Bulgaria highlights AI ambitions in talks with Switzerland

Bulgaria's Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation Ivan Vasilev has conferred with Switzerland's Ambassador Pierre Hagmann, the press office of Vasilev's Ministry said on Monday.

The sides discussed issues of mutual interest, including the development of research and development activities, innovation, and partnerships between Sofia University and the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology Zurich (ETH Zurich), as well as the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne (EPFL).

Particular attention was paid to the importance of the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and its future expansion. Bulgaria's advantage in having developed its own large language model for artificial intelligence, BgGPT, was also highlighted, CE Report quotes BTA.

Vasilev said the three factors for attracting strategic investors in high-tech industries, including those from Switzerland, are "access to talent—which Bulgaria has—access to capital, and streamlined procedures and a business-friendly environment.

He also presented his Ministry's priorities, noting that one of its main objectives is to transform the Bulgarian economy toward high value-added products and services. He added that efforts are under way to accelerate the digitalization of administrative processes and services in order to make them more convenient for citizens and businesses.

Photo: Bulgaria's Innovation and Digital Transformation Ministry