The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), part of Sofia University has announced the new edition of EXPLORER, the program designed to retain and cultivate Bulgaria’s young technological talent. Participants receive a 36,000-euro scholarship for the duration of their studies, as well as the opportunity to complete paid summer engineering internships at leading tech companies.
The initiative is establishing itself as the most significant AI and Deep Tech program in the country, with corporate support this year exceeding 1,000,000 BGN. Among the donors, Google is joining for the first time.
EXPLORER (EXcellence Program in technoLOgy and REseaRch) targets high school graduates and first-year students in the Computer Science bachelor’s program at the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics (FMI) at Sofia University. It combines a bachelor’s degree at FMI with participation in research projects at INSAIT and paid summer internships at partner companies or at the Institute.
“EXPLORER is the ideal program for students striving to achieve world-class success in computer science and AI. It combines three key components: a strong university foundation, top-tier research at INSAIT, and development projects in high-tech companies. This is precisely the combination that makes the program unique not only in Bulgaria but globally,” said Prof. Martin Vechev, Founder and Scientific Director of INSAIT.
The results from the first two cohorts are already visible: accepted papers by EXPLORER students at leading global conferences in AI and computer science, successful internships at major tech companies, and more. At the same time, many talented young Bulgarians chose to stay at INSAIT and FMI over some of the world’s most prestigious universities.
“EXPLORER marked a new beginning for a joint initiative with FMI that raises the quality of education in the Computer Science program. Together, we will work to expand this initiative to other programs as well,” added Prof. Maya Stoyanova, Dean of FMI.
The program is funded primarily through donations from leading tech companies. In addition to Google, supporters include the "Lead by Example” Foundation (established by the SiteGround management team), Amazon, Graphwise, Ampeco, Alcatraz AI, Man Group, LatticeFlow AI, the venture capital funds PostScriptum and LAUNCHub Ventures, and the Lachezar Tsotsorkov Foundation.
Applications for EXPLORER are open from December 3, 2025 to February 2, 2026. Detailed information about the structure of the program, deadlines, admission requirements, and answers to frequently asked questions is available on the newly launched website: explorer.insait.ai