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The digital landscape is evolving rapidly and so do the updates here. In this section, you can find the latest information on digital skills and jobs as well as upcoming events.

The News section highlights key updates on digital skills such as new initiatives and projects being rolled out, policy developments on the digital agenda, digital trends, etc. You can also see relevant digital up and re-skilling opportunities or understand how you or your organisation might be impacted.

The Events section showcases upcoming events related to digital skills and jobs, at both EU and national levels. These events may present networking, projects, or funding opportunities that you may find interesting to get involved in.

Keep yourself up to date with the digital transition and its impact.

News

National Conference “Digital Skills for the Digital Decade”

By NEWS
National Conference "Digital Skills for the Digital Decade"

20.11.2023 |

On December 7, 2023, at the 2020 Event Space, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy organized the National Conference on “Digital Skills for the Digital Decade” during the European Year of Skills. The main goal of the forum is to provoke discussion among national and European institutions, employers and industry organizations, unions, the academic community, and youth organizations on the topic of digital transformation.

 

The focus of the conference is on individuals – their ability to adapt to changes in the labor market and the necessity of training to acquire or upgrade digital skills needed for professional realization.

 

You can find the AGENDA HERE

The conference is free to attend!

Reasons to attend:

  • To learn about labor market trends.
  • To discover opportunities for free training.
  • To participate in the discussion on digital transformation
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital skills

SGJ: HACKATHON 2023

By NEWS
SGJ: HACKATHON 2023

20.11.2023 |

Join Sofia Game Jam 2023 for a weekend filled with creativity and fun, where students, game developers, and enthusiasts gather to create awesome games.

The hackathon is the annual 48-hour game jam aimed at bringing together people passionate about game development – from students to industry veterans, independent companies, gamers, and other enthusiasts – to create games, enhance their skills, and strengthen friendships.

 

At SGJ: HACKATHON 2023, you will be able to:

  • Create – Work in teams to design, develop, test, and create new games around a central theme that will be revealed at the beginning of the event.
  • Experiment – Explore new technological tools, try different roles in development, and test your skills.
  • Connect – Engage with the game developer community, build friendships, and get opportunities to learn from people with similar interests.

Additional information and tickets can be found at www.sofiagamejam.com.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Software engineering

Digital skills

IBM TechXchange Bulgaria

By NEWS
IBM TechXchange Bulgaria

17.11.2023 |

21.11.2023 – 23.11.2023

TechXchange is a cutting-edge, three-day gathering of technology innovators and enthusiasts.

 

Join the event for an insightful exploration of the latest advancements in technology where you’ll:

Gain insights from industry experts, deepening your understanding of Data and AI, Automation, Security, Sustainability, Cloud, Infrastructure and Quantum

Participate in hands-on workshops to refine your skills and learn practical tips.

Network with fellow technical professionals, fostering valuable connections.

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in IBM Software and Hardware Products

Find more about the opening key notes speakers and the agenda HERE

REGISTER

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Software engineering

Digital skills

The second edition of AI & I FACTORY: Challenge 2.0 has started

By NEWS
The second edition of AI & I FACTORY: Challenge 2.0 has started

15.11.2023 |

The second edition of AI & I FACTORY: Challenge 2.0 is already in full swing after an exciting opening in Plovdiv.

The educational initiative, organized by the Digital National Alliance and AI Cluster Bulgaria, in partnership with the America for Bulgaria Foundation, aims to meet the leaders of tomorrow with the startup culture and the vast possibilities of artificial intelligence.

For two weeks, participants from different universities in Plovdiv will dive into the world of entrepreneurship, creating their own AI-based solutions with the help of mentors, experts in areas such as business development, design thinking, software engineering, cybersecurity and more.

The thematic areas in which students will work are:

  • Health and Life Sciences
  • Food technology
  • Agriculture
  • Industrial systems

Six teams have accepted the challenge and on 27 November in Plovdiv will face an expert jury, presenting their start-up ideas. Join us at NETWORKING Premium Coworking Spaces (PLOVDIV) for an entrepreneurial evening show.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Software engineering

Digital skills

Powers Summit 2023: “Building Bulgaria’s Future through Collective Intelligence and Dialogue”

By NEWS
Powers Summit 2023: "Building Bulgaria's Future through Collective Intelligence and Dialogue"

08.11.2023 |

The third edition of Powers Summit took place on November 7, 2023, at Sofia Tech Park. It gathered leaders of parliamentary political groups and their teams, along with executive government representatives, to find real-time solutions to key issues in dialogue with industry, civil society, and academia.

For the first time, the Powers Summit began with new “Prime Minister’s Session” and “Ministerial Sessions,” featuring the Prime Minister, Acad. Denkov, followed by the participation of the Finance Minister Asen Vassilev and ministers of energy, economy, education, healthcare, agriculture, and other high-ranking government officials.

This year’s “Bulgarian Davos” focused on healthcare, energy, sustainable development, and Brand Bulgaria – entrepreneurship, investments, and education.

Key priorities presented by industry organizations to the authorities can be found here.

The closing of Powers Summit 2023 was done by Vasil Terziev, who discussed Sofia 2027 with Dr. Plamen Russev, sharing his vision of the capital after the end of his first term.

In response to what he wants the brand of Sofia to be in four years, Mr. Terziev said that Sofia would become a city of great opportunities, a foundation for realizing dreams, and a beautiful environment for everyone to live and develop.

Watch the entire recorded program, divided by panels.

Powers Summit is co-organized by Webit Foundation and Digital National Coalition in partnership with all major representative organizations in Bulgaria’s industry, employers’ organizations, industry chambers, think tanks, and NGOs. Powers Summit has the media support of all leading media in the country. Strategic media partner – Nova TV

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital skills

AI & I FACTORY /// CHALLANGE 2.0 @PLOVDIV

By NEWS
AI & I FACTORY /// CHALLANGE 2.0 @PLOVDIV

07.11.2023 |

GENERAL CONCEPT

AI & I FACTORY is a pioneering joint initiative led by the Digital National Alliance in collaboration with AI Cluster Bulgaria. The main goal of the project is to deepen society’s understanding of the key role and transformational potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in everyday life. It aims to inspire experimentation in the technology sphere while actively promoting inclusion, attracting more women and young talents to embark on enriching journeys in the technology and AI sectors.

The initiative serves as a hub where experts, scholars, and budding talents from various fields gather. Through an interesting spectrum of activities, including educational seminars, workshops, hackathons, training camps, and networking events, AI & I FACTORY creates an environment for in-depth research and collaborative learning.

Our focus is on educating a generation of innovative minds, prepared to manage the course of tomorrow’s technological landscape. Furthermore, we are committed to promoting a technology industry that supports diversity and gender inclusion, ensuring a balanced and vibrant AI ecosystem.

CHALLENGE 2.0 @Plovdiv | 13-27 November 2023

A two-week free hybrid educational program that brings together students from various universities in Plovdiv, Bulgaria, to explore, practice, and work collaboratively under the guidance of experts from the business and industry to develop AI-based solutions to predefined challenges.

Key Dates

– 10 November – Registration form closure

– 13 November – Opening ceremony

– 14 November – Visit to technical laboratories

– 15-26 November – Hackathon (online)

– 27 November – Personal presentation (pitching) and award ceremony

 

More information and registration at https://linktr.ee/challenges.aifactory

Participation is completely free.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Software engineering

Digital skills

DO COMPANIES TRUST WHITE HAT HACKERS?

By NEWS
DO COMPANIES TRUST WHITE HAT HACKERS?

20.10.2023 |

60% of white hackers view hacking as a career, and 61% are involved in learning and developing hacking tools with generative AI

 

A new report from HackerOne reveals that enterprises still view white-hat hackers with suspicion, even though they play a vital role in ensuring cyber security. The report states that 52% of cybersecurity professionals would rather accept the existence of undiscovered vulnerabilities than work with hackers. Furthermore, 60% of professionals believe that ethical hackers cannot be fully trusted. The lack of a clear channel for organizations to disclose vulnerabilities is cited as a major reason why hackers do not report the vulnerabilities they discover.

However, companies that follow best practices for disclosing security flaws benefit from collaborating with white hat hackers. Three-quarters of HackerOne customers say hackers have helped them avoid significant cybersecurity incidents. With the average cost of a data breach reaching $4.45 million, accepting the existence of vulnerabilities and allowing ethical hackers to test systems can build trust with customers and stakeholders and reduce the likelihood of costly security breaches.

Despite the challenges, hacking as a profession continues to gain popularity. The report states that 60% of hackers consider hacking a career, up from 41% the previous year. Additionally, 61% are involved in learning and developing hacking tools with generative artificial intelligence to more effectively uncover vulnerabilities.

Chris Evans, chief information security officer at HackerOne, says that while cybercriminals are causing significant damage, the majority of individuals engaging in hacking are law-abiding citizens seeking to make the Internet safer and earn a living. It is critical for organizations to overcome the stigma associated with hackers and provide clear channels for disclosing vulnerabilities. This will enable collaboration between white-hat hackers and companies, leading to improved cybersecurity measures.

In conclusion, despite the growing risks in the digital space, enterprises still view white hat hackers with suspicion. The lack of trust between organisations and hackers prevents companies from obtaining important information and exposes them to more risks. However, companies that follow vulnerability disclosure best practices benefit from collaborating with ethical hackers. Hacking as a profession continues to evolve, with hackers dedicating themselves to further developing their skills. It is essential that organisations bridge the trust gap and establish clear channels for vulnerability disclosure to improve cyber security measures overall.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Cybersecurity

HALF OF TODAY’S JOB SKILLS WILL NOT BE RELEVANT IN JUST 2 YEARS

By NEWS
HALF OF TODAY'S JOB SKILLS WILL NOT BE RELEVANT IN JUST 2 YEARS

19.10.2023 |

Many companies claim to be using AI, but most are still in the early stages of deployment

 

According to a recent study conducted by edX, nearly half of the skills that today’s employees possess will not be relevant in just two years. This prediction is based on the opinions of 800 managers and 800 employees. The executives surveyed believe that 49% of the skills their managed employees currently possess will be obsolete by 2025. Additionally, 47% of these executives do not believe their employees are sufficiently prepared for the future workplace.

This finding isn’t surprising from an education platform provider, but what stands out is the short time horizon for skills obsolescence. Executives participating in the survey also believe that over the next five years, more than half (56%) of core knowledge worker roles will be eliminated due to the rapid adoption of artificial intelligence.

According to the survey, 79% of executives believe entry-level jobs will cease to exist as AI technology creates new roles for employees. Additionally, 56% of respondents believe their own jobs will be fully or partially replaced by AI. However, some industry leaders are skeptical of these predictions, suggesting that the immediate impact of AI on career goals will be minimal.

Richard Jefts, CEO at HCL Software, believes AI will redefine jobs and career prospects, but the exact impact on employees and their duties is uncertain. Frederico Braga, head of digital at Debiopharm, adds that it is difficult to predict when and where this shift will occur. The full impact of AI on the workforce remains to be seen, with opinions varying on the extent of its impact.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Basic digital skills

FINDING A TECH JOB IS STILL A NIGHTMARE

By NEWS
FINDING A TECH JOB IS STILL A NIGHTMARE

18.10.2023 |

Tech companies have laid off more than 400,000 people in the past two years. Competition for the jobs that remain is getting more and more desperate.

 

The tech industry has experienced a significant downturn in the past year, with over 400,000 job losses reported in 2022 and 2023, according to Layoffs.fyi. This has created a challenging job market for tech professionals, who are now competing for fewer positions with lower wages and limited opportunities for promotion. The IT sector has lost about 2.5% of its jobs in the past year, leading to increased job insecurity and longer tenures in current roles.

Major tech companies, including Meta, Google, and Amazon, have implemented extensive job cuts and hiring freezes. Although some laid-off workers have been rehired, such cases are rare and do not significantly offset the overall job losses. The layoffs are a consequence of the rapid growth experienced in 2020, when companies hired more employees than they could sustain.

The continuous decline in the tech job market has sparked anxiety among job seekers, prompting them to be more assertive in their search. This was evident at the Grace Hopper Celebration, an annual conference and career fair for women and nonbinary tech workers, where men flocked to the job fair in large numbers. The desperation to secure employment was palpable, with attendees running to the fair while being urged to slow down by event staff.

The tough job market has taken a toll on individuals like Carrie Groszewski, a computer science and economics student at Vanderbilt University. Despite following the recommended advice to gain experience through personal projects, internships, and club involvement, Groszewski feels discouraged as she approaches graduation without a job offer. Similarly, Nia McSwain, who hopes to transition from the hospitality sector to technology as a project manager, spends hours each day applying for approximately 40 positions. Although their efforts yield some interviews, securing a role remains challenging.

Tech professionals like full stack engineer Philip John Basil have been actively networking through platforms like LinkedIn and Discord in hopes of securing a contract. While he has had numerous interviews, he has yet to secure a position. The highly competitive job market has heightened job seekers’ determination and reliance on networking to increase their chances of finding employment.

Overall, the tech industry is facing a difficult job market characterized by job losses, hiring freezes, and increased competition for fewer positions. Job seekers are grappling with longer tenures in current roles, limited promotion opportunities, and lower wages in certain sectors. The desperation to secure employment has been evident at career fairs and conferences, with individuals going to great lengths to stand out among the competition. Despite their efforts, many remain discouraged and uncertain about their future in the industry.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Basic Digital Skills

FILMS AS THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF DIGITAL HUMANISM: ARS Kino’s good practice

By NEWS
FILMS AS THE BUILDING BLOCKS OF DIGITAL HUMANISM: ARS Kino's good practice

17.10.2023 |

Films, with their captivating narratives and compelling characters, have always been a powerful medium for teaching important life lessons. However, the significance of cinema extends far beyond mere entertainment. Films are, in fact, potent vehicles for imparting foundational societal values, especially in an age where digital technology has become an integral part of our lives. ARS Kino, a non-profit organization dedicated to the development of film education for children, understands the immense potential of cinema in teaching youngsters the values that underpin digital humanism. In a remarkable journey to the Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival, ARS Kino continued its mission of using film as a tool for nurturing the hearts and minds of young individuals.

For the sixth consecutive year, ARS Kino had the privilege of participating in the Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival, a celebration of the magic that cinema weaves in the minds of children and young people. The festival, known for its dedication to promoting cultural growth and multicultural communication, provided the perfect platform for ARS Kino to showcase the profound impact of films on the development of children and youth.

Stephanie Velichkova, the Chairperson of ARS Kino, played a pivotal role in the festival. She engaged in an in-depth conversation within the EPYC Project, an initiative focused on interactive education and the use of film as a tool to teach values. Stephanie emphasized the significance of fostering emotional intelligence, compassion, creativity, love, and peace through the medium of cinema. Her insights shed light on how films can serve as a vehicle to instill these values in young minds, creating a generation of emotionally intelligent and open-hearted citizens.

But ARS Kino’s involvement didn’t stop there. They had the honor of selecting two remarkable children over the age of 16 to join the international jury at the festival. This unique opportunity allowed these young participants to be warmly welcomed by local families and engage in an incredible cultural exchange. Such experiences go a long way in promoting cross-cultural understanding, breaking down barriers, and fostering friendships that transcend borders.

ARS Kino’s belief in the vital role of cinema in the cultural growth of children and youth is underlined by their mission: to enable young individuals to critically appreciate film art and embrace it as a direct path to becoming emotionally intelligent, open, and peaceful citizens of the world. The Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival aligns perfectly with this mission, making it an essential part of ARS Kino’s annual calendar.

The heart of this journey lies in the recognition of films as powerful vehicles for teaching youngsters the foundational societal values that underpin digital humanism. Through compelling narratives and relatable characters, films offer an engaging and accessible platform for imparting values that are crucial for navigating the digital age responsibly and ethically.

Here are some of the key societal values central to digital humanism that are effectively conveyed through cinema:

  1. Respect for Others: Films illustrate the importance of treating others with respect, both in physical and digital spaces. Characters who display empathy, kindness, and consideration in their online interactions serve as role models for youngsters, illustrating the value of respectful communication and behavior.
  2. Privacy and Consent: Youngsters learn about the fundamental rights of privacy and informed consent as they watch characters grapple with issues of personal data, surveillance, and boundaries. These narratives emphasize the significance of respecting individuals’ privacy and obtaining consent before sharing personal information.
  3. Inclusivity and Diversity: Films celebrate diversity and inclusivity, teaching youngsters to appreciate the richness of different backgrounds, cultures, and perspectives. These stories promote the idea that digital spaces should be welcoming and respectful of all, fostering a sense of belonging and unity.
  4. Responsibility and Accountability: Characters in films often face the consequences of their actions, whether in the physical or digital world. These stories underscore the importance of taking responsibility for one’s behavior and understanding that digital actions can have real-world implications.
  5. Critical Thinking and Digital Literacy: Films can inspire critical thinking by showcasing characters who use their intellect and digital literacy to decipher fact from fiction, identify misinformation, and make informed decisions online. This encourages youngsters to develop their analytical skills and become discerning consumers of digital content.
  6. Social Justice and Activism: Movies featuring young activists using digital platforms for social justice causes demonstrate the potential for digital tools to effect positive change. These narratives inspire youngsters to become engaged citizens who use technology to advocate for equality and justice.
  7. Mental and Emotional Well-Being: Films shed light on the importance of digital well-being and balance in the digital age. Characters who grapple with the consequences of digital addiction or unhealthy online behavior encourage youngsters to prioritize their mental and emotional well-being while navigating the digital landscape.

In summary, films offer a captivating and relatable way for youngsters to absorb and internalize the societal values that serve as the foundation of digital humanism. These values, when learned through the cinematic medium, help shape young minds to become responsible, empathetic, and ethical digital citizens who contribute positively to the digital world while respecting human dignity and well-being.

ARS Kino’s participation in the Giffoni Macedonia Youth Film Festival underscores the organization’s dedication to this mission. They believe that by promoting the values of digital humanism through cinema, they are not only nurturing the cultural growth of children and youth but also fostering a generation of responsible, compassionate, and empathetic citizens who will positively influence the digital world. Through their tireless efforts, ARS Kino continues to pave the way for a brighter and more harmonious future, where the magic of cinema becomes a guiding light for the next generation.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for children

Digital technology

Basic digital skills

COHERENT SOLUTIONS’ INNOVATIVE SUMMER SCHOOL FOR TEENS GOES GLOBAL

By NEWS
COHERENT SOLUTIONS' INNOVATIVE SUMMER SCHOOL FOR TEENS GOES GLOBAL

15.10.2023 |

Java is becoming an increasingly common language among the younger generation. But it is not the easiest to learn. Coherent Solutions has a solution.

 

Coherent Solutions is an international organisation with a long tradition in the IT sector. Among them is the Java summer school for teenagers. This innovative initiative is designed for the children of the company’s working experts and aims to encourage the discovery of young talent with an affinity for IT sciences. The school not only reflects Coherent Solutions’ dedication to supporting the next generation of technology enthusiasts, but also demonstrates the company’s pioneering spirit in creating opportunities that extend far beyond the corporate landscape.

The genesis of the idea

Seven years ago, employees at Coherent Solutions in Belarus were thinking about how to support their children and introduce them to the IT industry. This is how the idea of a summer school was born, where children are introduced to programming and the work of a programmer. Initially, the summer school was organized only in Belarus and included training in .NET, Front-end and Java.

This year, however, the summer school will be global and include children from more than one country. Besides the children, even the professional programmers from Coherent Solutions are showing interest and support for the initiative. Each year a survey is conducted to gauge the opinions of parents and children, which helps to continuously develop and improve the summer school program. The reception and growth in the number of participants each year has been particularly admirable.

The main objective

Coherent Solutions’ courses are designed for teenagers aged 14 to 17 and aim to introduce them to the programming profession. Participants learn about the industry and have the opportunity to start a career at Coherent Solutions as an intern or junior programmer. The course includes individual assignments that gradually progress to team projects, offering valuable experience in collaborative code writing and teamwork.

Furthermore, the main priority is to achieve a career orientation for the children and create mutual understanding. The long-term goal of Coherent Solutions is to promote the IT industry and educate a new generation of technology professionals, which in turn leads to a more sustainable development of the company.

The future is global

The future edition of this initiative is called “Global Summer School” and will now cover even more technologies and programming languages. Publications related to .NET, front-end, databases, algorithms and more are planned. Each year the focus will be different, and the trainings will be held in both English and Russian.

“In the coming years we plan to continue with this initiative and launch similar schools in different areas. It is important to give young people the opportunity to try out different programming languages and related technologies. It is strategically important for us to keep the young generation interested in learning and development,” concludes Oleg.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Basic Digital Skills

WHAT IS THE NEW FACE OF DESIGN SYSTEMS?

By NEWS
WHAT IS THE NEW FACE OF DESIGN SYSTEMS?

14.10.2023 |

Companies are looking for solutions that guarantee speed, efficiency and automation, especially in CAD/CAM areas.

 

Technological trends

Three key trends are emerging in design software. The first is the use of cloud services that enhance collaboration and allow access from any device and location. These services provide large computational and storage capacity, enabling complex and large-scale simulations and tests.

The second trend is the introduction of additive manufacturing, more commonly known as 3D printing, which enables the creation of complex and customised products. This process greatly accelerates the testing and validation of design and simulation results through rapid prototyping.

Finally, artificial intelligence and machine learning are key new directions in the development of the CAD/CAM/CAE sector. These technologies automate and optimize design and simulation tasks, helping to generate design alternatives, detect errors and improve product performance and quality.

 

The Bulgarian CAD/CAM market

In recent times, Bulgaria has seen an increase in the use of design solutions, affecting various sectors such as manufacturing, construction, medicine and dentistry. CAD systems play an important role in this as they make work easier, increase productivity and help reduce errors.

There are companies such as CAD Point, Ditra, David Holding, SpaceCAD and Persy that offer design solutions. The Digitalk 101 rankings show the last two years’ results of these companies. Although organisations in the sector are growing, they are not usually among the largest IT companies in Bulgaria and occupy positions in the second half of the ranking.

SpaceCAD and David Holding are two of the companies reporting the largest year-on-year increase in revenue. SpaceCAD has revenues of BGN 2.9 million and ranks 104th in the ranking, while David Holding ranks 101st with revenues of BGN 4.3 million.

Especially with the rapid growth of both the CAD/CAM and generative AI fields, more and more positions are opening up for designers. The rapid automation of workflow makes computer-assisted design one of the most attractive fields for workers.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

CAD/CAM

COMPANIES CONTINUE TO HIRE, BUT DEMAND FOR WORKERS SLOWS

By NEWS
COMPANIES CONTINUE TO HIRE, BUT DEMAND FOR WORKERS SLOWS

13.10.2023 |

More companies will expand their teams in the next six months, according to a survey by the Bulgarian Employment Confederation

 

According to a survey by the Bulgarian Confederation of Labour (BCL), companies in Bulgaria will continue to hire additional people over the next six months, despite weaker demand for labour. All sectors will need more people, but IT firms will see the strongest demand. Employers are finding it increasingly difficult to find employees with the skills they need.

The labour market is forecast to remain stable over the next six months, with more firms planning to hire than those planning to downsize. The survey shows that the IT sector is expected to see the strongest employment growth, but is down 4% on the previous period. The hospitality sector had the largest decline, but employment growth expectations exceeded those for a decline there as well. Sofia has the largest projected growth in new hires, but also the largest decline from the previous survey.

In general, employment expectations are better in the transport, financial services and public sectors, as well as in the extractive industries.

Employers in Bulgaria are facing difficulties in finding qualified employees, while at the same time they are less willing to meet workers’ expectations for pay and development opportunities, according to a survey by the Bulgarian Confederation of Employers and Industrialists (BCZ). This calls for companies to look at their mandatory skills requirements and be prepared to train their employees on the job.

Due to the mismatch between supply and demand for skilled workers, many employers consider hiring foreign workers as an opportunity. About 57% of employers are willing to hire foreign workers if the procedure is easier and faster. At the same time, more than 140 thousand unemployed are registered in the labour offices, which requires structural changes and a thorough understanding of the reasons for the inactivity of these people.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Basic Digital Skills

WHAT WILL BE THE TOP TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN 2024 ACCORDING TO CCS INSIGHT

By NEWS
WHAT WILL BE THE TOP TECHNOLOGY TRENDS IN 2024 ACCORDING TO CCS INSIGHT

12.10.2023 |

This year’s research team focuses on personalised experiences, artificial intelligence, sustainability and the impact of regulations

 

This week, CCS Insight released its latest report, which presents 85 predictions for upcoming trends in the technology industry. The report covers advancements that will evolve to and beyond 2024. For this year, the research group focuses on personalized interactions, artificial intelligence, sustainability, and regulatory effects. They emphasized critical technologies such as machine learning, cloud computing, augmented reality, circular economy, connected gadgets and virtual environments.

Predictions for the evolution of innovation in the coming year were presented at several key points. One of the main ones is the fact that the popularity of the technology will cool due to the reality of the cost, risk and complexity of deployment. A limiting factor for innovation adoption is cost, which is a challenge for many organizations and developers. In the future, regulations, social and commercial risks will require periods of evaluating generative AI before it is fully deployed.

The forecast for the future of the iPhone shows that by the end of 2023, over half of iPhone models will be second-hand devices and the average lifespan of an iPhone device will increase to 8 years by 2024. This will have an impact on new device sales and Apple is trying to take more control of the second-hand iPhone market by introducing a rating system.

EU legislation on artificial intelligence (AI Act) has been delayed repeatedly due to rapid advances in innovation. Future legislation may be self-regulating before it is finalised. Europe is taking a methodical approach to regulation, with the US preferring a more flexible approach. At the same time, Google is working on improving the Android ecosystem by making greater investments in hardware, software and distribution.

The application of AI is predicted to help many European companies by 2030, which could lead to experimentation with a shorter workweek. Also, smartphones with self-healing displays are predicted to be available in five years. These displays can repair scratches and dents themselves thanks to a special material that reacts when exposed to air. Also, the use of satellite smartphones is predicted to increase, with 15% of smartphone users having such devices by 2027. Finally, more and more large organisations are expected to set up AI oversight committees that will conduct audits and look at ethical and legal issues.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Mobile apps

AI AND CRYPTO IN ONE: OR THE (ANTI)UTOPIAS OF WHICH WE SHOULD BE WEARY

By NEWS
AI AND CRYPTO IN ONE: OR THE (ANTI)UTOPIAS OF WHICH WE SHOULD BE WEARY

11.10.2023 |

A flood of ethical questions about artificial intelligence is flooding society today, and the need for balanced regulations is now more important than ever

 

 

WorldCoin offers a solution for digital identity by scanning the iris of the eyes, which will lead to the elimination of doubts about whether it is a human or a bot. However, this raises a lot of ethical questions related to the promise of a universal basic income that all humans will receive by default from WorldCoin.

The AI n’ Cyber 2023 event, organised by the Digital National Coalition in partnership with economic.bg and the Konrad Adenauer Foundation, will answer questions about how innovative concepts can get out of hand, what we need to watch out for to avoid creating future anti-utopian scenarios, and what challenges arise when combining blockchain and artificial intelligence.

The event will take place on 26 October at the John Atanasoff Hall in Sofia Tech Park.

 

Who is Monica Manolova?

Monika Manolova has a PhD in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and is professionally involved in telecommunications. Over time, she realized that her science was a niche to enter the world of artificial intelligence.

 

“Geographic AI is about processing satellite imagery, which is very heavy, it’s driven by big data, and the only way to process it effectively is through machine learning and various forms of AI.”

– Monica Manolova

 

Monica works for Morality and Knowledge in AI, one of the largest ethics communities in AI, where she develops various projects. In Bulgaria, she is a subject matter expert at the Digital National Coalition. In her opinion, Bulgaria holds a good position in the development of artificial intelligence and ethics in AI and has a real opportunity for development in the field.

 

Technology for Good: Mission (Im)possible

“We in AI ethics want AI to be used for good, to improve the quality of life for people, to develop new medicines and environmental solutions. If only pure monetization is pursued, this is not good and leads to a distorted understanding of AI – from what it can be used for to purely social defects,” said Monika Manolova.

And she gives the example of the company Meta, which until recently had a department dealing with the development of new drugs, but closed it and laid off the experts there – so that it could invest more actively in the development of chatbots. The apparent opportunity for monetisation and mass exploitation of artificial intelligence prompted a swift response from a host of institutions. For example, just a few months after the launch of ChatGPT, organisations such as UNESCO, the White House and the EU quickly implemented regulations.

The reasons for the regulations vary. In India, for example, they are aimed at protecting workers’ professions from mass automation, while in Canada they are more artistically focused, with copyright protection. In Europe, they are focused in “protecting social classification”.

AI regulation has three aspects: data ethics, algorithm ethics and application ethics. In each of these areas, the data must be balanced, not exclude anyone on purpose, the algorithm must be able to explain how it works, and it is very important to eliminate the risk of emotional influence in the application.

According to Monika Manolova, attributing human qualities to artificial intelligence, which is an algorithm, is not correct, it is misleading. Therefore, there must be clear and categorical distinctions, because future generations will not be able to distinguish when what they are communicating with is artificial intelligence and when it is not.

As technology advances, more and more the line between artificial and natural intelligence is blurring. We need to be careful how and why we use this tool.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO REVOLUTIONISE CAD/CAM

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THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO REVOLUTIONISE CAD/CAM

09.10.2023 |

Manufacturing the products we use every day has always been difficult. But can artificial intelligence lighten, even revolutionize the CAD (Computer Aided Design)/CAM (Computer Aided Manufacturing) industry?

 

Since day one, generative abilities have been one of the leading benefits of artificial intelligence. From music to art, it manages to do its job as well, if not better, than its human counterparts. But beneath the creative skills of generative software also lies a profound benefit and an important tool for workflow automation. It is now being implemented in the field of CAD.

Generative design uses algorithms and rules to generate different design solutions that meet certain criteria and constraints. This helps engineers discover optimal and innovative solutions by considering functionality, performance, cost, sustainability and aesthetics. Generative design reduces the time and complexity of the design process and increases product variety and quality.

On the other hand, additive manufacturing builds products layer by layer based on digital models. This enables the creation of complex and customized products that are difficult or even impossible with traditional methods. 3D printing accelerates testing and validation of design and simulation results by rapidly creating prototypes in small batches. All of this dramatically aids the workflow of designers. But we can do better.

Say hello to artificial intelligence. Artificial intelligence and machine learning can help automate and optimize design and simulation tasks, such as generating and evaluating design alternatives, detecting and correcting errors, predicting and preventing failures, and improving productivity and quality, tasks that would take long and badly needed time from designers.

But, that’s not all. Many CAD software already implements artificial intelligence for much more than assistance. For example, Dessault Systems’ Solidworks modeling software uses its generative AI to directly assist the design process, for example predicting what next element the designer would use. This only highlights the capabilities of AI in the CAD realm.

Artificial intelligence can do many impressive things, but it’s time to start using it in our work environments, especially in CAD design.

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Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

CAD/CAM

CAN OPENAI BECOME THE NEXT TECH GIANT?

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CAN OPENAI BECOME THE NEXT TECH GIANT?

07.10.2023 |

What the leading AI startup’s business shows about the future of technology

 

When it was released last November, no one would have imagined what a phenomenal success the flagship product of leading AI startup OpenAI would be. Chat GPT outperformed the competition, such as Google’s Bard, by leagues. But will it be able to hold the lead?

Interest in AI technology remains high. Japanese tech investment company SoftBank has committed to OpenAI, providing them with significant financial backing. The basis of this commitment is OpenAI’s collaboration with Microsoft, whose Azure cloud computing platform provides the computing power they need. To receive this support, Microsoft will receive a significant portion of OpenAI’s future profits. It is vital for OpenAI to receive sufficient funding to develop increasingly sophisticated models. Training the newest model, GPT-4, is estimated to cost $100 million. It is interesting to note that OpenAI does not plan to develop their next major model (GPT-5), instead they will create a more economically used model, GPT-4.5. The main reason for this decision is that the cost of the models is an important factor and OpenAI is looking to balance its costs and revenues.

On the other hand, OpenAI is not a Chat GPT-only development company. Their main revenue comes from developing bespoke AI solutions for large corporate clients, such as investment bank Morgan Stanley.

OpenAI may have valuable advantages, but they don’t guarantee its dominance. The network effects that have helped big companies like Alphabet, Amazon and Meta become quasi-monopolies in the areas of search, e-commerce and social networking have yet to materialise. Despite the large amount of users, GPT-4 is not a significant improvement over the previous version six months ago. When optimized using user data, the overall performance of GPT-4 has changed in unpredictable ways and in some cases for the worse.

The struggle to be first in creating models is also met with drawbacks. For model builders, the biggest expense is experimentation, which often does not yield results before a successful model is trained. OpenAI is estimated to have lost $500 million last year, even though training GPT-4 alone cost only a fifth of that amount. In the world of artificial intelligence, news of failed ideas spreads quickly, helping OpenAI’s competitors avoid costly mistakes.

Ultimately, the market is projected to contain a few large universal models and a host of specific ones. If AI turns out to be what it is believed to be, the role of oligopolist could bring OpenAI a lot of money. And if its backers only really see some of that money once the company has created a human-like thinking machine, then all bets will be off.

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Artificial Intelligence

WHY PART OF THE NEW EU CYBERSECURITY REGULATIONS CREATE RISK

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WHY PART OF THE NEW EU CYBERSECURITY REGULATIONS CREATE RISK

03.10.2023 |

In a new open letter, cybersecurity experts are calling for changes to the Cyber Resilience Act’s vulnerability disclosure requirements

 

European authorities are being urged to reconsider the vulnerability disclosure requirements outlined in the Cyber Resilience Act (CRA) by cybersecurity experts. In an open letter signed by professionals from over 50 organizations, the experts argue that certain aspects of Article 11 will create new threats and undermine the security of digital products and users. The provisions, proposed by the European Commission last September, aim to introduce common cybersecurity requirements across the European Union (EU), including mandatory security patches and addressing vulnerabilities in IoT products. The intention is to enhance transparency, accountability, and consumer protection.

Under the new rules, organizations must disclose software vulnerabilities to government agencies within 24 hours of exploitation. This will lead to the creation of a real-time vulnerability database that includes all unpatched security flaws. However, cybersecurity experts argue that this information could place unnecessary risks on consumers and companies. They assert that consolidating all current vulnerabilities in one place may increase threats to organizations. Rushing the disclosure process may result in failed patches and additional pressure on security experts and software vendors.

The open letter highlights concerns that dozens of government agencies will have real-time access to comprehensive vulnerability databases, making them a tempting target for malicious actors. Rushing the disclosure process and widely disseminating information about vulnerabilities could disadvantage organizations and create opportunities for hackers. The experts suggest changes to Article 11, such as considering the significance of the vulnerability and the possibility of exploitation by cybercriminals. They recommend a risk-based approach and a mandatory reporting requirement of 72 hours of “effective mitigation” to minimize the risk of exploitation.

Cybersecurity experts also express concern about the impact of the disclosure requirements on collaboration between software vendors and researchers. The current form of the requirements fails to account for the time required to verify, test, and fix vulnerabilities before they are publicly disclosed. This could disrupt coordination and collaboration, ultimately impeding cybersecurity efforts.

This is not the first time these concerns have been raised. Similar issues were highlighted in a previous open letter by digital rights organizations in June, as well as in a joint statement by cybersecurity organizations. These previous calls for consideration emphasize the potential misuse of information that is widely disseminated.

In conclusion, cybersecurity experts are urging European authorities to reassess the vulnerability disclosure requirements in the Cyber Resilience Act. They believe that the current provisions pose new threats and undermine digital security. The experts propose changes such as a risk-based approach and a longer timeframe for disclosure to ensure a responsible and coordinated process. Concerns have also been raised about the impact on collaboration between software vendors and researchers, as well as the potential misuse of widely disseminated vulnerability information.

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Digital technology

Cybersecurity

WHICH TECHNOLOGIES DID THE EU LABEL AS CRITICAL?

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WHICH TECHNOLOGIES DID THE EU LABEL AS CRITICAL?

04.10.2023 |

The list of innovations comes amid the EU’s efforts to protect its sovereignty in the face of China’s global rise

 

The European Commission publishes a list of ten critical technologies that it aims to protect in order to enhance the economic security of the European Union. These technologies will be the subject of special attention from policymakers to prevent the theft of intellectual property from hostile countries. The EU will also encourage the development of these technologies through various measures such as additional support and partnerships with like-minded allies.

Four of the ten technologies identified are considered to be the most sensitive and at greatest risk of know-how leakage. These are advanced semiconductors, artificial intelligence, quantum technologies and some biotechnologies such as vaccines, genome sequencing and synthetic biology.

The list also consists of second-tier technologies in cybersecurity, advanced sensors, space and propulsion technologies, nuclear energy, hydrogen, renewable energy (such as photovoltaics and smart grids), robotics, drones and advanced materials.

Věra Jourová, Vice-President of the European Commission, said the EU wants to be an active participant, not a passive player, in these technologies. The aim is for Europe to invest strategically in its own competitiveness and improve its technological edge to prepare for potential worst-case scenarios in the future.

The European Commission will seek the approval of the 27 Member States for its approach. The plan is to create a framework to ensure the protection of these critical technologies, promoting their development within the EU while avoiding the theft of intellectual property from external threats. In this way, Europe aims to strengthen its economic security and maintain its technological edge in critical sectors.

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Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER?

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WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER?

02.10.2023 |

Programs and academies

 

Signing up for Bosch ECS Career camp volume 3.0 launched

Enrollment is open for Bosch ECS Career Camp Vol.3 – the third engineering academy of Bosch Engineering Center Sofia. The program offers training and acquisition of knowledge and technical skills in the field of complete mobility solutions such as autonomous driving, dashboards, smart displays and more. The programme is open to young people, students and professionals in the fields of computer science, computer and software engineering. Applications are open until 17 November 2023 and the programme starts in January 2024. The online training takes place for 2 hours per day and includes courses in four areas: automotive C++ programming, automotive embedded application programming, automotive testing, and systems and requirements engineering. Successful graduates get the opportunity to be part of the Bosch Engineering Center Sofia team.

Sirma Venture Lab is back for 2.0

Venture Lab 2.0, a joint initiative of Sirma and the venture capital fund Innovation Capital, has been launched for the second consecutive year with the aim to find and support technology startups working in the fields of artificial intelligence, robotics and autonomous flying devices. Applications for the incubation program were open until September 30, and finalists will be announced on October 19. The startups that are selected will receive funding from Sirma of up to €400,000. The programme will also work with experienced mentors, including Tihomir Totev, Sirma’s CTO, who will help the startups build the core prototype of their products and validate their market potential. Other lead mentors include Angel Angelov and Yavor Gotchev, who will assist in developing a sustainable business model, accounting, legislation and other aspects of entrepreneurship.

 

Events

 

Robotics Strategy Forum 2023 went down

The fifth edition of the Robotics Strategy Forum 2023 featured 12 topics including cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and technological innovation in manufacturing. The event featured 25 panelists from Bulgaria, the US and Germany. The second season of the PARA Robotics Incubator featured 10 teams competing for prizes worth BGN 5 thousand, including participation in the Founder Institute incubator and the Capital City Municipality’s Sandbox for Innovation program. The forum’s exhibition area featured more than 40 robots, including bionics, collaborative and learning robots, as well as a mini model of an intelligent factory and other educational projects.

 

Achievements

 

INSAIT became part of ELLIS, a network for the development of artificial intelligence

The Institute of Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) has been accepted as a member of the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS), making it the first network unit in Eastern Europe. ELLIS is a network comprising only world-class research organisations in the field of artificial intelligence and already has 39 European members, including Oxford, Cambridge, the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) and others. Bulgaria’s application for ELLIS membership has been under consideration for a year and is the result of a collaboration between Sofia’s St. Kliment Ohridski University and Switzerland’s ETH Zurich and EPFL Lausanne. INSAIT is the first institute of its kind in Eastern Europe, for which Bulgaria plans to invest around 170 million BGN over 10 years.

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www.digitalalliance.bg 

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Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital Skills

BULGARIA ENTERED THE TOP NETWORK FOR AI DEVELOPMENT

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BULGARIA JOINS ELLIS

04.09.2023 |

Bulgaria is the first country in Eastern Europe to join Europe’s most elite artificial intelligence development network ELLIS

 

Recently, Bulgaria, represented by the Institute for Systems and Artificial Intelligence Research (INSAIT), has been extended a coveted invitation to join the European Laboratory for Learning and Intelligent Systems (ELLIS). This strategic move marks Bulgaria’s debut as a member of a select group of nations dedicated to advancing artificial intelligence (AI) research and innovation.

The official announcement of this partnership was made by Prime Minister Nikolay Denkov, joined by Professor Anastas Gerdzhikov, Rector of St. Sofia University Kliment Ohridski, and Professor Martin Vechev, the visionary behind INSAIT. The collaboration between these prominent entities signifies a significant stride toward enhancing Bulgaria’s influence in the global AI landscape.

Securing an invitation to ELLIS is no small feat. The stringent selection process scrutinized INSAIT’s Bulgarian candidacy for over a year. ELLIS, which stands as Europe’s paramount AI development network, aspires to position the continent as a preeminent force in AI innovation, challenging the supremacy of the United States and China.

Through the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) and St. Kliment Ohridski”, the first point of the top network in the region – “ELLIS Unit Sofia” is established.One hallmark of ELLIS is its exclusive membership, which includes only the most distinguished research organizations worldwide that have demonstrated exceptional prowess in AI research. Today, INSAIT joins the ranks of esteemed institutions like the University of Oxford, the University of Cambridge, the German Aerospace Center (DLR), EPFL (Lausanne), ETH Zurich, Max Planck Institute (Tubingen), Technion (Tel Aviv), TU Munich (Munich), Sorbonata (Paris), and more. This association propels Bulgaria into the upper echelons of AI research, fostering collaborations with global thought leaders.

INSAIT is the first institute of its kind in Eastern Europe. It is a partnership between Sofia University and the Swiss ETH Zurich and EPFL. The Bulgarian state will invest in the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology about 170 million BGN within 10 years.

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Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN AUGUST

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WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN AUGUST

04.09.2023 |

Investments and acquisitions

Insight Enterprises acquires Amdaris

Insight Enterprises, a Fortune 500 integrator of digital transformation solutions, has acquired Amdaris, a UK-based Microsoft Gold certified partner, adding software development and consulting services. Amdaris’ Bulgarian office will remain unchanged, with new offices in Varna and Plovdiv.

Expansion

Valtech opens office in Bulgaria

Valtech, a global business transformation and digitalization company, has opened an office in Sofia.In its drive to expand and innovate, the company is in the process of assembling a dynamic team including software engineers, business analysts, project managers, quality assurance specialists, as well as DevOps and Site Reliability engineers. Various platforms and technologies are being worked on, and DXP and Composable Commerce are among the main service lines.

Programs and training

Sofia Tech Park launches South East European Innovators Program

Sofia Tech Park has launched the South East European Innovators Program (SEEIP), an initiative supporting innovators, entrepreneurs and researchers. It will start in October, but applications are now open for companies and teams: https://seeip.eu/. A panel of experts will determine the selected participants in two stages – in September and in March. The technology programme will benefit entrepreneurs and researchers who want to set up a company and develop a business project, it includes elements of incubation, acceleration and technology transfer, and there is no limit to the field of projects developed. SEEIP will follow the teams all the way – from establishing a specific product/service, to finding investment, to commercialisation and going international. The program will be conducted in English in a hybrid model – online trainings and in-person events, and in addition participants will be able to get one-on-one consultations with a team of experts.

Second season of Bosch Startup Harbour in Bulgaria

Bosch Startup Harbour, Bosch’s accelerator program for startups, has launched its second season in Bulgaria. Managed by Bosch Digital, the unit specialising in IoT, artificial intelligence (AIoT) and digitalisation, this initiative is tailored for technology startups. It connects these startups with Bosch experts from different units, providing them with mentoring, guidance and the opportunity to collaborate on real Bosch Group projects. The program’s focus areas include innovations based on generative AI and synthetic data, improving learning through generative AI, augmented reality in autonomous driving software development, intelligent sensor technologies for motion and performance tracking in the Metaverse, and digitalization in manufacturing. Applications for this program are open until September 30, and more details can be found here. In addition, the Bosch Startup Harbour program is expanding to Serbia.

24 Bulgarian students are part of Visteon’s RISE programme

The program lasts 18 months and students participate in three stages: a one-month introduction to automotive software and mechanics, followed by two stages involving real-world projects focused on software testing, integration and programming. Over 50 participants are part of this initiative at the Visteon Technology Center in Sofia.

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Digital technology

Digital Skills

META INTRODUCES SEAMLESSM4T

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META INTRODUCES SEAMLESSM4T

23.08.2023 |

Meta has introduced SeamlessM4T, the first universal multimodal and multilingual translation model with artificial intelligence that allows users to communicate across language barriers. SeamlessM4T is currently available to researchers and developers under the appropriate license. The metadata of SeamlessAlign, the largest open-source multimodal translation dataset with 270,000 hours of learned speech, has also been published.

Creating a universal language translator is no easy task, and current speech-to-text and text-to-speech systems cover only a small fraction of the world’s languages. Building on the achievements of researchers around the world who have been striving for many years to create a universal translator, SeamlessM4T uses a unified systems approach to increase the efficiency and quality of translations by reducing errors and delays compared to segmented model methods. It leverages learnings from these efforts to provide multilingual and multimodal translation through a unified model built from disparate oral data sources, yielding state-of-the-art results. SeamlessM4T supports:

  • Speech recognition in almost 100 languages;
  • Speech-to-text conversion for nearly 100 input and output languages;
  • Speech-to-text conversion supporting nearly 100 input languages and 36 output languages;
  • Text-to-speech translation for nearly 100 languages;
  • Text-to-speech, supporting nearly 100 input languages and 35 output languages.

SeamlessM4T marks a new milestone in the development of artificial intelligence technology that bridges language gaps and facilitates connection and communication between people speaking different languages.

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Artificial Intelligence

OPENAI ALLOWED COMPANIES TO RETROFIT GPT-3.5 TURBO WITH THEIR OWN DATA

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OPENAI ALLOWED COMPANIES TO RETROFIT GPT-3.5 TURBO WITH THEIR OWN DATA

23.08.2023 |

Companies using the language model of the GT-3.5 Turbo family can now adapt it to their needs by entering their own selected data. As a result, this customised model can match or even exceed the ability of the GPT-4 to perform highly specialised tasks.

Since the release of the TURBO family of AI models in the beginning of the year, developers and companies have been pushing to have the ability to customise the model so that it can more fully meet user requirements. For example, to create a unique chatbot to help clients by communicating with them in a certain language or in a certain way. Until now, only the GPT-3 like dаvіnсі-002 and bаbbаgе-002 models offered similar capabilities, writes Thе Vеrgе.

The advantages of this customisation include increased manageability of the model (the model follows the inputs much better); reliable formatting of the output ( when responses have to be provided in a certain format); customisation of the tone, including imitation of the brand voice, for example for advertisement or internal communications. For IT companies, the GPT-3.5 Turbo model offers the possibility for Al to create a routine voiceover or to format and finalise different fragments of a voiceover.

The GPT-3.5 Turbo model family can process up to 4,000 characters simultaneously, which according to OpenAl is twice as many as previous models. Tests show that after fine-tuning using the company’s data, the beacons became up to 90% faster.

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Artificial Intelligence

THE IT SECTOR CONTINUES TO LEAD IN WAGE GROWTH IN BULGARIA

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THE IT SECTOR CONTINUES TO LEAD IN WAGE GROWTH IN BULGARIA

21.08.2023 |

Tack TMI Bulgaria’s 2023 Compensation and Benefits Survey of the Bulgarian market covers over 115,000 employees and over 1,000 positions. Again this year the leader is the IT sector. Serious competition for highly skilled professionals leads to steady salary growth.

The survey gathers information from 350 companies from various sectors of the economy, with a particularly strong representation from the high-tech, outsourcing, manufacturing, hotels, banks and financial institutions sectors. Participants include some of the largest and most influential employers both domestically (25%) and internationally (75%).

The demographic situation, the lack of skilled labour and the need for specialised professionals emerge as key factors for the future growth of wages in Bulgaria in the long term, analysts point out.Wages in the country continue to grow, albeit at a more moderate pace compared to previous years, with many other factors influencing wages. 

While Bulgaria is not among the countries whose companies are implementing the most interesting practices – such as providing free home delivery of food products, pet walking for employees on sick leave and the like – the trend of increasing wages and expanding the benefits package remains relevant, the survey reports.

Companies across all sectors are becoming more inventive in expanding the benefits package for their employees, it said. Some of the benefits that employees can receive at employers across the country in the past two years include taking care of employees’ mental health, providing funds to purchase home office equipment or covering the cost of the internet.

63% of employees in the tech sector want to work hybrid, and 27% say they prefer fully remote positions. The platform’s statistics report that post-pandemic, remote working remains the preferred mode of work, with only 8% of IT professionals wanting to return to offices. The trend is even increasing and telecommuting positions have been actively sought in recent months.

Since the beginning of the month, the most in-demand remote positions are for software developers, with Backend Development being the most preferred segment by candidates. According to the platform, it leads convincingly with nearly 40% of all remote job searches.

Python is the language preferred by professionals to program in with 32% of all searches. While the more mainstream ones like Java, .NET and PHP, for which more specialists are sought and hence more number of remote job listings are available, lag behind.

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Digital technology

Digital skills

CONTEST FOR EVENT IDEAS ON PROGRAMMING AND DIGITAL SKILLS TO THE INITIATIVE “MEET AND CODE” IS OPEN

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CONTEST FOR EVENT IDEAS ON PROGRAMMING AND DIGITAL SKILLS TO THE INITIATIVE "MEET AND CODE" IS OPEN

10.08.2023 |

Until 13.9.2023 NGOs and community centres from all over the country can apply to the competition of the largest European initiative for digital education – “Meet and Code”. The Bulgarian partner is the Workshop for Civic Initiatives Foundation.

For the seventh consecutive year, the Initiative will provide funding of up to 580 BGN for an organised event on coding and digital skills. The aim is to provoke interest in digital skills among young people in our country. Participants can send their ideas for events promoting coding and various digital skills among children and young people aged 8 to 24.

The events will be planned from 1st September to 31st October 2023, with a focus on the European Programming Week (7th – 22nd October). The funded events are free for all. An event must involve a minimum of 20 people and last a minimum of 4 hours. Organisations can submit several different event ideas.

This year, event approval will be on a first-come, first-served basis. You can find useful resources, presentations, toolkits and links in English and English for different stages of learning – from beginner to advanced – in the Inspiration Library.

For moreinformation about the application requirements, click HERE

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Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital skills

THE RISE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: 70% OF THE WORLD’S BUSINESSES ARE ON BOARD!

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THE RISE OF GENERATIVE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE: 70% OF THE WORLD'S BUSINESSES ARE ON BOARD!

27.07.2023 |

A recent VentureBeat survey of global executives reveals that over half of companies worldwide (54.6%) are experimenting with generative AI, and 18.2% are already implementing it in their operations.

However, only a minority, around one-fifth, intend to invest more resources in implementing AI in the next year or two.

AI has been hailed as one of the most powerful technologies since the internet, and its potential impact on various industries is huge. Microsoft founder Bill Gates highlighted its transformational potential, comparing it to the advent of the microprocessor, personal computers, the internet and mobile phones.

Despite the promising prospects of AI, many organizations are approaching its deployment cautiously due to limited resources and insufficient support from management or stakeholders. The survey also highlights that 36.4% of organizations face challenges in implementing next-generation AI due to limited resources.

Survey participants revealed that the most common use case for generative AI is in natural language processing tasks such as chat and messaging (46%), followed by content creation (32%). However, a significant number (32%) reported using AI for other purposes or not at all. Respondents highly valued the versatility of AI and its potential to improve customer experience.

Companies seeking to implement AI tools face challenges due to limited budgets or lack of prioritization of budgets. AI technology providers also face the task of convincing potential customers to increase their spending or reallocate their budgets to adopt AI solutions.

The rapid development of AI is changing the landscape, making AI-based solutions more accessible even to organizations that have not previously considered them. New AI products and features continue to emerge that expand the capabilities and applications of generative AI.

The journey of generative AI is just beginning, with many companies still exploring ways to use AI to achieve their business goals. As the AI industry continues to evolve, future results will likely present a different picture, showing increasing adoption and exploration of AI technology.

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Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

STEM CENTRES IN OVER 2,200 SCHOOLS

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STEM CENTRES IN OVER 2,200 SCHOOLS

07.07.2023 |

STEM centres and classrooms are to be built in 2,271 schools with funds from the National Recovery and Resilience Plan, according to Education and Science Minister Prof. Galin Tsokov at the Eighth Congress of the Syndicate of Bulgarian Teachers.

Some schools are expected to start teaching in them as early as 2024.

“This is a change not only of the educational environment, but also of the design of education, of the way of teaching knowledge,” said prof. Tsokov.

The digital environment is very important and the so-called “Digital Backpack” is to be completed – the platform should be supplemented with more resources created by and for teachers and students. Within the 2023 budget, which will be discussed next week, funds for education have been increased by 750 million leva.

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Digital skills in education

Digital skills for children

Digital technology

Digital skills

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN JUNE

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WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN BULGARIA IN JUNE

03.07.2023 |

NEWS:

  • Vitosha Venture Partners invests EUR 1 million in 9 new companies

Vitosha Venture invests BGN 2 million in 5 developed startups and 4 projects from the Accelerate fund program. The 5 advanced stage companies are Native Spaces, SN Metals, Nakantara, Chat Hala and FinqUp, and the program funded Nomad Cabins, Petstay, Diplom Id and Twisted Technology. Vitosha Venture plans to invest another EUR 2 million that remained in the fund.

  • Icanpreneur raises pre-seed investment of up to 1.2 million Euros

Icanpreneur, a Bulgarian developer company, raises an investment of 1.2 million euros. The company aims to navigate technology startups through market validation and reach a successful product through a software system. The company also announced an access program for 200 new users to develop and improve the platform.

  • SoCyber ​​raised 760 thousand Euros

The Bulgarian cybersecurity company SoCyber ​​has raised 760,000 euros from various companies and three business angels from SeedBlink. Established in 2018 the company uses its funds to develop AI.

  • Innovation Capital invests EUR 200 thousand in NEXT BASKET

The platform for managing electronic stores – NEXT BASKET, received 200,000. euro from the venture capital fund Innovation Capital. The funds will be used for further development of the software and new functionalities. NEXT BASKET recently announced a partnership with euShipments.

  • CloudCart enters Romania

CloudCart is a Bulgarian eCommerce company that is expanding its operations in Romania. It achieves this success through partnership with banks and companies and aims to develop its market in Bulgaria, Greece, Serbia, Croatia and Bosnia and Herzegovina. CloudCart offers software for automated creation of online stores.

  • MiCA officially became а law

MiCA is a regulation for crypto asset markets that has officially become law. In order to conduct activities in the EU, crypto exchanges and crypto wallet providers must have the appropriate amount of reserves. The MiCA provisions will start to apply in 2024.

  • The European Parliament passed a draft law on AI

The European Parliament passed a law that limits the use of artificial intelligence. The draft AI Act would place more restrictions on AI-powered tools, and AI developers would be required to submit systems for review before making them widely available. The bill also seeks to ban biometric identification systems in general, “social assessment” systems, and emotion recognition technology from law enforcement, employers, and educational institutions.

EVENTS:

  • DataArt organizes a two-week Summer IT Camp

DataArt is organizing a two-week Summer IT Camp that takes place online from July 10 to 22. The lecturers are experts from the DataArt team, and the topics, in addition to technology, are also focused on business and practical orientation. Lectures and discussions are in English, and participants can choose which modules to attend.

  • The network of European Digital Innovation Hubs gathered over 400 participants at a forum in Brussels

European Digital Innovation Hubs Network – EDIH gathered in Brussels over 400 participants with the common goal of promoting the digital transformation of Europe. The network is funded by the Digital Europe Programme, which delivers artificial intelligence and the latest technologies. EDIH also offers services such as training and skills development, facilitating access to innovation and ‘testing before investing’.

COURSES:

  • AIBEST organizes a free summer technical academy in Burgas

Over 100 students from the Professional High School of Computer Programming and Innovation took part in the AIBEST Technical Academy. Members of the company will be mentors to the children, who are gathered in teams and work on different case studies, close to a real project. The best performers received prizes.

  • INSAIT has launched a two-month summer AI program for students

INSAIT has launched a two-month summer program for students, which will take place in Sofia Tech Park in the summer of 2024. The program is called STARS (Science, Technology and AI Research Internship for High-School Students). The internship lasts 8 weeks, and participants will be involved in the development of the latest technologies and research in the field of AI and informatics.

  • 22 entrepreneurs enter Dare to Scale

22 entrepreneurs from 12 companies are entering the fifth edition of the Dare to Scale program. Participants take part in developing activities in the software industry, e-commerce, sports and others. The founders of the companies will participate in training for the development of a scalable business: organization management, marketing and sales, business planning and raising capital. Companies will have access to Endeavor’s local mentoring network, and partners and directors from PwC Bulgaria will also work individually with second-year participants.

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Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital Skills

Artificial Intelligence

DIGITIZATION CAN BE THE NEXT ENGINE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN BULGARIA

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DIGITIZATION CAN BE THE NEXT ENGINE FOR ECONOMIC GROWTH IN BULGARIA

30.06.2023 |

Digitization creates opportunities for all industries and can be the next engine for economic growth in Bulgaria according to Terry Li – General Manager of “Huawei Technologies Bulgaria” during the conference “Digital Sofia – the smart city”, organized by Sofia Municipality and the “Digital Bulgaria” Foundation “.

Terry Li also stated that

“countries worldwide are focusing on developing their digital economies to counter economic challenges. Each country, depending on its stage of development, will follow unique paths to digital growth, and different industries and organizations will choose the most appropriate approach.”

Bulgaria and other countries already have digital and green strategies to improve urban life.

“The Bulgarian ICT market has seen remarkable growth, with its turnover increasing by 300% in the last seven years and reaching 2.5 billion euros, according to data from the International Data Corporation (IDC). Bulgaria’s rich tradition in the IT sector attracts numerous enterprises. The country’s open and fair business environment for foreign investors further adds to its appeal”

stated Terry Li, general manager of a leading technology company.

During a recent event, Huawei presented its “smart cities” solution, demonstrating its implementation in various locations around the world. The use of smart solutions demonstrates their value for the benefit of city residents, businesses and managers. Examples include energy efficient smart lighting, improved traffic management and green solutions to reduce pollution.

As part of the digital transformation journey, Huawei aims to provide comprehensive smart city approaches, supporting cities with real-time data to meet the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Dr. Martin Zahariev, coordinator of the event and member of the Board of Directors of the Digital Bulgaria Foundation, emphasized that a smart city requires the efforts of smart people and this conference plays an important role in the ongoing process of digital transformation.

The conference aimed to accelerate the use of electronic and technological services by administration and business, to promote innovation through financial mechanisms and to provide opportunities for innovation in the urban environment. It also served as a platform to inform citizens and stakeholders about local e-governance initiatives and the “smart city” concept.

During the event, the government, business representatives and stakeholders pooled their efforts, united by a common vision for digitization and the promotion of the future of modern technological solutions in Bulgaria.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital Skills

Events

National Conference “Digital Skills for the Digital Decade”

By EVENTS
National Conference "Digital Skills for the Digital Decade"

20.11.2023 |

On December 7, 2023, at the 2020 Event Space, the Ministry of Labor and Social Policy organized the National Conference on “Digital Skills for the Digital Decade” during the European Year of Skills. The main goal of the forum is to provoke discussion among national and European institutions, employers and industry organizations, unions, the academic community, and youth organizations on the topic of digital transformation.

The focus of the conference is on individuals – their ability to adapt to changes in the labor market and the necessity of training to acquire or upgrade digital skills needed for professional realization.

You can find the AGENDA HERE

The conference is free to attend!

Reasons to attend:

  • To learn about labor market trends.
  • To discover opportunities for free training.
  • To participate in the discussion on digital transformation
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Digital skills

SGJ: HACKATHON 2023

By EVENTS
SGJ: HACKATHON 2023

20.11.2023 |

Join Sofia Game Jam 2023 for a weekend filled with creativity and fun, where students, game developers, and enthusiasts gather to create awesome games.

The hackathon is the annual 48-hour game jam aimed at bringing together people passionate about game development – from students to industry veterans, independent companies, gamers, and other enthusiasts – to create games, enhance their skills, and strengthen friendships.

At SGJ: HACKATHON 2023, you will be able to:

  • Create – Work in teams to design, develop, test, and create new games around a central theme that will be revealed at the beginning of the event.
  • Experiment – Explore new technological tools, try different roles in development, and test your skills.
  • Connect – Engage with the game developer community, build friendships, and get opportunities to learn from people with similar interests.

Additional information and tickets can be found at www.sofiagamejam.com.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

AI

Software engineering

Digital skills

Date

01.12.2023 – 03.12.2023

Access 

Paid event (50lv)

Format

In-person event

Location

Barter Community Hub | Sofia

Design WeekEnd 2023

By EVENTS
Design WeekEnd 2023

19.11.2023 |

From November 24th to 26th, Plovdiv will transform into a center of creativity and design, hosting the three-day brand design competition – Design WeekEnd 2023. The event, which brings together students and young people interested in design, promises to be a real design challenge.

Design WeekEnd is a stunning competition that allows young designers to create a brand identity in just 26 hours. This event invites talented youth from across the country to prove their skills and creativity in web design, graphic design, or multimedia creativity.

Who is Design WeekEnd For?

Whether you are a student aged 16 or older or a student passionate about design, photography, video processing, print communications, or social networks, Design WeekEnd offers a platform where you can showcase your talents.

Program

The event begins with inspiring presentations and new knowledge on Friday, where participants will learn about the challenges ahead. The biggest challenge follows – teamwork and deadlines, which are limited to Saturday and Sunday.

The Competition

Design WeekEnd challenges participants to create a brand identity from scratch. In teams of five, participants have exactly 26 hours (or perhaps a little less) to create a unique brand. The tasks are diverse, including creating brands for products and services like mineral water, pet food, creative materials shop, extreme experiences, and musical instruments. But the challenge doesn’t end there – each team receives two random words they must incorporate into their brand. These words are random and unexpected, such as “plantation,” “drill,” “wave,” “chainsaw,” “beetroot,” and “horn.”

Mentors

Keep in mind that the competition involves challenges, but there are also mentors who are professionals and experts in design. They are available to participants throughout the process, eager to share their experience and knowledge, helping them create an incredible brand.

Registration

If you want to participate in this unique event and test your design skills, register on the official website of Design WeekEnd and follow their Instagram page @designweekend.co.

Don’t miss the opportunity to express your creativity and compete against the best young designers in the country at Design WeekEnd 2023 in Plovdiv!

Details

Target audience

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Digital skills

Date

24.11.2023 – 26.11.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

In-person event

Location

TU Sofia, Plovdiv

IBM TechXchange Bulgaria

By EVENTS
IBM TechXchange Bulgaria

17.11.2023 |

TechXchange is a cutting-edge, three-day gathering of technology innovators and enthusiasts.

 

Join the event for an insightful exploration of the latest advancements in technology where you’ll:

Gain insights from industry experts, deepening your understanding of Data and AI, Automation, Security, Sustainability, Cloud, Infrastructure and Quantum

Participate in hands-on workshops to refine your skills and learn practical tips.

Network with fellow technical professionals, fostering valuable connections.

Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and innovations in IBM Software and Hardware Products

Find more about the opening key notes speakers and the agenda HERE

REGISTER

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Software engineering

Digital skills

Date

21.11.2023 – 23.11.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

In-person event

Location

Sheraton Sofia Hotel Balkan
5 Sveta Nedelya Square
Sofia

SPINOFF BULGARIA | CONNECTING INNOVATION, DEEP TECH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS

By EVENTS
SPINOFF BULGARIA | CONNECTING INNOVATION, DEEP TECH AND TECHNOLOGY TRANSFERS

18.09.2023 |

If you are a company looking to expand your network, connect with key international partners and collaborate more closely with universities and science, the second edition of the international conference Spinoff Bulgaria, which will be held on 28-29.09.2023 in Sofia is for you!

This year’s edition will focus on the Horizon Europe programme, as well as key figures in the ICT field, including Marina Zanchi- Director of the Health and Digital Executive Agency (HaDEA), Angelo Marino, Head of HaDEA Department A – Health and Food, Katleen Engelbosch, Head of HaDEA Department B – Digital, Industry and Space.

The initiative was created by the Biotechnology and Health Cluster Bulgaria // Cluster Artificial Intelligence Bulgaria // Venrize // in partnership with the Ministry of Education and Science, HaDEA, Horizon Europe, Invest Sofia, and with the support of the Fund of Funds, Technical University of Sofia, Premium Coworking Space, CyberCLUB.

The event is free, but registration is required.

To register, click HERE. Live seating will be limited, but the entire event will be streamed online.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

AI

Date

28-29.09.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

Online event

In-person event

Location

Premium Coworker Spaces, Rakovska 108 street

CAREER SHOW 2023 – Plovdiv

By EVENTS
CAREER SHOW 2023
Plovdiv

23.08.2023

The leading career expo is now also in Plovdiv!

Career Show annually brings together the country’s leading employers to meet thousands of qualified professionals looking for a new and better job.

Meet live with leading employers from Plovdiv!

Come to International Fair Plovdiv, Bulgaria Hall, on October 10 and find out what companies offer to people with your knowledge and skills!

  • Make personal contact with the most relevant employers at the moment;
  • Find out what conditions are offered to people with your profile.

Find dozens of new and better job opportunities!

Participation in the event is free, but registration is mandatory!
To join the event, you need to register at www.careershow.bg.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Date

October 10 2023

Access 

Free event

Format

In-person event

CAREER SHOW 2023 – Varna

By EVENTS
Career Show 2023
Varna

23.08.2023

The leading career expo is now in Varna!

Career Show annually brings together the country’s leading employers to meet thousands of qualified professionals looking for a new and better job.

Meet live with leading employers from Varna!

Come to the Graffiti Gallery on October 27 and find out what companies offer people with your knowledge and skills!

  • Make personal contact with the most relevant employers at the moment;
  • Find out what conditions are offered to people with your profile.

Find dozens of new and better job opportunities!

Participation in the event is free, but registration is mandatory!
To join the event, you need to register at www.careershow.bg

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Date

October 27 2023

Access 

Free event

Format

In-person event

CAREER SHOW 2023 – Sofia

By EVENTS
CAREER SHOW 2023
Sofia

23.08.2023

Career Show – the leading career expo in Bulgaria that brings together qualified professionals and key employers in an innovative experience.

The event provides a unique opportunity to meet both live and online with over 200 top companies from Bulgaria and various points in Europe. During Career Show 2023, participants will have the opportunity to learn about fresh ideas, innovative technologies, and up-to-date career development opportunities.

The leading career expo for skilled professionals is a gateway to new opportunities that expand career horizons and knowledge in business and innovation.

200+ employers
4000+ candidates
40+ accompanying activities

Meet live with leading companies from Bulgaria and the world!

Come to Arena Sofia (Armeec) on 5 October and find out what companies offer to people with your knowledge and skills!

  • Make personal contact with the most relevant employers at the moment;
  • Find out what conditions are offered to people with your profile;
  • Listen to live career development lectures from leading experts;
  • Have fun with our program, demonstrations, and activities.

Can’t make it to the live event? Don’t worry, the second day of the event – 6 October – is online!

  • 15 min. video meetings with employers from 60+ different business sectors;
  • Opportunity to meet online wherever you are in the world;
  • Detailed filters to find the right employer;
  • Opportunity to be proactive and remembered;
  • The event is absolutely free, but registration is required!;

To participate in the event, you must register at www.careershow.bg.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Date

5-6 October 2023

Access 

Free event

Format

Day 1: In-person event

Day 2: Online event

CAREER DAYS – IT, COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTSOURCING

By EVENTS
CAREER DAYS - IT, COMMUNICATIONS AND OUTSOURCING

15.08.2023 |

The short career path is through IT Career Days. Attend the forum live or online and meet leading companies. Career development opportunities in IT, telecommunications and business process outsourcing (BPO).

Venue:

  • Sofia – 14 October 2023 – Hotel Marinella, 10 am to 6 pm
  • Virtual Day – 17 October 2023 – Online on the Brazen Technologies platform, 11 am to 5 pm
  • Gabrovo – 19 October 2023 – Technical University, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
  • Plovdiv – 21 October 2023 – Plovdiv Fair, Congress Center, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
  • Varna – 21 October 2023 – Graffit Hotel-Gallery, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

When you want to share it with an employer, you let them scan your unique QR code. The completed data automatically goes to the company. You have a record of when and with whom you exchanged contact and can easily continue the communication. Reasons why you should visit Career Days 2023:

  • To find a new job in the sector;
  • To find out about career opportunities in the sectors represented – the most stable and most progressive companies;
  • To gain professional contacts and experience in conducting job interviews;
  • To understand the knowledge and skills that are in demand for career development in the sectors;
  • To learn about the selection and application conditions and procedures of the companies represented;
  • To explore different opportunities in the job market;
  • To get up close and personal with the people who select the company’s new employees;
  • To plan job changes and relocation;
  • To receive career advice and counselling;
  • To participate in interesting and professional discussions
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Digital skills

Date

  • Sofia – 14.10.2023
  • Virtual – 17.10.2023
  • Gabrovo – 19.10.2023
  • Plovdiv – 21.10.2023
  • Varna – 21.10.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

Online event

In-person event

Location

  • Sofia – Hotel Marinella
  • Gabrovo – Technical University
  • Plovdiv – Plovdiv Fair, Congress Center
  • Varna – Graffit Hotel-Gallery

CYBERSECURITY FORUM 2023

By EVENTS, Без категория
CYBERSECURITY FORUM 2023

14.08.2023 |

In the context of ever-changing and evolving information technology, digital assets and data are gradually becoming more and more important to every business, and securing them should be among the top priorities of executives.

Cybersecurity has become a central issue as technologies and digital transformation  keep playing a bigger role in everyone’s lives and businesses. 

The acceleration of familiar and emerging trends in cyber attacks means that each organisation should be ready to face an ever-changing environment where risk is inherent. In today’s cyber climate, no fish is too small for an attacker to try to hook.

The forthcoming edition of the Cyber Security and Data Protection Forum, organized by Capital, will present the recent trends in the sector. It will give practical knowledge on how to identify, analyze, evaluate, prioritize and respond to potential risks.

The speakers and the participants will consist of leaders from the cyber industry, governmental decision-makers, technology experts, investors, entrepreneurs, and advisors who will exchange deep experience and best practices within the conference.

Topics will include the Bulgarian government’s approach, how to increase efficiency and effectiveness, attacks on cloud services, cyber insurance and much more.

The event will be a hybrid – on-site at Sofia Tech Park and online, with several keynote lectures and panel discussions and fireside chats. The forum will take place on 16 November 2023.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

AI

Cybersecurity

Date

16.11.2023

Access 

Paid event (from 36 lv for livestream to 174 lv in-person)

Format

Online event

In-person event

Location

Sofia Tech Park

INNOWAVE SUMMIT – THE TECH AND THE SEA

By EVENTS
INNOWAVE SUMMIT - THE TECH AND THE SEA

11.08.2023 |

Innowave Summit will be held for the 7th time in Varna, on 17 and 18 November at the Palace of Culture and Sports. Some of the biggest names in Marketing, Online Commerce, Artificial Intelligence, Business Development and Innovation will share their practical experience and valuable advice in front of over 5000 visitors.

On the stage of one of the most successful technology conferences in the Southeast, will be names like Andrew-Weld Moore – Director of Sales at Meta / Facebook, Carlos Cantu – Chief Marketing Officer at Freepik, Dex Barton – Director of Marketing and Communications at DeepMind, a Google company, Matthew Cross – Advisor to Robert Kiosaki and Tony Robbins and many more!

There will be 7 EXPO zones with over 120 stands from some of the biggest technology companies in Europe and the world. Part of the event will be the awarding by the organizers of the most innovative media, organizations and companies in different sectors and areas of business such as Marketing, Online Commerce, Startups, Artificial Intelligence, Technology and more.

If you purchase your ticket in advance, 65% of the price will be saved.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital skills

Date

17-18.11.2023

Access 

Paid event (from 59€ to 299€)

Format

In-person event

Location

Palace of Sport and Culture – Varna

IT TOUR- VARNACONF 2023 EDITION

By EVENTS
IT TOUR- VARNACONF 2023 EDITION

01.08.2023 |

VarnaConf is a conference that is part of the IT tour, conferences traveling around Bulgaria. They are organized by a group of enthusiasts. The event will be held on August 19 at the Varna Festival and Congress Center.

The program is interesting and has a wide variety of topics and experienced speakers.

Among the topics discussed will be JavaScript, DevOps Pipelines, Flutter, Svelte and the popular ChatGPT. Speakers will be programmers with 10 years of experience, developers and software engineers.

You can see the full programme here.

Details

Website

www.varnaconf.com

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Software engineering

Digital skills

Date

19.08.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

In-person event

ISTACON 2023 – PASSION AND CONNECTIVITY IN IT

By EVENTS
ISTACON 2023 - PASSION AND CONNECTIVITY IN IT

20.07.2023 |

The ISTA conference, established in 2011 by IT professionals, has become a tradition and is one of the largest and most progressive in the region. Over the years it has brought together speakers and professionals to share their experiences and expertise in technology and innovation. Organized by leading IT companies in the country such as – Experian, Musala Soft, Infragistics, SAP & VMware – ISTA combines the capabilities of these organizations to bring creativity and share knowledge

The event is hybrid – the event can be followed both online and in-person, i.e. There are also 2 stages on which different lectures run. Thus it is extremely accessible to anyone who is interested, and quite extensive in terms of topics. The lecturers are a number of Bulgarian and foreign specialists in various fields. 

  • Dona Sarkar – Director of Technology Microsoft 
  • Radu Georgescu – Chairman of the Advisory Board SeedBlink 
  • Jason Beres – Sr. VP of Developer Tools Infragistics 
  • Momchil Kyurkchiev – Co-Founder Leanplum 
  • Victor Botev – CTO & Co-Founder Iris AI 
  • Aleksandrina Todorova – QA Lead LimeChain
  • Stanislav Toshev – Engineering Director Merkle 
  • Stefani Nikolova – Software Engineering Manager Progress 
  • Taras Pedchenko – DevOps Engineering Lead Intellias 
  • Elena Tosheva – Member of Technical Staff VMware 
  • Victoria Victorova – Co-Founder & CEO MindFit Bulgaria 
  • Antonia Atanasova – Front-End Team Lead Devexperts 
  • And many more. 
Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

AI

Software engineering

Web development

Date

12.10.2023

Access 

Paid event (60 lv online, 258 lv hybrid)

Format

In-person event

Online event

Location

Sofia Tech Park

QA: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED – TESTING WITHOUT LIMITS

By EVENTS
QA: CHALLENGE ACCEPTED - TESTING WITHOUT LIMITS

17.7.2023 |

QA: Challenge Accepted is a respected international one-day conference designed for enthusiasts, professionals and managers in the world of software testing and quality assurance (QA). Organized by the Bulgarian QA community, the event will return for the 9th time to Sofia Tech Park on October 1, 2023. Attendees can look forward to a variety of sessions covering relevant topics for QA professionals of all levels.

The conference offers valuable insights and practical knowledge. In addition, attendees will have the chance to gain insights into the latest trends in software testing, including the integration of artificial intelligence into the software development lifecycle.

The event also emphasizes the importance of ethical values in the quality assurance industry and explores the impact of moral values on society and the software testing profession.

Throughout the day, attendees will have the opportunity to network with colleagues, learn from industry leaders, and gain an understanding of the latest developments in software testing and quality assurance. With a combination of informative keynotes, engaging panels, and opportunities to share knowledge, the Accepted Challenge Conference is a must-attend event for anyone with a passion for software quality and testing. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just starting your career in quality assurance, this conference provides a platform to broaden your horizons and update you on industry trends.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

AI

Software engineering

Web development

Date

1.10.2023

Access 

Free event (online)

Paid event (192 lv)

Format

Online event

In-person event

Location

Sofia Tech Park

DEVREACH CONFERENCE 2023

By EVENTS
DEVREACH CONFERENCE 2023

16.07.2023 |

 

DevReach developer conference returns to Bulgaria this autumn

 

DevReach, the developer conference for Central and Eastern Europe, will return to Bulgaria for its 13th edition. The event will take place on 25-26 October 2023 at the Sofia Event Center and promises to be an exciting meeting with 25 distinguished speakers from global giants such as Cisco, Microsoft, Progress, VMware and more.

The conference will serve as a platform for developers to share best practices and get informed about the latest trends in application development. Attendees can expect enlightening sessions covering topics such as .NET, JavaScript, Artificial Intelligence and Design.

DevReach 2023 will feature distinguished guest speakers, including Scott Hunter, vice president of program management for Azure at Microsoft, and Richard Campbell, the renowned host of .NET Rocks and RunAs Radio. A diverse lineup of technology leaders and experts will be in attendance, including developer advocates from VMware, Microsoft and Progress, as well as other prominent industry professionals.

Progress will livestream the event from a dedicated DevReach studio, offering real-time coding sessions and speaker interviews. Attendees can choose to join the audience in the studio or engage online via Progress’ Twitch channel. Registration for DevReach 2023 is now open.

Details

Website

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Software engineering

AI

Mobile apps

Digital skills

 

Date

October 25th – 26th 2023

Access 

Free event

Format

Online event

In-person event

Location

Sofia Event Center

OPEN FEST 2023 – DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF OPEN SOURCE AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

By EVENTS
OPEN FEST 2023 - DIVE INTO THE WORLD OF OPEN SOURCE AND KNOWLEDGE SHARING

07.07.2023 |

 

OpenFest, the largest conference in Bulgaria dedicated to free culture, open source software and knowledge sharing, will take place in Sofia Tech Park on November 4th and 5th. The event brings together enthusiasts, creators and supporters of free art and software. It aims to promote projects using open source software, encourage the exchange of ideas and provide a platform for free art. At the same time, the organizers also provide a platform for free art.

The festival, organized by the Open Projects Foundation, has been successfully held annually since its inception in 2003, winning the support of the Bulgarian free/open source community and various partners.

For more information:
https://www.openfest.org/2023/bg/
https://openprojectsfoundation.org/
https://cfp.openfest.org/

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Software engineering

Digital skills

Date

November 4th – 5th 2023

Access 

Free event

Format

In-person event

Location

Sofia Tech Park

InfoSec SEE 2023 CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE

By EVENTS
InfoSec SEE 2023 CYBERSECURITY CONFERENCE

20.04.2023 |

The largest and most emblematic cybersecurity conference in the Balkans, InfoSec SEE, will be held for the 15th consecutive time in Bulgaria. The organizers from COMPUTER 2000 Bulgaria have prepared a comprehensive and diverse two-day program.

The speakers participating are highly qualified and recognized experts in the field of cybersecurity on a global scale. Traditionally, hundreds of participants from different countries are expected to attend. This year, the forum will take place at KINGS VALLEY MEDICAL & SPA HOTEL on May 16th and 17th. The main theme of this year’s edition of the forum is “New Horizons In Cybersecurity”.

The InfoSec 2023 SEE conference is traditionally supported by the Ministry of e-Government. It will be opened by Ms. Hanna Kamenetsky, Commercial Attaché at the Embassy of the United States in the Republic of Bulgaria. Following the significant success of the format over the past fourteen years, the organizers from COMPUTER 2000 Bulgaria promise impeccable organization, a diverse program, a wide range of speakers, plenty of entertainment, interactive presentations, and surprises for all participants and guests at the upcoming edition of the forum.

Traditionally, InfoSec SEE is the gathering place for prominent and influential figures in the industry, as well as leaders in the field, both from Bulgaria and leading global companies providing cybersecurity and information technology services, including Mandiant (now part of Google Cloud), Trellix, OpenText Cybersecurity, N-able, Netwrix, Radware, Fortra, BeyondTrust, Bitdefender, and others. Practical examples are highly valued by the audience and are among the most highly rated elements of the conference, according to annual surveys conducted by the organizers of the event. Some of the presentations will focus on showcasing best practices in delivering cybersecurity services from leading Bulgarian IT companies such as Digitall, CNSys, Nebosystems, Mnemonica, Kontrax, Lirex, Atos Bulgaria, CyberOne, and SoCyber. InfoSec SEE 2023 will be held in a hybrid format: in-person and with online streaming. The hybrid format allows guests to participate in the conference in the most convenient way for them.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

Cybersecurity

Date

16.05 – 17.05.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

Hybrid

Location

KINGS VALLEY MEDICAL & SPA HOTEL

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Details

Website

www.digitalalliance.bg 

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital skills for children

Digital skills for public administration

Digital technology

AI

Cybersecurity

Date

start-end date (if available)

Access 

Free event

Paid event (fee)

Format

Online event

In-person event

Location

(address)

CAREER SHOW TECH 2023

By AI & ML, For ICT professionals, Robotics, Software engineering, Web development, Audience, Mobile apps, Technology, Blockchain, Computing, Big data, Telecommunications, Microelectronics, 5G & WiFi, For all, Cybersecurity, In education, IoT, For the workforce, EVENTS
CAREER SHOW TECH 2023

10.05.2023 |

Career Show Tech 2023 is a specialized online event for career and development in IT! The event is completely free and will take place on 18 and 19 May entirely online.

At Career Show Tech 2023, over 100 employers with open positions for IT professionals are waiting for you to speak directly about the positions that may interest you. You’ll meet representatives from the world’s top companies such as Youtube, Binance, Dyson, KBC Global Services, Accenture, Dynamo Software, Luxoft and many more.

Speakers at the seminar program will be founders of a number of technology companies and senior engineers who will talk about:

  • Artificial intelligence and the future of technology professions
  • Is it worth pursuing a career in cloud technology?
  • Is it possible to work entirely in Web3?
  • How do you create Android apps without being a programmer?

For additional information and to register visit www.careershow.bg.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital skills in education

Digital technology

Software engineering

Web development

Mobile apps

Blockchain

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

Date

18.05.2023 – 19.05.2023

Access 

Free event

Format

Online event

SCALE UP DAYS 2023

By AI & ML, AR & VR, Robotics, Software engineering, Web development, Mobile apps, Audience, Blockchain, Technology, Big data, 5G & WiFi, Microelectronics, Cybersecurity, For all, IoT, For ICT professionals, EVENTS
SCALE UP DAYS 2023

25.04.2023 |

Invitation to all technology companies, manufacturing and agri-businesses, digital innovation hubs and all stakeholders from the innovation ecosystem in Bulgaria to participate in Scale UP Days 2023

Scale UP Days 2023 will take place over three days (25 – 27 April) at the Sofia Tech Park Lab Complex.

This year the organizers – ICT Cluster, Sofia Tech Park, DigiTech 4.0 and Mechatronics and Automation Cluster are planning a different format of the event.

Robotics Day, Digital Twins Day, a presentation and visit to Sofia Tech Park’s labs and supercomputer, demonstrations of specific innovation projects in the field of Digital Twins, robotics and artificial intelligence, opportunities for digital innovation hubs and small and medium-sized enterprises are just some of the topics on the agenda this year.

Participants will be able to exchange contacts and ideas at a B2B cocktail on 25 April.

Companies that are developing innovative technologies in the fields of digital twins, robotics and artificial intelligence will have the amazing opportunity to showcase them at their booth at Scale UP Days 2023.

The event is an exceptional opportunity to get information about funding opportunities and support for innovative projects in the coming year.

The Scale UP Days 2023 agenda this year includes a conference, exhibition and demonstrations:

  • 25 April – Opportunities for SMEs and Digital Innovation Hubs
  • 26 April – Digital Twins
  • 27 April – Robotics Day

Find the full event programme here

The event is organised by ICT Cluster, in partnership with DigiTech 4.0, Sofia Tech Park and Mechatronics and Automation Cluster and is implemented with the financial support of the European Commission within the BOWI, DIH World, DIH2 and agROBOfood projects.

Participation in Scale UP Days 2023 is free, but registration is mandatory!

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

AI

Cybersecurity

Robotics

Software engineering

Mobile apps

Digital skills

Date

25.04.2023 – 27.04.2023