Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ivan Vasilev visited the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT).
“We chose INSAIT for our first official meeting and visit because the institute is a strategic project for Bulgaria. We have set two ambitious goals: to transform the national economy through high-value-added companies driven by innovation, and to modernize public administration by introducing artificial intelligence and using new technologies to improve access for citizens and businesses,” Vasilev said.
He said INSAIT’s expertise and capacity would be heavily relied on to improve the economy and streamline processes in public administration. “In the coming weeks, we will work to deepen the strategic partnership between the state and the institute. More news on this will follow,” Vasilev added.
The visit was attended by Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Investments and Industry Alexander Poulev and Deputy Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Mira Yosifova. Vasilev and Poulev met with Prof. Martin Vechev, founder and scientific director of the institute at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski; Executive Director Borislav Petrov; Luc Van Gool, a world-renowned professor and member of the institute’s team; and senior and junior researchers and fellows from Sofia University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics.
During the meeting, participants noted that part of INSAIT’s mission is to attract young researchers and keep them in Bulgaria, where they can continue their professional development.
INSAIT’s strategic importance for the new government was also highlighted. The next stages in the institute’s development were discussed.
Particular attention was also given to strengthening the strategic partnership with the Swiss Confederation and the leading technical universities ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne, with whose support INSAIT was established.
During the meeting, participants noted that Bulgaria is increasingly establishing itself as a European leader in artificial intelligence and that the rollout of AI across institutions should be accelerated.
In just four years, INSAIT has established itself as a leading global research center in artificial intelligence and deep tech. The institute develops technologies and conducts world-class research in areas including artificial intelligence, Earth observation, robotics, quantum computing and information security. INSAIT has international partnerships with some of the world’s most prestigious technology and academic organizations, including Google, Amazon, Netflix, ETH Zurich, EPFL, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and others.
