Bulgaria demonstrated remarkable progress in the high-tech sector throughout 2024, with achievements ranging from organizing the world’s first Artificial Intelligence Olympiad to advancements in space research and industrial AI. Here’s a look at some of the year’s highlights:
1. First International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI)
Bulgaria proudly hosted the inaugural International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence in Burgas. The event attracted nearly 200 young talents from over 40 teams across six continents. With its successful debut, IOAI is set to take place in Beijing in 2025.
2. EnduroSat Opens Three Space Research Labs
EnduroSat, a leading Bulgarian company in space technology, launched three educational labs for space research. These labs, located at the Georgi Benkovski Air Force Academy in Dolna Mitropolia, Sofia University, and the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy in Varna, aim to empower students and researchers in the field of space exploration.
3. Toyota Collaborates with INSAIT on Robotics AI
Global automotive giant Toyota began a partnership with the Bulgarian research institute INSAIT. The collaboration focuses on creating multimodal artificial intelligence systems to enhance robotic control and efficiency.
4. Shelly Group Listed on Deutsche Börse’s XETRA
Shelly Group, a Bulgarian tech company, made significant strides in 2024, developing 40 new products and acquiring Dutch smart lock manufacturer LOQED. The company became the first Bulgarian firm to trade on Deutsche Börse’s primary market, XETRA.
5. European EV Charging Infrastructure Powered by Bulgarian Innovation
AMPECO, a Bulgarian software company, was chosen by E.ON Drive Infrastructure to manage their pan-European electric vehicle charging network. In addition, AMPECO secured $26 million in funding to fuel its expansion.
6. Redis Chooses Bulgaria for R&D Hub
Redis, a global leader in open-source NoSQL databases, opened a development center in Sofia. This strategic move aims to establish Sofia as a key engineering hub for the company.
7. High-Tech Repair of Greek Power Plant Equipment in Sofia
Bulgarian company CERB undertook the transportation, testing, and repair of a 20-ton stator from a power plant on the Greek island of Lesbos. Using their high-voltage laboratory in Sofia, CERB improved the equipment’s efficiency before returning it to service.
8. Prestigious Award for Bulgarian Physicist
Dr. Daniela Doneva received the Gustav Hertz Award from the German Physical Society for her research on black holes and neutron stars. Her groundbreaking simulations were conducted using the Discoverer supercomputer at Sofia Tech Park.
9. Patent for Epilepsy Monitoring and Prevention System
Dr. Simeon Karpuzov from the GATE Institute patented a video-based patient monitoring system designed to detect and prevent complications from epileptic seizures. Additionally, he is developing a real-time response system for seizures, which is currently being tested in a Dutch epilepsy clinic.
10. Automated Solar Panel Production
The Targovishte-based company Solar Panel implemented advanced automation technology from Italy’s Ecoprogetti, achieving a production capacity of 1,400 solar panels per day. This positions the company as a major player in renewable energy manufacturing.
A (bright) future for Bulgarian innovation
From space exploration to AI, renewable energy, and healthcare, the Bulgaria’s innovators are setting a strong foundation for even greater achievements in the years to come. Here’s to an even more successful 2025!
