Sofia University’s GATE Institute wins Academic Project of the Year

The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski was honoured with the prestigious annual Academic Project of the Year award during the InfoSec SEE 2026 international conference - the largest cybersecurity event in Southeast Europe, the Institute reported.

The award recognizes the 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, CE Report quotes BTA.

The practical focus of the research and its successful implementation in solutions of public significance in support of industry, the public sector, and the digital resilience of society also contribute to this recognition, the Institute's press release further said.

The award is presented annually by the InfoSec SEE organizing committee to an academic institution with a proven contribution to the development of information security, innovation, and the transfer of knowledge between science and business. Over the years, the award has been presented to leading Bulgarian universities, including the Technical University of Sofia, the University of National and World Economy, the Nikola Vaptsarov Naval Academy, and the University of Telecommunications and Post.

The GATE Institute is Bulgaria’s first Centre of Excellence in the field of big data and artificial intelligence, established jointly by Sofia University and Chalmers University of Technology in Sweden. The institute develops innovative scientific and applied projects in areas such as cities of the future, digital healthcare, and smart governance. Among the key areas of GATE’s work is 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 a 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 Georgi Randelov, Director of Business Development at GATE, during the conference.

GATE's mission is to conduct applied research, develop innovations, and provide education in the fields of big data and artificial intelligence in collaboration with the government, 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, the Institute also reported.

Photo: GATE Institute