The GATE Institute at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” received the prestigious annual “ACADEMIC PROJECT OF THE YEAR” award during the International conference InfoSec SEE 2026 – the largest cybersecurity event in Southeast Europe.
The distinction was awarded in recognition of GATE Institute’s leading role in the development of big data and artificial intelligence technologies, as well as the institute’s high level of expertise in building reliable and secure digital ecosystems. The practical orientation of its scientific research and its successful implementation in socially significant solutions supporting industry, the public sector, and the digital resilience of society also contributed to the award.
The award is presented annually by the InfoSec SEE organizing committee to an academic institution with a proven contribution to the advancement of information security, innovation, and knowledge transfer between academia and business.
GATE Institute is the first Centre of Excellence in Bulgaria in the fields of big data and artificial intelligence, established jointly by Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski” and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. The institute develops innovative scientific and applied projects in areas such as future cities, digital health, and intelligent governance. Among GATE’s key priorities is also the development of reliable ecosystems for secure data exchange between various stakeholders.
“Digital resilience is no longer just a technological issue – it is a matter of trust, security, and society’s ability to function confidently in the world of artificial intelligence and data. For us, this award is recognition that science and innovation can have a real impact on society and the economy,” said GATE’s Director of Business Development, Georgi Randelov, from the stage of InfoSec SEE 2026.
GATE’s mission is to conduct applied research, foster innovation, and provide education in the fields of big data and artificial intelligence in collaboration with government institutions, industry, entrepreneurs, and startups.
InfoSec SEE 2026 brought together information security experts, system architects, engineers, auditors, and technology companies from across the region. This year’s edition was held in a hybrid format and focused on the theme “Securing the Digital Tomorrow.”