Our Foundation, Vision and Team
Learn more about GATE’s mission, structure and the people shaping digital transformation.
About the Institute
The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) is the first Centre of Excellence in Bulgaria to work on integrating and extending scientific excellence and innovation in priority areas such as Big Data and Artificial Intelligence at regional and European level.
Founded in 2019 at Sofia University, we connect science, policy, business, and society to shape a future where responsible AI, trusted data sharing, and human-centered innovation drive sustainable growth and societal impact.
GATE in Numbers
Signed MoUs
Strategic Memberships
Internship students
Patents
From Research to Real-World Impact
Our mission is to advance responsible AI and data-driven innovation by combining research excellence, education, and collaboration with government, industry, and entrepreneurs. We strive to transform cutting-edge science into real-world solutions that:
- Generate skilled professionals and future leaders
- Enable new business opportunities
- Strengthen Europe’s digital sovereignty
- Deliver meaningful societal and environmental impact
Driving Innovation with Purpose
At GATE, education goes beyond the classroom.
Our Master’s in Big Data and AI for Society and Internship Program offer students and young professionals the chance to work alongside leading researchers, access cutting-edge infrastructure, and contribute to real-world projects in areas like digital health, smart cities, and more.
Researchers
An interdisciplinary team of scientists driving innovation in smart cities, digital health, governance, and industry. Their work bridges research and real-world impact.
PhD Students
Young researchers tackling real challenges through global projects and hands-on learning. They are the future of science and innovation.
Administrative Staff
The people who keep GATE running. From operations to communications, they support our research and mission every step of the way.
Our Values
We are guided by a shared set of principles that reflect our culture and long-term commitment to excellence and social good.
Research Freedom
We empower our researchers with maximum initiative and minimum constraints, ensuring integration with strategic national and European infrastructures
Sustainability
We take a pioneering approach to ecological, social, and economic sustainability — embedding it into our research and operations
Social Impact
We focus on solutions that address challenges of societal importance—from smart cities and healthcare to digital governance and climate resilience
Social Responsibility
We are committed to addressing societal challenges through impactful research and innovation
Openness
We believe in open science, open data, and accessible knowledge — as the foundation for progress
Excellence
We aim to be a globally competitive ecosystem for AI and Big Data research and innovation, empowering scientists, technologists, and society with knowledge and tools for a smarter, more sustainable future
Executive Board
Prof. Sylvia Ilieva
Prof. Dr Anastas Gerdjikov
Jan Bosch
Atanas Kiryakov
Gunnar Fernström
Advisory Board
Prof. Edward Curry
Prof. Galia Angelova
Martin Wahlgren
Olivier Verscheure
Konstantin Petrov
Assoc. Prof. Dr Velizar Shalamanov
Interested in joining our team?
Check out our open positions or get in touch — we’re always looking for curious and motivated people to grow with us.
Let’s collaborate
Whether you’re from academia, industry, or public sector, GATE offers unique partnership opportunities in research, infrastructure, and innovation