Bulgaria entered a top network for the development of artificial intelligence

Bulgaria is the first country in Eastern Europe to join the most elite European network for the development of artificial intelligence ELLIS (European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems). Through the Institute for Computer Sciences, Artificial Intelligence and Technologies (INSAIT) and SU "St. Kliment Ohridski" in our country, the first point of the top network in the region - "ELLIS Unit Sofia" is being created. The Prime Minister Academician Nikolay Denkov officially launched the partnership together with INSAIT's "architect" Prof. Martin Vechev and the Rector of Sofia University Prof. Anastas Gerdzhikov.

The establishment of the Institute and the acceptance of our country into the European network are due to the systematic efforts of several governments in a row to restore the glory of Bulgaria in the scientific field, the Prime Minister stressed. The launch of the first Operational Program "Science and Education for Smart Growth", financed by the European institutions, the construction of the Centers of Excellence and the Centers of Competence, the systematic financing of a National Road Map for Scientific Infrastructure, through which INSAIT also receives support, the creation of the first research universities in 2021 are only a part of the examples that enable the realization of the ideas of Bulgarian scientists.

"In the field of artificial intelligence, we managed to create such conditions. We must continue in all other areas so that we can become a normal and orderly European country," the Prime Minister said.

A key role for the success of INSAIT is played by the Swiss partners in the form of the government through the Bulgarian-Swiss research program, as well as two of the leading universities in the world - the Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (ETH Zurich) and the Polytechnic University of Lausanne (EPFL). "Without their strong support and expertise, we probably wouldn't have succeeded," said Academician Denkov.

The joining of our country to the European network is a recognition of Bulgaria's leading role in the strategic development of artificial intelligence throughout the region. Only research organizations that have demonstrated results at a global level in the field of artificial intelligence and employ scientists with a proven contribution are members of ELLIS. At the moment, there are only 39 European participants in the network. "With INSAIT joining ELLIS, Bulgaria becomes part of the Champions League of Artificial Intelligence. Bulgaria clearly declares to the world that it will be a place where future technologies are invented and created, not just implemented or used," said Prof. Vechev.

INSAIT is the first institute of its kind in Eastern Europe. It was created in partnership between Sofia University "St. Kliment Ohridski" and the Swiss ETH Zurich and EPFL. The state will invest about BGN 170 million in the Institute for Computer Sciences, Artificial Intelligence and Technologies within 10 years.