Imagination will often carry us to worlds that never were, but without it we go nowhere.

Carl Sagan

Alexander Kostadinov holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics. He is currently enrolled in the joint Master’s program between GATE Institute and Sofia University, titled “Big Data Technologies.” His career began as an intern at GATE Institute, where he gradually advanced to his current position as a Junior Researcher. His main work focuses on spatio-temporal analysis and modeling in the fields of urban environment and air quality. Alexander has a strong interest in mathematics, astronomy, and artificial intelligence.

In a world driven by technology, I believe in the power of connection and the endless possibilities of innovation. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn, grow, and make a difference.

Aram holds a Master’s degree in Telecommunications from New Bulgarian University. He has over 15 years of experience in the IT and telecommunications industry. His technical skills and analytical approach ensure the continuous operation and optimal performance of IT infrastructure. He has a cheerful disposition and always solves the most complex problems, bringing positivity and efficiency to every team.

The essence of communication is intention.

(Werner Erhard)

Bilyana Boeva is a Public relations and Marketing manager with a focus on social media and promotion of GATE’s activities.

Bilyana has worked as an expert in government communications at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Bulgaria where she took part in the creation of the “Strategic Communications” Unit, as well as in some of the first campaigns of the Ministry, with an emphasis on policies and audiences. She has undergone training in government communications, marketing and PR conducted by experts from the USA and UK. Her previous experience includes work for the Embassy of Bulgaria in Belgrade, Serbia, and the Press Centre at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Financial stability means professional and responsible work.

Boyan Stefanov is a Deputy Director for Administrative Affairs and Finance at GATE Institute.
He graduated with a bachelor’s and master’s degree in “Accounting and Control” from the University of National and World Economy in Sofia. He has a diploma in International Financial Reporting Standards. He has significant experience as an accountant. In the period 2007 – 2018 he held the position of “Financial director” at a subsidiary, part of an international holding company, in the field of trade and commercial representation of telecommunications goods and services. In addition, in the period 2011 – 2019 he held the position of ” Financial director ” in a subsidiary, part of an international holding company, in the field of information technology. He has participated in the organisation and management of national, European and international projects, and has been the leader of several of them.

 “Strive not to be a success, but rather to be of value“

(Albert Einstein)

Borislav Bankov leads on GATE’s participation in NATO’s Defence Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) and in other Alliance initiatives in the sphere of emerging technologies.

Until 2021 Borislav worked at the Office of NATO’s Assistant Secretary-General for emerging security challenges and new technologies, including Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. His previous experience includes Europol’s Capabilities Directorate, the Office of the NATO Secretary-General and the information network of the European Commission.

Dream it. Plan it. Do it. 

Boris Kraychev is an experienced researcher at the Data Analytics Research group at GATE Institute. His research area is focused on natural language processing: opinion mining, document and news classification as well as on recent technologies for Deep Learning and NLP, such as recurrent neural networks, LSTMs, and GRUs.

He graduated from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) at Sofia University in 2006 and received a doctorate in Artificial intelligence in 2013. From 1998 to 2009 he developed software for the management of financial institutions as CTO and then in 2010 he founded a company working in the area of NLP and data analysis.

My recent research focusses on city digital twins. By mapping the real and virtual worlds, we can design, test and build first digitally to deliver more pleasant and sustainable leaving environment.

Dessislava Petrova-Antonova is the Research Leader of Data Management Research Unit of GATE Institute. Her research area includes Data management with a focus on semantic data interoperability and enrichment. She is leading the City Digital Twin pilot project, where an advanced 3D City Information Model of Sofia is under development to facilitate simulation and visualisation of urban environment and processes.
Dessislava Petrova-Antonova obtained an engineering degree in Computer systems and technologies (2000) and Ph.D. in System programming (2007) from the Technical University of Sofia, Bulgaria. She joined the department of Software technologies at Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” as an assistant professor in 2008, and there she became an associate professor in 2012. Dessislava Petrova-Antonova is presently head of MSc program “Technology entrepreneurship and innovations in IT”. She has successfully participated in a number of European and national RTD projects (more than 30) and currently coordinates two of them. She has co-authored more than 70 peer-reviewed academic publications.

“Growth is never by mere chance; it is the result of forces working together.”

(James Cash Penney)

Denitsa is a Business Development expert at GATE Institute. She supports the development of the institute’s activities by creating partnerships and finding funding opportunities.

Denitsa has strong experience in European and national project financing, throughout the whole project management cycle, including conceptualization and partnership creation, with thematic areas mainly in energy efficiency, environment, and ICT. The financial instruments which she has used include the European instruments for science and innovation (FP 6, FP 7, Horizon 2020 and Horizon Europe), regional programs, Structural Funds, etc. From 2010 to 2013 Denitsa works in Brussels at the Directorate General “Research and Innovation” of the European Commission. There, she supports the activities of the European Research Area Board by participating in policy formulation. Later she works as an attaché at the EU Delegation in Eswatini monitoring the projects implementation. Besides these experiences, Denitsa has been an evaluator of project proposals for small and medium-sized enterprises and has worked as a project coordinator at the Bulgarian Association of Software Companies. In addition, she is a volunteer – mentor and evaluator of circular economy projects at Junior Achievement.

The successful implementation of the outcomes of the Institute’s activities depends on their timely promotion and on the links with the target groups.

Eleonora Getsova is Communications Manager  at the GATE Institute.
She graduated from Sofia University with a master’s degree in Journalism. She also holds a second master’s degree in Pedagogy minoring in English language. Eleonora has worked at Bulgarian and foreign print and electronic media, as well as at the Information Directorate of the European Parliament in Brussels. Since 2010, she has been actively involved in the dissemination of scientific results at Sofia University as Head of the Project Management and Information Unit of the Scientific Research Centre of Sofia University. She designs, edits and publishes a wide range of information materials. Eleonora has participated in the development and implementation of over 10 projects, including as a Public Relations expert at the Center of Competence in clean technologies. She has also worked as Communications Manager of CERN-fostered European Technology Transfer Network (HEPTech).

There are no problems, there are only opportunities for something better.

Emil graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Urban planning from UACEG, Sofia in 2009 and completed two master’s degrees in Denmark at the University of Aalborg, Denmark –  a degree in Urban Planning and Management and Urban Design.
During his education abroad he worked on various projects in Denmark and England. In 2013, he did an internship at Pomeroy Studio in Singapore, where the focus and planning concept were sustainability, high buildings, “sky gardens” and public spaces. In Denmark, he was working on several projects in Aalborg in close collaboration with the University of Aalborg and the municipality.
The focus of his work are public spaces in the urban environment, accessibility and urban design.