Prof. Silvia Ilieva, director of the GATE Institute, is among the “Top 100 most influential IT personalities in Bulgaria”. The annual Career Show index distinguishes individuals who have made a significant contribution to the development of the IT industry in Bulgaria and serve as an example of good practices and high professionalism.
Those ranked in the index were determined on the basis of a public vote, in which more than 11,000 votes were cast in support of the nominees this year. Among the 100 most influential IT personalities in Bulgaria are founders of Bulgarian software companies and projects, technical directors of large international companies, lecturers and trainers, as well as the founders of the largest software academies in our country, etc.
Together with her team, Prof. Ilieva established the GATE Institute – the first Centre of Excellence in Eastern Europe in the field of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence. Since 2024, she has been an ambassador for IDSA (International Data Spaces Association) in recognition of her contribution to the development of IDS-based data spaces.
The Institute is the Bulgarian hub of IDSA, catalysing national efforts for using and sharing data in both business and socially significant areas. GATE has initiated the first Data space in Bulgaria related to the urban environment (Urban Data Space) and develops the first digital twin of Sofia.
From 2022, GATE is part of NATO’s Defense Innovation Accelerator for the North Atlantic (DIANA) as a test center for the Alliance in the field of Big Data and Artificial Intelligence
From the academic year 2023/2024, together with the FMI of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, GATE offers an innovative Master’s program “Big Data Technologies”, the head of which is Prof. Silvia Ilieva.
The institute is also developing its Internship program, the new edition of which is coming very soon, and GATE will open the doors of its new high-tech building to welcome and develop the potential and skills of the next generation of young talents.