The international forum brings leading scientists and experts to the capital to explore technological solutions for smarter urban management and a better urban environment
What will cities look like when artificial intelligence becomes part of the way we plan and manage them? How can data help optimize traffic, create a more sustainable urban environment, and enable more timely responses to natural disasters? Why is it important to test an urban solution virtually before implementing it in the real world?
These and other questions will be among the key topics of GeoSofia 2026 – an international scientific forum that will turn Sofia into a meeting point for global expertise in geoinformatics, spatial modelling, big data, artificial intelligence, and smart cities.
The event will take place from 28 September to 2 October 2026, hosted by the GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. Sofia Municipality is a partner of the forum.
20/09/26
New GATE Institute study shows a significant increase in heat stress in Bulgarian cities, with evening temperatures up to 9.5°C higher during the compared heat periods in 2006 and 2025
The first national attribution study conducted by researchers at the GATE Institute and focused on heat stress in Bulgaria and Bulgarian cities shows a substantial increase in the risk of extreme heat. The analysis looks beyond air temperature alone, combining temperature, humidity, wind, and solar radiation to assess the actual heat load on the human body.
The study analyzes conditions at the national level and in 10 Bulgarian cities – Sofia, Plovdiv, Pleven, Blagoevgrad, Ruse, Vidin, Kardzhali, Sliven, Varna, and Burgas. The cities were selected to represent different parts of the country, terrain and climatic conditions, proximity to bodies of water, and different characteristics of the urban environment.
The fourth edition of the Summer Internship Program at GATE Institute, part of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, has officially begun under the motto NEXT GATE TALENTS 2026, attracting a record level of interest. This summer, 32 young talents will spend the next three months working on real-world research and innovation projects in the fields of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence as part of the institute’s multidisciplinary teams.
Interest in the program continues to grow. More than 100 students and young professionals applied for this year’s edition. Beyond the impressive number of applications, the quality of the candidates also stands out. This year, the first Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence in Eastern Europe welcomes senior undergraduate and master’s students with strong academic backgrounds and research potential.
16/07/26
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