site.btaBulgaria Advances as Regional AI Centre

Bulgaria is emerging as a regional hub for artificial intelligence and high-performance computing, Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ivan Vasilev said on Friday. Vasilev was speaking at a Black Sea Economic Cooperation forum on AI and scientific cooperation, the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation (MIDT) said.

“Artificial intelligence is no longer just a technological trend, it is the infrastructure of the future. It is transforming science, the economy, healthcare, industry and defence, and affects the full range of public policy. That is why scientific cooperation in AI is so important,” Vasilev said.

The Black Sea region’s strategic importance is increasing further amid the global technological transformation, he said.

Vasilev highlighted the leading role of Bulgarian Academy of Sciences (BAS) researchers in developing the next generation of breakthrough technology companies in AI, robotics, mechatronics and other advanced fields.

“We will position Bulgaria as one of the best places in Europe to launch and grow companies based on research, talent and innovation,” Vasilev said. He said economic growth can be achieved through high value-added industries driven by science, innovation and technology.

Vasilev also highlighted the role of Bulgaria’s INSAIT and GATE institutes as key drivers of digital transformation, as well as Sofia Tech Park, home to the Discoverer supercomputer and the future BRAIN++ AI factory. He said Bulgaria will use them to become an active creator of next-generation technologies, not just a user.

Vasilev said the Ministry of Innovation and Digital Transformation aims to work at the speed of business and technological change. “The mission of the new institution is to turn Bulgaria into an active player in innovation, new technologies and artificial intelligence,” he said.

Vasilev also outlined some of his main priorities, including additional incentives for research and development to support business, the development of regional innovation hubs in partnership with universities, institutes and business incubators to benefit regional enterprises, and the digitalization and automation of administrative services for businesses, with clear deadlines and transparency.

The event is organized by BAS and the Parliamentary Assembly of the Black Sea Economic Cooperation (PABSEC). It brings together scientists from the academies of sciences of Romania, Moldova, Albania, Armenia, Serbia, Ukraine, Turkiye and Azerbaijan, as well as members of the diplomatic corps.