies.

“Over the past four years, GATE’s Internship Program has become a place where young people confidently and sustainably begin their professional journey in science and high technologies. Every year we welcome increasingly strong candidates who are eager to develop solutions with real societal impact alongside our multidisciplinary team. This is a clear sign that the next generation of researchers and innovators is already here,” said Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of GATE Institute.

During the three-month program, the interns will work side by side with GATE researchers and experts on real projects carried out in collaboration with national and international partners. They will receive dedicated mentorship, gain access to the institute’s state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and contribute to the development of innovative solutions in the fields of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence.

For many participants, the internship serves as the first step toward a long-term career at GATE. In recent years, a number of interns have continued as junior researchers within the institute’s projects, turning their summer internship into the beginning of a successful career in science and innovation.

With each new edition, GATE’s Summer Internship Program further strengthens its position as one of Bulgaria’s most attractive internship opportunities in the fields of Artificial Intelligence and Big Data, bringing together ambitious young people who aspire to transform their knowledge into technologies with a tangible impact on society.

Experimental Regulation and Policy Lab

Eleonora Getsova — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:18:43 +0000

On one hand, the ERPL offers a sandbox environment for testing the feasibility, performance and innovation potential of new products, services and business models. On the other, it provides technology, legal, ethics and policy advice and training services to research organisations (eg, in R&D projects) and companies.

The added value of the ERPL can be seen in three directions:

Contribute to evidence-based regulatory learning to increase the oversight capacity and understanding of the opportunities, emerging risks and the impacts of applications of big data and AI
Offer services that are in high demand but short supply because they require interdisciplinary expertise that cannot be provided by one service provider alone (eg, a lawyer, an ethics officer, or a solutions architect)
Bootstrap the national AI regulatory sandbox required under the European Union’s AI Act by providing a sandbox environment aligned with the policy priorities of national competent authorities and developed in collaboration with the supervisory authorities expected to be involved in setting up the AI regulatory sandbox

The ERPL seeks to become a trusted international partner with unique expertise and a regional hub for policy and regulatory testing, attracting stakeholders from Central and Eastern Europe and the Western Balkans region. Furthermore, in long term, EPRL strives to become the basis of a cross-border regulatory sandbox for the region, eg, in the domain of health data exchange.

Sandbox

What is the ERPL Sandbox?

The ERPL Sandbox offers a testing environment for technology solutions with a focus on big data and AI developed by companies and research organisations who either wish to work in collaboration with regulators, for example, through a cooperation agreement, or seek to receive guidance on the legal, regulatory and ethical implications of their product, service or business model.

The sandbox offers testing capacity with a feedback loop to the competent authority in cases where the latter is involved in the process. It also provides continuous learning and knowledge sharing for national competent authorities.

In these cases, the ERPL can set up ad hoc institutional cooperation agreements with supervisory authorities, eg, the Commission for Protection of Personal Data, whereby the authority would have access to results and insights from the testing activities conducted in the ERPL.

Who is it for?

Companies utilising AI and big data technologies in practical applications, services and business models
Companies that want to test innovative solutions with real users in a safe environment using state-of-the-art testing infrastructure
Companies that want to get access to vetted data sets and practical guidance for improvement and implementation of their solutions
Companies that are willing to provide evidence-based feedback regarding existing regulations and their improvement
Companies that want to meet customer expectations and balance them with the interests of society

Eligibility

The area of testing is technology-neutral, focusing on applications rather than specific technologies, including applications using AI, big data, digital twins, and simulations. The sandbox will cover diverse sectors such as digital health, future cities, intelligent government, and smart industry.

Targeted calls will be made for each area of testing, with no restrictions on territorial scope (the where), focusing only on the material scope (the what). Specific testing infrastructure of GATE will be discussed, including in the domain of AI, big data, digital twins, and simulations.

Entities that are both incorporated and unincorporated are welcome to participate.

Criteria	Key questions	Positive indicators	Negative indicators
Scope of the call	Are you doing something that is within our areas of testing? Will your customers be in the EU?	Your innovation is intended for the EU market The relevant activity is regulated by AI and data related legislation	Your innovation doesn t appear to be intended for use in the EU
Novelty of application *Please note that we focus on applications, not individual technologies	Are you working on something innovative or notably unique? It might be entirely new, a fresh market, or an updated version of an existing concept.	Desk research yields limited or no comparable instances of innovation within the market. Your innovation represents a significant and noticeable increase in scale.	Many similar innovations exist, and your innovations seem to be just minor changes to an established model.
Customer and social benefits	In what ways does your proposal benefit consumers, whether individuals or businesses? How does it enhance current services? What impact do you expect it to have on society? What measures will you take to safeguard them from risks associated with your model?	Your innovation is likely to result in a better deal for consumers, such as reduced prices, improved quality, enhanced security, and more. You have evaluated potential consumer/customer and social risks and ways to mitigate them.	Possible negative effects on consumers, markets Enables bypassing regulatory requirements
Readiness [TRL] can be lower in digital sandbox environments	Have you considered how your model aligns with applicable technology, AI and data regulations? Have you conducted any preliminary research into the regulations that could affect your business operations? Could you describe how your business will operate? Are you prepared to evaluate the innovation with actual consumers / customers in a real-world market? What is the technology readiness level of your innovation and what types of resources do you need to advance it?	You ve clearly done your homework, understood your responsibilities, and have a well-defined business plan. You have established a comprehensive testing strategy that includes explicit goals, defined parameters, and success metrics. You have already conducted testing. You have the tools to experiment in the sandbox. You have adequate measures to protect consumers and can offer suitable redress when necessary. Testing partners are either already identified or will be shortly. The technology readiness level of your innovation is anywhere between 4-9. Should a test require authorisation, you are prepared to apply shortly.	You have shown minimal or no effort to comprehend the applicable regulations. The testing objectives are unclear, and the testing plans are not fully developed. You lack the resources needed for the test. The technology readiness level of your innovation is below 4. Your proposed customer protections are insufficient, and suitable redress cannot be provided.
Company size	Is there an actual necessity for you to conduct tests in our sandbox given your company size?	You lack other ways to test your innovation. The innovation does not align well with the current regulatory framework. You would gain from using a sandbox tool to conduct tests in a real-world setting. Going through the complete authorisation process would be too expensive or challenging for a short and feasible test.	You already have assigned an advisor. You possess substantial regulatory compliance resources. Your business model aligns well with the current regulatory framework, posing no especially challenging issues. Live testing is not required to answer your question or attain your objective.

Evaluation guidelines (public)

Evaluation Process for Applications to the Experimental Regulation and Policy Lab

Initial screening

Applications are initially reviewed to ensure they meet the basic eligibility criteria. This review includes verifying the applicant’s adherence to the thematic scope of the lab and the current call for applications and ensuring that the proposed project aligns with the lab’s objectives.

Company size

The size of the applying company will be taken into consideration during the evaluation process. Projects submitted by smaller companies or startups might be assessed more leniently, especially within digital sandbox environments. This approach aims to encourage innovation and experimentation, providing these smaller entities with a fair opportunity to develop and test their ideas.

Larger companies will not be prohibited from applying per se; however, may be held to higher standards due to their greater access to resources and capabilities. The goal is to create a balanced field where innovation can thrive regardless of company size, while also ensuring that projects are feasible and aligned with the lab’s objectives.

Technological Readiness Level (TRL)

Projects are assessed based on their technological maturity levels. While projects at lower Technology Readiness Levels (TRLs) are welcomed in digital sandbox environments to foster their development, they may be required to define a clear strategy and timeline and be able to demonstrate how they are planning to advance their solution to a higher TRL.

This approach ensures a balanced evaluation process where both nascent and mature technologies have the opportunity to be assessed fairly. Projects in the early stages are encouraged to explore and innovate, while projects with more developed technologies need to provide evidence of their readiness for implementation and potential for scalability.

The goal is to support a wide range of technological advancements, focusing particularly on groundbreaking new ideas that contribute to the lab’s objectives.

Readiness

Readiness is a crucial criterion that evaluates the project’s preparedness for successful implementation. This evaluation involves a thorough examination of the project’s feasibility, which encompasses the practicality of the proposed methods and the likelihood of achieving the project’s objectives.

It also considers the resources required, such as funding, technology, and human capital, and assesses whether these resources are sufficiently available to support the project. Additionally, potential barriers to successful execution are identified and analysed to understand the risks and challenges that might hinder progress. By meticulously assessing these aspects, we ensure that only projects with a high potential for successful implementation advance to the next stage.

Customer and social benefits

The evaluation process places a significant emphasis on the anticipated benefits to customers and society. Rather than focusing solely on technological advancements, projects are assessed based on their potential to create substantial positive social impact or enhance customer experiences.

Initiatives that demonstrate a clear promise of delivering meaningful improvements to societal well-being or significantly elevating the quality of customer interactions are given higher priority.

Novelty of application

Novelty of application is a key factor in assessing projects. Those that demonstrate originality and introduce new concepts or significantly enhance existing frameworks are given preference. The evaluation process seeks to identify projects that push the boundaries of current knowledge and practice, known as the state of the art, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative solutions to the forefront.

By encouraging unique and ground-breaking ideas, the lab aims to foster an environment where innovation thrives, and novel applications can lead to substantial advancements in their respective fields.

Alignment with the scope of the call

Projects must align with the specific scope of the call for applications. This alignment ensures that all proposed projects are relevant to the lab’s current focus and strategic goals. The maximum number of applicants per call is typically set between five and ten, and this parameter needs to be tested in real conditions. Having a maximum number of applicants allows us to manage our resources effectively and ensure dedicated attention to each project.

If the number of applications exceeds this maximum, we can use this criterion to sift through the applications and select the most relevant and promising ones. By prioritising areas based on our institute’s research and application domains, we ensure that our efforts are concentrated on projects that have the highest potential for impact and alignment with our objectives.

This structured approach to application management helps maintain a high standard of quality and relevance, fostering an environment where the most innovative and impactful projects can thrive.

Positive indicators

Projects that exhibit potential for scalability are highly valued. Furthermore, applications that present clear and robust business models, demonstrate strong partnerships, or have endorsements from relevant stakeholders will be considered more favourably. These indicators serve as positive signs that the project is not only innovative but also viable and capable of making a significant impact in the real world.

Negative indicators

Projects that lack clear objectives are often rated less favourably, as it is essential for a project to have a well-defined purpose and direction to be considered viable. Additionally, if a project raises unresolved ethical concerns, it may also be viewed negatively.

Ethical considerations are paramount in ensuring that any innovations brought forward do not cause harm or controversy. Furthermore, projects that demonstrate minimal potential for real-world application are likely to be rated less favourably.

It is crucial for projects to show that they can be implemented effectively and have a tangible impact in their respective fields. These negative indicators serve as critical points of assessment in the evaluation process, helping to ensure that only the most promising and responsible projects are selected for further development.

Final decision

The final decision will be made by a panel of experts, comprising a committee of GATE research staff and, on an ad hoc basis, industry representatives from various sectors relevant to the project’s focus. This panel will conduct a thorough review, meticulously analysing all the criteria to ensure a fair and comprehensive evaluation. Each decision will be grounded in a detailed assessment, and feedback will be provided to all applicants to help them understand the strengths and weaknesses of their submissions.

This thorough evaluation process ensures that only the most promising and impactful projects are selected for incubation within the Experimental Regulation and Policy Lab, fostering an environment conducive to regulatory innovation and progress.

Assessment of testing needs

Informal interviews with companies

To ensure a comprehensive understanding of each project’s potential, informal interviews will be conducted with the companies involved. These interviews will be held under Non-Disclosure Agreements (NDAs) to protect sensitive information and foster open communication.

What we can offer based on initial evaluation

Following the initial evaluation of the use case, we will identify and outline the specific services and support we can offer to each project. This may include technical assistance, consultation on business models, and connections to potential partners or investors.

Terms and conditions (T&Cs)

The terms and conditions of our collaboration with the companies will be clearly defined and agreed upon. This will include compliance applicable AI, data and technology regulations and other relevant legal, ethical and technical standards.

Development of a testing plan

Together with each company, we will create a comprehensive testing plan. This plan will detail the goals, methodologies, and schedules for the testing phase, ensuring alignment and readiness across all parties involved.

Testing protocol

We will respond to questions that are identified during the assessment of testing needs. Depending on the agreed parameters, we will perform technical services that may include data set enrichment, data visualisation, building of data models and digital twins or simulations.

Exit report and feedback

Following the testing activities, we will compile an exit report and gather feedback to determine whether an aggregated summary should be made publicly available. This summary might cover particular problems and best practices that were identified during the testing phase.

We’re also considering a future project to set up a Digital Sandbox. This service will not focus on regulatory aspects, but rather on the provision of services such as certified data sets.

Services

In addition to the sandbox, the ERPL offers a comprehensive suite of services tailored to meet the diverse needs of various stakeholders, including partners in research projects, companies, policymakers, and legislators.

These services encompass law and ethics research, providing insights to ensure compliance with emerging regulations and ethical standards.

For companies, ERPL facilitates infrastructure matchmaking, helping them find the right technological partners and resources.

Policy makers and legislators benefit from ERPL’s policy advice and policy prototyping services, which assist in the development and testing of new regulations in a controlled environment.

Law and ethics research in projects

We are a trusted partner with interdisciplinary expertise embedding insights from science, technology, law and ethics into the design and implementation of solutions developed in research and innovation actions funded by the European Commission and other international and national funding organisations.

Our offering extends to providing comprehensive legal and ethics steering, focusing particularly on data protection law, data governance, data spaces and data contracts, intellectual property law and management, and ethics steering.

We support partners in projects with evidence-based insights into improving compliance with the applicable national and international regulations in the field of AI and big data. We offer guidance on data protection laws to help manage and safeguard personal data in accordance with GDPR and other relevant legislation. Our data governance services aid in the structured and secure handling of data, ensuring that data spaces and contractual agreements are managed efficiently and responsibly.

Furthermore, we provide expertise in intellectual property law and management, helping our partners protect and leverage their intellectual assets effectively. Our ethics steering ensures that research and innovation projects adhere to high ethical standards, promoting personal autonomy, integrity, responsibility, transparency and accountability throughout the project lifecycle.

Signposting

We can assist in identifying existing regulations and guidelines that might be applicable to your company and its proposed business model. While this guidance will not be customized specifically for your firm, many organisations find it beneficial to be directed to pertinent information given the extensive amount of regulatory advice available.

Additionally, we provide support in understanding how these rules might impact your operations. Our goal is to simplify the regulatory landscape, making it easier for you to navigate and implement necessary compliance measures.

Moreover, we can offer continuous updates on regulatory changes, ensuring that your company remains compliant with the latest standards. This proactive approach can help you avoid potential pitfalls and stay ahead in your industry.

Testbed

The ERPL testbed focuses on testing and experimenting with technologies during research and development. One example is our legal test bed which is a digital experimentation environment allowing stakeholders in research and innovation projects to prototype policy and legal solutions to problems emerging from their pilots and use cases using methods such as policy prototyping, experimental policy design, and design jams.

Testbeds provide controlled environments for systematic experiments, often without a regulator. Testbeds are popular in various industries for testing new technologies and products, favoured by researchers, developers, and engineers.

Infrastructure matchmaking

The service consists of matching ERPL participants with appropriate infrastructure for testing. This service is addressed to SMEs and startups and it aims to help match participants in the ERPL sandbox with appropriate infrastructure for testing, such as high-performance computing infrastructure like DISCOVERER, the resources of the sectorial Testing and Experimentation Facilities in the domains of agrifood, healthcare, manufacturing and smart cities, as well as other public and/or private testing facilities and infrastructure in Bulgaria and across the EU.

Informal guidance

Informal guidance is a tool we use to help firms understand the potential regulatory implications of their innovative products or business models on an ad hoc basis. This service aims to provide preliminary insights into specific regulatory issues, helping businesses navigate the early stages of development with more clarity.

We offer informal guidance on distinct regulatory matters and the potential impacts of an innovative concept, notably related to regulations applicable to AI and big data applications. This guidance assists in identifying possible challenges and opportunities that might arise as the product or service progresses through its development cycle.

It is important to note that while informal guidance can be incredibly beneficial, it is followed at the recipient’s own risk. This means it does not carry the same legal weight as formal legal advice and should be used as just one of many tools.

Knowledge hub

ERPL also acts as a knowledge hub, offering an array of resources designed to enhance stakeholders’ understanding and capabilities in navigating the complexities of AI and big data technologies. This knowledge hub includes a diverse range of training programs tailored to various skill levels, ensuring that both novices and seasoned professionals can find value.

Additionally, ERPL provides informal guidance and awareness raising through workshops, seminars, and webinars, which foster a collaborative environment for knowledge exchange. These sessions often feature industry experts and thought leaders who share their experiences and best practices, helping participants stay abreast of the latest developments and trends.

By incorporating policy advice and policy prototyping into its offerings, the knowledge hub also supports stakeholders in understanding the regulatory implications of their innovations. This approach not only helps in identifying potential challenges but also in uncovering new opportunities as products and services progress through their development cycles.

Training

We provide customized interdisciplinary training on a wide array of pertinent subjects, including artificial intelligence, intellectual property, data protection, data management, and AI governance.

Our bespoke training offers are designed to meet the unique needs of diverse stakeholders, ensuring that each participant gains the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively navigate these complex domains.

Our training sessions are meticulously crafted to offer both theoretical insights and practical applications, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the regulatory landscape and its implications on innovative technologies. We provide a hands-on experience through interactive sessions that involves prototyping solutions to common problem or challenges with the implementation of legal and regulatory frameworks or building compliance artifacts (eg, policies or checklists).

Policy advice

Our policy advice service is designed to provide policymakers with expert and evidence-based insights on the practical implications of legal and regulatory frameworks affecting innovative AI and big data technologies. Through a combination of expert consultations, analyses, and recommendations, we assist public organisations in aligning their strategies with current and emerging regulatory requirements.

Key features of our policy advice service include:

Public consultations: Engage with our team of experts in one-on-one or public consultations to discuss specific challenges and opportunities related to current and future public policies.
Regulatory impact assessments: Understand the potential implications of existing and forthcoming regulations on innovation through our policy prototyping and sandbox testing activities.
Workshops and training: Participate in workshops and training sessions led by industry experts and thought leaders and designed to deepen your understanding of the practical implications of digital policies and regulations.

Policy prototyping

Policy prototyping is a design approach used to test and improve the effectiveness of a proposed policy. It involves creating low-resource, quickly deployed versions of policies to evaluate their potential impacts and feasibility before full implementation. This method allows you to learn about the strengths and weaknesses of an idea, identify new directions, and make adjustments in a low-risk environment. Our approach is based on use cases collected from our experience working with participants in the sandbox and the testbed.

Team

Prof Dr Sylvia Ilieva
Ivo Emanuilov
Boyan Dafov
Lorra Georgieva
Katerina Yordanova

Prof. Silvia Ilieva Participates in the Strategic Dialogue “ONE EUROPE. ONE MARKET” at Green Transition Forum 6.0

Katya Vassileva — Mon, 08 Jun 2026 05:12:09 +0000

During the discussion, inspired by the report “Much More Than a Market,” participants exchanged views on the challenges and opportunities facing the European Union amid accelerating technological, economic, and geopolitical changes.

Among the key topics highlighted were the need for deeper integration of the Single Market, the reduction of administrative and regulatory barriers to innovation, and the creation of conditions that foster sustainable economic growth.

The event also marked the official launch of the “Sofia Initiative – From Fragmentation to Scale – Accelerating EU Competitiveness.” The initiative represents a joint call by more than 100 Bulgarian leaders to accelerate economic integration, reduce barriers within the internal market, and strengthen the competitiveness of the European Union.

The document emphasizes the need for stronger connectivity between industrial ecosystems, the development of common European standards, and the creation of a more favorable environment for innovation and investment.

For the GATE Institute, participation in such strategic forums is a natural extension of its mission to advance research and innovation in the fields of data science, digital technologies, and artificial intelligence.

The Institute underlines the importance of collaboration among academia, industry, and public institutions as a key factor in strengthening Europe’s competitiveness and accelerating digital transformation.

GATE Institute announces applications for its summer internship program NEXT GATE TALENTS 2026

Katya Vassileva — Mon, 01 Jun 2026 10:43:51 +0000

“NEXT GATE TALENTS 2026 is an opportunity for young people to get involved in developing innovative solutions at the very beginning of their professional journey. Working on real projects in the field of artificial intelligence and big data, in a team with leading scientists and experts, provides invaluable practical experience and confidence for future development. We are glad to support the next generation of specialists who will shape the technological future of Bulgaria and Europe,” notes Prof. Dr. Silvia Ilieva, Director of the GATE Institute.

The program is primarily aimed at third- and fourth-year university students, master’s students, and recent graduates in STEM fields. Applicants can choose among five tracks:

• Reliable Computational Modelling – development of frameworks for thermo-fluid simulations and work on projects with business partners;
• Machine Learning and AI – tasks related to energy efficiency, large language models, and graph neural networks;
• “Cities of the Future” – participation in internal and European projects focused on smart and sustainable urban solutions;
• Big Data Engineering – work with technologies for processing and managing large data sets;
• “Information Environment Analysis” – projects in natural language processing, large language model security, and analysis of public information.

Interns will receive mentorship from researchers and experts, as well as the opportunity to participate in international and national projects. Successfully performing participants will have the opportunity for long-term professional development at GATE.

Applications are open until June 20, 2026. Applicants are required to send a CV and a short motivation letter to career@gate-ai.eu. Selected candidates will be invited for an interview.

The program is designed for motivated young people who want to actively contribute to the development of science and technology and to further enhance their knowledge in a professional research environment.

Prof. Sylvia Ilieva

Georgi Georgiev — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 00:17:42 +0000

She holds a master’s degree in “Electronics” from the Technical University – Sofia and a doctorate in “Informatics – Computer Systems and Technologies”. Since 2002, she has been an associate professor, and since 2012 – a professor at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski ”. Her research interests are in the fields of software platforms, data management, software processes, software engineering for artificial intelligence. She has led the development teams of the Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in Software Engineering in accordance with ACM / IEEE recommendations, as well as more than 200 master’s theses. She has successfully participated in over 20 European research projects.

GATE Welcomes the Ambassador of Sweden to Bulgaria to Discuss Research and Innovation Cooperation

Eleonora Getsova — Wed, 27 May 2026 14:31:15 +0000

The visit focused on presenting GATE’s research activities within the framework of the collaboration with Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg and discussing opportunities for future cooperation between Bulgaria and Sweden in research and innovation.

Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of GATE, introduced the Institute’s main research areas, EU projects, and international partnerships. Prof. Desislava Petrova-Antonova, Research Lead of the Future Cities application domain, presented GATE’s Urban Digital Twin concept and its development stages, followed by a demonstration of Sofia’s 3D city model, which sparked an engaging discussion on several simulation scenarios.

H.E. Mr. Pontus Melander expressed his appreciation for GATE’s achievements and emphasized the importance of strong collaboration between academia, government, and industry, supported by continued investment in innovation. “Even in challenging times, we need to continue funding universities, especially their research and development activities,” he noted.

The visit concluded with a productive discussion on future collaboration opportunities, building on the successful partnership already established through the GATE project.

Vladimir Nedev, a law student at Sofia University, was CEO for a day at the GATE Institute

Katya Vassileva — Tue, 26 May 2026 12:46:29 +0000

The young future legal professional was welcomed by the institute’s director, Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, who introduced him to the history of GATE – from the visionary idea of three women in science to its establishment as a high-tech research hub with the spirit of a fast-growing startup and the ambition to become a driver of innovation in Bulgaria and Europe.

“For us at GATE, it is extremely important that young people have the opportunity to get close to the real environment of science, innovation, and technological leadership. Vladimir demonstrated curiosity, analytical thinking, and a strong interest in artificial intelligence, data, and regulation – areas that will be decisive for the development of society and business in the coming years. I believe that initiatives like this build a bridge between education, science, and practice and inspire the next generation of leaders,” noted Prof. Sylvia Ilieva.

During his working day, Vladimir immersed himself in the dynamics of GATE’s multidisciplinary team, which develops innovative scientific and applied projects in the fields of “Future Cities,” digital healthcare, and smart governance. He met leading experts and researchers who develop solutions with real societal impact – supporting business, the public sector, and the digital sustainability of society.

Particular interest was drawn by the work on the Digital Twin of Sofia, developed by the “Future Cities” department under the leadership of Prof. Desislava Petrova-Antonova in collaboration with Sofia Municipality. Vladimir became closely acquainted with how artificial intelligence, big data, and 3D modelling are used to analyze air quality, mobility, energy efficiency, and the city’s infrastructure.

A key highlight of the day was also a meeting with Ivo Emanuilov, head of the only Regulatory Experimentation Laboratory in Bulgaria and one of the few in Europe. He joined remotely from Brussels and presented GATE’s role in creating an ethical, secure, and responsible AI ecosystem. Ivo Emanuilov spoke about the institute’s involvement in developing European policies and mechanisms for AI regulation, as well as the need for technologies to evolve in alignment with public interest and ethical principles.

As part of the program, Vladimir also spoke with Ioana Koleva, AI & Data Strategy Manager and Data Protection Officer (DPO), about the key role of data in business and societal development, as well as with Georgi Randelov, Director of Business Development, about opportunities in innovation and technological entrepreneurship.

“One day at the GATE Institute was truly inspiring, giving me the opportunity to observe closely how data can reveal the future of a city, and how information can be used to build sustainable solutions for the development not only of the urban environment but also of society. The meetings with the GATE team opened up for me the world of the Digital Twin of Sofia—a space where noise, temperature, and the dynamics of our surrounding environment are transformed into the basis for precise analyses and important decision-making. I am grateful for the inspiring conversations, the shared experience, and the opportunity to get closer to a vision that turns innovation into reality,” said Vladimir Nedev.

His participation in “CEO for a Day” demonstrated in an impressive way how education, science, technology, and leadership can come together in an inspiring environment that provides a real glimpse into the professions of the future.

The “CEO for a Day” initiative is being held for the second consecutive year and brought together 21 students from prestigious universities with leaders of leading companies and organizations in Bulgaria. The goal is for young people to gain practical experience, mentorship, and direct access to the real business and management environment. Among the mentors in this year’s edition are representatives of leading companies, organizations, and academic institutions, and the GATE Institute is among the active partners investing in the development of the next generation of leaders and innovators.

World-Renowned University of Tsukuba Visits Sofia for New Joint Initiatives with GATE

Katya Vassileva — Wed, 20 May 2026 11:30:35 +0000

The visit took place within the framework of the already established strategic cooperation between GATE Institute, the University of Tsukuba, and the Center for Computational Sciences (CCS), specifically highlighted in the 2025 Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and Japan.

The University of Tsukuba is among Japan’s leading research universities, internationally recognised for its achievements in computer science, artificial intelligence, medicine, and interdisciplinary research.

Among the official guests at the event were H.E. Chikahisa Sumi, Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria, and H.E. Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan. The University of Tsukuba delegation also included Vice President Prof. Osamu Ohneda, Prof. Yasunori Endo, and CCS Director Yasuteru Shigeta.

Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, Director of GATE Institute, emphasized the importance of the sustainable development of the partnership between the two institutions:

“Your visit today is not only a continuation of our already established academic dialogue, but also a strong symbol of the deepening friendship between Bulgaria and Japan. Over the past year, we have achieved tangible progress in our joint activities. We believe that universities should not only serve as academic centres of knowledge, but also as drivers of societal transformation.”

The partnership between GATE Institute, the University of Tsukuba, and the Center for Computational Sciences (CCS), supported by bilateral cooperation agreements signed between 2024 and 2025, has already produced concrete results. These include an increasing number of joint scientific publications in key research areas, the establishment of joint research groups, and the organisation of multiple seminars and scientific meetings for the exchange of knowledge, ideas, and research outcomes. The collaboration contributes to the development of an international scientific network and strengthens cooperation between Bulgarian and Japanese researchers in fields such as artificial intelligence, big data, high-performance computing, digital twins, smart cities, climate research, and digital healthcare.

President of the University of Tsukuba, Prof. Kyosuke Nagata, highlighted the importance of trust and the new opportunities for international scientific collaboration:

“Japan and Bulgaria are geographically distant countries, but over the years they have built genuine friendship and mutual trust. Trust is the foundation of science and of every successful partnership. I believe that Horizon Europe opens new opportunities for our institutions to develop internationally significant joint research projects.”

He also emphasized the need for closer interaction between academia, industry, and the public sector in order to accelerate the implementation of scientific results and support the development of sustainable innovation ecosystems.

Ambassador of Japan to Bulgaria H.E. Chikahisa Sumi described the cooperation between GATE and the University of Tsukuba as an important contribution to the strategic relations between the two countries, particularly in the fields of data science, smart cities, and sustainable technologies.

Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan H.E. Marieta Arabadjieva noted that the partnership between the two institutions has evolved into a sustainable model for international scientific cooperation, bringing together established scientists, young researchers, and students.

As a next step in the development of the collaboration, the participants discussed plans for expanding the existing working groups and developing new joint scientific projects. The Japanese side highlighted GATE’s key role in strengthening interdisciplinary academic exchange between students and researchers.

President of the University of Tsukuba Prof. Kyosuke Nagata and the delegation also met with the Acting Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, Assoc. Prof. Parvan Parvanov. The meeting was attended by Vice-Rectors Prof. Reneta Bozhankova and Prof. Stoyan Shishkov, as well as Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov, Chair of the GATE Executive Board. The two sides discussed opportunities for expanding collaboration with other faculties and units of Sofia University in areas such as physics, biology, and medicine.

The visit of the University of Tsukuba delegation to Sofia further strengthened GATE Institute’s role as a key international partner in data science, artificial intelligence, and innovation, while reaffirming the shared ambition of the two institutions to build long-term strategic cooperation for the benefit of society.

DisInfoHack 2026 concludes with final presentation of student research on countering disinformation

Katya Vassileva — Mon, 27 Apr 2026 12:47:18 +0000

In the 2026 edition, seven student teams from Bulgarian and international universities participated, along with a special team of winners from DisInfoHack 2025. During the final event, they presented their projects to a jury composed of representatives from academia and practice. The winning team was “Sixth Sense” from the American University in Bulgaria, mentored by Bozhidar Angelov, a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Philosophy at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. They worked on the topic: “Artificial Weapon: trends in the use of artificial intelligence as a tool for creating disinformation in armed conflicts”.

The developed projects covered a wide range of topics related to disinformation and public communication, including the use of patriotic narratives on social media, local cases of media distrust, interpretations of electoral processes, “us vs. them” narratives, and the role of artificial intelligence in the creation and dissemination of misleading content.

The event was attended by representatives of institutions and the academic community, who highlighted the importance of critical thinking, scientific approaches, and inter-institutional cooperation in countering disinformation.

“The age of fast information is complex, and therefore the skills you are developing here are extremely important – they foster critical thinking and narrow the gap between true information and disinformation,” noted Prof. Dr. Georgi Valchev, Rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.

According to Minister of Foreign Affairs Nadezhda Neynsky, “disinformation is not fought only with technology, but with critical thinking, knowledge, and the courage to ask questions.”

Irina Mladenova, Minister of Innovation and Growth, emphasized the importance of the format as a long-term process that builds responsibility for the content that is created and shared.

The Minister of e-Government, Georgi Sharkov, highlighted the need for coordinated efforts to achieve situational awareness and early warning in disinformation campaigns.

The Director of the GATE Institute, Prof. Sylvia Ilieva, noted that the initiative creates a bridge between theory and practice by engaging participants with real societal challenges.

“We live in a time of constant disinformation – it is not a crisis that passes, but a persistent challenge. DisInfoHack shows how an abstract threat is transformed into work on real societal problems, where collaboration and expertise help build a sustainable model for understanding and countering disinformation,” she added.

The initiative leader, Asst. Prof. Dr. Maria Yurokova, emphasized that DisInfoHack aims to build a sustainable community of young people working on long-term solutions in the field of the information environment.

The Chair of the jury, Prof. Nelly Ognyanova, highlighted information literacy as a key factor in society’s ability to make informed decisions.

The GATE Institute also contributed to the initiative with two mentors from the “Information Environment Analysis” track. Dr. Ruslana Margova mentored the team “The Seven Samurai” from the Naval Academy in Varna on the topic “Landing amidst speculation: how disinformation turned Bulgaria into a participant in the war in Iran”. Iglika Ivanova mentored the team “Fact Flash” on the case “Elections – one year later: is Constitutional Court decision No. 1 of 2025 still relevant?”

The “Information Environment Analysis” unit at the GATE Institute develops and tests tools designed to help citizens and institutions navigate today’s polluted information environment more safely. Its work combines social science research on democracy and propaganda with advanced artificial intelligence systems capable of detecting manipulation, mapping harmful narratives, and supporting fact-checkers, journalists, and citizens in understanding online content. In parallel, the team develops practical media literacy resources and policy recommendations for schools, newsrooms, and public institutions.

DisInfoHack 2026 is part of the CoDE project, which brings together academic institutions, research organizations, and business partners in efforts to strengthen information resilience in Bulgaria.