site.btaGATE Institute Receives Gold i-Space Label for Innovation Centre Development

The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) at the St Kliment Ohridski Sofia University has been awarded the Gold i-Space Label by the European Big Data Value Association (BDVA) for the development of an innovation centre, the institute said. Only five of the 33 i-Spaces currently operating in Europe have gold status.

The distinction recognizes GATE's progress since it was awarded the Silver i-Space Label in 2024.

The Gold Label certifies GATE i-Space's capacity to support organizations and companies in developing, testing and deploying data- and AI-based solutions. BDVA i-Spaces are innovation centres that bring together data, artificial intelligence technologies, infrastructure and business support, helping organizations, particularly small and medium-sized enterprises and start-ups, test, validate and deploy data-driven solutions.

The label is granted in five grades: Starter, Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, the institute said.

"We will use this capacity to help organizations turn data- and AI-driven ideas into solutions with measurable social and economic value," GATE Institute Director Prof. Sylvia Ilieva said.

Through its technology platform, laboratories and partnerships, the institute provides services in experimentation and solution validation, data and AI infrastructure, living labs and digital twins, training and expert support, as well as European cooperation.

GATE's experience in mobility, healthcare and urban development provides a basis for transferring applicable solutions across different fields, the press release said.