It took place from November 20th to 24^th, 2024  in the high-tech building of the GATE Institute and marked five years since its establishment.

“During these five years, GATE has taken its place as an exceptional center for excellence and innovation in the field of big data and artificial intelligence. Thanks to your efforts and dedication, Bulgaria has become one of the leading European countries that not only follows, but also sets the direction of technological development. With its impressive team of young scientists, international partnerships and successful projects in areas such as digital health, future cities, smart industry and intelligent government, GATE proves that innovation can and should serve society and improve people’s quality of life.

You have the power to redefine the boundaries of what is possible. The Ministry of Education and Science will continue to be your partner and supporter in the efforts to create a sustainable and innovative environment that will place Bulgaria among the leading countries in the technological world”, noted the Minister of Education and Science, Prof. Galin Tsokov in his welcome address to GATE.

“I am extremely proud and happy that it was at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” that such important centres  for cutting-edge research, centres of competence were created, because  they concentrate all intellectual thought  of the Bulgarian scientific community as a significant part of the international one”, emphasized the rector of Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” Prof. Georgi Valchev.

“The activities  of GATE are important  not only for the development of our city, but also for the region. I congratulate the team of Prof. Silvia Ilieva and Prof. Desislava Petrova for the projects they implement and present as good ambassadors of Sofia and our country.”, said the Deputy Mayor for Digitalization and Innovation Ivan Goychev.

He emphasized that this year Sofia Municipality and GATE are partnering on five data-related projects. The main one among them is the project for the creation and development of a digital twin of the Lozenets district, and subsequently of the entire city of Sofia.

During the forum, GATE presented a talking city digital twin  driven by a chatbot, based on data, which provides a key to informed decisions by local authorities in the fields of mobility, urban planning, construction, energy efficiency and other factors of crucial importance for achieving sustainable cities, innovation and development.

“Science in Bulgaria has long become European and global. The team at GATE proves it with its work,” noted the world-renowned Bulgarian scientist in the field of artificial intelligence, Prof. Dr. Preslav Nakov, who was the keynote speaker at the forum. He is known as the creator of artificial intelligence – a “hunter” of fake news, even before it was written.

“Since 2019, GATE has become a dynamic center for cutting-edge scientific research and innovation. This modern facility, which houses five specialized laboratories, is home to over 50 talented researchers who work tirelessly. During these years, GATE has made a significant contribution that has resonated both nationally and at the European level,” emphasized the Chairman of the GATE Executive Board , Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov.

“The greatest satisfaction for me as the Director of the GATE Institute is to lead a team that puts Bulgaria at the forefront of technological development. Being surrounded by so many bright and brilliant minds with whom to write the new history of science and innovation for the benefit of people, is the greatest success,” noted Prof. Silvia Ilieva.

In the coming days, interesting and useful workshops and master classes related to solving real cases are coming up. The first master class, dedicated to AI regulations, is part of the forum program. The focus of the second is the role of AI in detecting and combating disinformation, increasing media literacy and promoting a safer online environment.

Attendees will get up close and in detail with the capabilities of GATE’s innovative laboratories and the services they offer to scientists and industry.

As part of the forum, marking the fifth anniversary of the institute’s establishment, GATE will also host the second edition of the AEC Hackathon (Architecture, Engineering and Construction Hackathon) in our country – the world’s largest platform for open innovation in the urban environment.