Bulgaria’s scientific community has marked yet another important milestone. The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University has launched a joint program with the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory, one of the world’s leading centers for science and technology.
The partnership was officially announced at a ceremony at Sofia Tech Park, attended by leading scientists, government officials, donors, and guests from abroad. In her address, Desislava Taliokova, Executive Director of the America for Bulgaria Foundation, emphasized that this collaboration builds on the Foundation’s long-standing commitment to supporting Bulgarian scientific talent:
“The partnership between the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is a tremendous success for Bulgaria and a natural result of over 15 years of focused investments by the America for Bulgaria Foundation in developing Bulgarian scientific talent. We are proud to support this step forward for both Bulgarian and global science.”
She further noted that “this program will give Bulgarian scientists and researchers the opportunity to collaborate with some of the brightest minds in the world.”
MIT’s partnerships with international institutions are extremely selective, and INSAIT’s inclusion in this circle is noteworthy. As Professor Martin Vechev, INSAIT’s Scientific Director and Founder, pointed out:
“MIT has very few similar programs worldwide. They specifically chose INSAIT.”
New Opportunities for Young Bulgarian Scientists
Bulgaria’s Minister of Education and Science, Krasimir Valchev, welcomed the partnership as a promising opportunity for young Bulgarian scientists to grow their careers—both abroad and at home:
“More Bulgarian scientists and more Bulgarian talents will be able to join the program, visit MIT, and then pursue their scientific and professional careers at INSAIT—specifically in the fields of artificial intelligence and computer science.”
Tomislav Donchev, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth, underscored the significance of the collaboration for Bulgaria’s position on the global scientific map. In his words, the partnership signals that INSAIT is now “part of the world’s cutting-edge scientific and technological infrastructure.”
Among the guests at the ceremony was Professor Armando Solar-Lezama from MIT, who traveled to Sofia specifically for the event. He expressed optimism about the future of the partnership and shared his hope that the collaboration will continue for many years to come.
A Long-Term Commitment Behind Today’s Success
The collaboration between INSAIT and MIT is also a reflection of the long-term commitment of various institutions to advancing Bulgarian science. The America for Bulgaria Foundation is one of them, having supported numerous educational and scientific initiatives over the years. As Desislava Taliokova reminded in her speech:
“Congratulations on yet another great success for INSAIT. The partnership between INSAIT and MIT is a success for Bulgaria, and for us at the America for Bulgaria Foundation, it is the natural result of the geometric growth of investments in developing Bulgarian scientific talent over the past 15 years. These investments include many initiatives, among which I would like to highlight the creation of STEM classrooms and centers throughout the country—later successfully adopted by the Ministry of Education—support for Bulgaria’s national science Olympiad teams, and the Student Institute of Mathematics and Informatics, thanks to which Bulgarian scientific talent has long been recognized by MIT. The America for Bulgaria Foundation has funded the participation of Bulgarian students for many years in MIT’s prestigious Research Science Institute.”
She concluded by emphasizing that meaningful results in science, education, and beyond require broad collaboration:
“This partnership is a vivid example that success—in education, science, and every sphere of economic and public life—requires political will from the government and strong support from businesses, the nonprofit sector, academic institutions, and both institutional and private donors.”
