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Inspiration

Are you an individual, an organisation, a policymaker, or a training provider?
Are you looking for inspiration for boosting digital transformation?
We are here to support you in defining your path to digital transformation by providing inspirational information on good practices, resources, and research from across the country and Europe.

Let’s find out more!

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

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

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

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

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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.

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Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

THE POTENTIAL OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE TO REVOLUTIONISE CAD/CAM

By NEWS
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.

Details

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Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

CAD/CAM

CAN OPENAI BECOME THE NEXT TECH GIANT?

By NEWS
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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Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

WHY PART OF THE NEW EU CYBERSECURITY REGULATIONS CREATE RISK

By NEWS
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.

Details

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Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Cybersecurity

WHICH TECHNOLOGIES DID THE EU LABEL AS CRITICAL?

By NEWS
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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Target audience

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Cybersecurity

WHAT HAPPENED IN THE IT SECTOR IN SEPTEMBER?

By NEWS
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.

Details

Website

www.digitalalliance.bg 

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital Skills

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

STATISTICAL LEARNING

By OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Course, Free training, Format of the training, Online training, English, Training fee, Other, Duration of training, Up to three months, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
STATISTICAL LEARNING

14.09.2023 |

This introductory-level course in supervised learning covers regression and classification techniques, including linear and polynomial regression, logistic regression, cross-validation, and more. It also touches on some unsupervised learning methods like principal components and clustering. The course emphasizes practical understanding without heavy math, using R for computing and providing detailed tutorials on its usage. Explore modern data analysis essentials with us.

Prerequisites: Foundational knowledge in statistics, linear algebra, and computing is recommended.

Instructors: Learn from Trevor Hastie, Professor of Statistics at Stanford University, and Robert Tibshirani, Professor in Health Research and Policy and Statistics at Stanford University.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Single opportunity

R PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS

By Free training, Format of the training, Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Course, English, Training fee, Other, Up to three months, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
R PROGRAMMING FUNDAMENTALS

13.09.2023 |

This course delves into the fundamentals of R, a popular programming language and software environment extensively utilized by data analysts, statisticians, and data scientists for statistical computing and graphics across the globe. It provides an introductory journey into R, encompassing installation procedures and foundational statistical operations. The course equips you with the skills to handle variables and external datasets, create functions, and offers insights from one of the R language’s co-creators, Robert Gentleman. Explore the world of R and enhance your statistical computing capabilities with this comprehensive course.

This course equips you with core competencies in R, covering data types, variables, vectors, matrices, lists, data frames, data import, logical statements, loops, functions, data plotting, visualization, and basic statistical functions. Prior experience in a scientific or engineering discipline is helpful but not mandatory, making it accessible to learners with basic computer skills. Join us to enhance your proficiency in R and excel in statistical computing and data analysis.

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Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Web development

Software engineering

Big Data

Level

Basic

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Single opportunity

COMPUTER SCIENCE 101

By OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Course, Free training, Format of the training, Online training, English, Training fee, Other, Duration of training, Up to three months, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
COMPUTER SCIENCE 101

11.09.2023 |

Computer Science 101 is a stand-alone course that teaches the basic ideas of computer science to an audience with zero previous experience. Computers may look very complicated, but in reality they only work on a few simple circuits. The course demystifies and brings these patterns to life, which is useful for anyone using computers today.

Course participants play and experiment with short pieces of “computer code” to understand the power and limitations of computers. Everything works within the browser, so there is no additional software to download or install. CS101 also provides general information about computers today: what is a computer, what is hardware, what is software, what is the Internet. Anyone who knows how to use a web browser can be successful with this course. No previous computer science experience is required.

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Digital skills for all

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Basic

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Single opportunity

MACHINE LEARNING SPECIALIZATION

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MACHINE LEARNING SPECIALIZATION

12.09.2023 |

The Machine Learning Specialization is a foundational online program created in collaboration between Stanford Online and DeepLearning.AI. This beginner-friendly program will teach you the fundamentals of machine learning and how to use these techniques to build real-world AI applications.

This Specialization, consisting of 3 courses, is an updated and expanded version of Andrew Ng’s original Machine Learning course. It offers a comprehensive introduction to modern machine learning, covering supervised learning (including multiple linear regression, logistic regression, neural networks, and decision trees), unsupervised learning (including clustering, dimensionality reduction, and recommender systems), and best practices in artificial intelligence and machine learning innovation (such as model evaluation, tuning, and data-centric performance improvement).

This course requires no prior knowledge, making it accessible to beginners. It covers core competencies including multiple linear regression, logistic regression, neural networks, decision trees, clustering, dimensionality reduction, recommender systems, and best practices for evaluating and tuning models, as well as adopting a data-centric approach to enhance performance. Get started on your machine learning journey with this accessible and comprehensive course.

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Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Artificial Intelligence

Level

Basic

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Single opportunity

MINING MASSIVE DATA SETS

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MINING MASSIVE DATA SETS

12.09.2023 |

This course begins by introducing modern distributed file systems and MapReduce, with a focus on what distinguishes effective MapReduce algorithms for handling large datasets. The remainder of the course delves into algorithms for extracting valuable models and insights from these vast datasets. Topics include Google’s PageRank algorithm for assessing web page importance and its various extensions, locality-sensitive hashing for identifying similar items in massive datasets, and efficient dimensionality reduction techniques for large, sparse matrices. The course also explores a range of other large-scale algorithms, as detailed in the syllabus.

The course lasts for 7 weeks. Before taking it, a course in database systems is recommended, as is a basic course on algorithms and data structures. 

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Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Big Data

Level

Middle

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Single opportunity

MLXLINK AND MLXCABLES DEBUG TOOLS

By Course, Free training, Up to one week, Format of the training, Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Training fee, Other, English, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES, Без категория
MLXLINK AND MLXCABLES DEBUG TOOLS

12.09.2023 |

In this course, you’ll learn about the MLXlink and MLXcables debug tools. These debug tools are used for both basic link troubleshooting and for analyzing the more complex link characteristics.

Course topics: 

  • Introduction to the MLXLink and MLXcables debug tools
  • Learn how to check and debug link status and issues related to them
  • Learn how to access the cables, query its IDs and read specific addresses in the EEPROM

After this course, you would understand:

  • the MLXLink and MLXcables features and abilities 
  • How to apply the MLXLink and MLXcables abilities

The audience for this course is:

  • Experienced network engineers/technicians 
  • Network Administrators 
  • •System Administrators

The prerequisites are technical background and understanding of networking hardware.

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Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Microelectronics

Level

Advanced

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

RDMA ON CONVERGED ETHERNET (ROCE) FROM A TO Z

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RDMA ON CONVERGED ETHERNET (ROCE) FROM A TO Z

11.09.2023 |

RMDA over Converged Ethernet (RoCE) is an advanced technology for data transmission over Ethernet. If you want to better understand what RoCE is, how it works, and how you can use it in your Mellanox Ethernet network, this course is for you.

This course will explain what RoCE is, how it works, familiarize you with the different types of networks RoCE can run on, and how to configure RoCE for each type of network.

The objectives of this course are: 

  • Understand how RoCE works 
  • Configure RoCE on lossy and lossless networks 

This course is designed for:

  • Experienced network engineers/technicians 
  • Network administrators 
  • System Administrators

The only prerequisite is a good understanding of networking concepts and the OSI model. The duration of the course is 10 hours.

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Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Advanced

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

INFINIBAND ESSENTIALS

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INFINIBAND ESSENTIALS

08.09.2023 |

Immerse yourself in the realm of high-speed server-interconnect technology with InfiniBand. Its unparalleled speed, minimal latency, and remarkable scalability position it as the leading contender against Ethernet for interconnect protocol preferences.

Step into the introductory course of the InfiniBand universe. Whether you’re aiming to gain deeper insights into InfiniBand’s advantages, applications, architectural layers, management principles, or foundational tools, this course serves as your ideal starting point.

NVIDIA’s free InfiniBand Essentials course is designed to meet the needs of anyone who wishes to be familiar with the basic principles of InfiniBand fabrics, its components, layers and basic management concepts.

The course topics are:

  • InfiniBand Introduction
  • InfiniBand Architecture Layers Overview
  • Fabric Management Concepts
  • InfiniBand Drivers and Utilities

The objectives of the course are to:

  • Describe the main features and elements of InfiniBand fabrics
  • Describe the 5 layers of the InfiniBand layers model
  • Describe the basic management concepts of InfiniBand fabrics
  • Describe the main features of Mellanox OFED
  • Get you familiar with the installation process of Mellanox OFED
  • Get you familiar with OFED basic management tools

 

The basic prerequisites are just a general understanding of networking concepts and principles.

Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for the workforce

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Telecommunications

Level

Middle

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

INTRODUCTION TO DOCA FOR DPUS

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INTRODUCTION TO DOCA FOR DPUS

07.09.2023 |

Unlock the realm of possibilities with the DOCA software framework, a flexible toolkit that enables developers to quickly create applications and services based on BlueField’s Data Processing Units (DPUs). By merging DOCA with BlueField DPU, experience a seismic shift in networking, security and storage performance – all within an expansive and open development platform.

Embark on a self-paced exploration through this course, where participants will learn the core principles of DOCA, a catalyst for accelerated data center computing using BlueField DPU. Upon completion, participants will be equipped with foundational knowledge and be ready to use DOCA and DPU to create applications that accelerate data center services.

Course Structure:

  1. Demystification of DOCA
  2. Introduction to BlueField DPUs
  3. BlueField-2 DPU setup
  4. DOCA Development Environment
  5. Applying DPU Acceleration Using DOCA

Main learning objectives:

  • Develop a fundamental understanding of DOCA and DPU that enables you to create applications that accelerate data center services.
  • Visualize the role of DOCA as a platform for accelerated computing in DPU data centers.
  • Immerse yourself in the DOCA framework paradigm and its integral components.
  • Delve into BlueField DPU specifications and capabilities, unleashing the full potential of your DPU infrastructure.
  • Explore sample applications of DOCA in various configurations to understand its real-world implications.
  • Identify and take advantage of DPU-accelerated computing opportunities.

Prerequisites:

  • Familiarity with software architecture and how it relates to and executes on hardware
  • Some working knowledge of data center networking
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Cybersecurity

Software engineering

Level

Advanced

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

GETTING STARTED WITH DOCA FLOW

By Opportunities, Format of the training, Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Course, Free training, Up to one week, English, Training fee, Other, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
GETTING STARTED WITH DOCA FLOW

06.09.2023 |

NVIDIA® DOCA™ unlocks the potential of the NVIDIA BlueField® data processing unit (DPU) to offload, accelerate and isolate workloads in data centers. With DOCA, developers can program the data center infrastructure of the future by creating software-defined, cloud-based, DPU-accelerated services with zero-trust protection to meet the growing performance and security demands of today’s data centers.

At the core of this innovation is DOCA Flow, an API paramount to building agile execution pipelines in hardware. The library provides developers with a powerful toolkit for building sets of pipes, each characterized by compliance criteria, monitoring capabilities, and a set of actions. These pipes can be interconnected, allowing packages to seamlessly transition from one pipe to another after executing pipe-defined actions.

Enroll in this course to embark on a journey of DOCA Flow programming personified by developing an “ARP Storm Control” application. This application prevents network outages resulting from broadcast storms by skillfully forming a DOCA Flow pipeline that quells malicious broadcast network activity while preserving the integrity of well-managed traffic.

Key Learning Objectives:

  • Understand the key role that DOCA Flow occupies in the broader DOCA and DPU landscape.
  • Create an offloaded virtual network function (VNF) application.
  • Acquire the skills to accelerate network applications through the DPU’s embedded switch.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic understanding of networking fundamentals to optimize your participation in the course.
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Software engineering

Level

Advanced

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

NVIDIA LICENSE SYSTEM

By Opportunities, Course, Free training, Up to one week, Format of the training, Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, English, Training fee, Other, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
NVIDIA LICENSE SYSTEM

06.09.2023 |

Introducing the NVIDIA License System (NLS), a new licensing solution designed to support the expansion of NVIDIA’s range of enterprise software. Designed to outperform NVIDIA’s existing software license server for virtual GPUs (vGPUs), NLS features advanced functionality and offers a number of licensing service use cases – Cloud License Service (CLS) and Delegated License Service (DLS).

During this course, attendees will enter the realm of NLS and gain a comprehensive understanding of the transition from their current licensing system to NLS. The course covers the following key aspects:

  1. How to install, configure and use a Cloud License Service (CLS) and Delegated License Service (DLS) instances.
  2. Migrate your existing NVIDIA Virtual GPU (vGPU) Software License Server to NVIDIA License System (NLS).

The course topics are:

  • Introduction to the NVIDIA License Service
  • Installation and Configuration of the Cloud License Service (CLS)
  • Installation and Configuration of the Delegated License Service  (DLS)

The course objectives are:

  • Оverviewing the NVIDIA License System (NLS)
  • Discussing the benefits of the NVIDIA License System (NLS)
  • Understanding the two instance types: Cloud License Service (CLS) and Delegated License Service (DLS)
  • Explaining the steps required to install and configure each of the two instance types
  • Walkthrough migration steps from the Legacy vGPU License System to the NVIDIA License System (NLS)

The prerequisites are:

  • Basic knowledge of installing and setting up virtual appliances.
  • Familiarity with web/cloud applications.
  • Familiarity with NVIDIA products such as vGPU and NVAIE.
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Digital skills

Level

Advanced

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

GETTING STARTED WITH USD FOR COLLABORATIVE 3D WORKFLOWS

By Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Course, Free training, Up to one week, Format of the training, English, Training fee, Other, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
GETTING STARTED WITH USD FOR COLLABORATIVE 3D WORKFLOWS

05.09.2023 |

The Universal Scene Description Framework (OpenUSD), developed by Pixar, was created to develop synergy between technical and creative pioneers, moving from a linear workflow to a collaborative one.

In this self-paced course, participants will embark on a journey to master scene generation using human-readable ASCII Universal Scene Description (.USDA) files. Upon completion, participants will be prepared to create their own scenes within USD, creating a solid foundation for implementation in Omniverse, Maya, Unity, and Unreal Engine.

This training is conducted in two separate sections:

  1. An introduction to the basic principles of OpenUSD, with no prior programming requirements.
  2. Advanced USD: An introduction to using Python to create USD files, offering an advanced dimension.

The goal of the training is to gain a fundamental understanding of the structure of OpenUSD scenes and gain hands-on experience with OpenUSD Composition Arcs by:

  • Overriding an asset’s base properties with Sublayers
  • Combining multiple assets with OpenUSD References
  • Creating different states of an asset with OpenUSD Variants

Prerequisites:

For introductory content: Basic knowledge of computer graphics concepts such as vertices, grids, and RGB values.

Recommended materials to fulfil prerequisites: Scratchapixel’s Gentle Introduction to Computer Graphics (Programming).

For advanced content: Knowledge of basic Python programming concepts including functions, loops, dictionaries, and arrays.

Recommended materials to fulfil the prerequisite: the official Python 3 textbook.

Tools used:

Details

Website

www.digitalalliance.bg 

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Software engineering

Level

Middle

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

HOW TO BUILD CUSTOM 3D SCENE MANIPULATOR TOOLS ON NVIDIA OMNIVERSE

By Course, Free training, Up to one week, Format of the training, Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, English, Training fee, Other, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
HOW TO BUILD CUSTOM 3D SCENE MANIPULATOR TOOLS ON NVIDIA OMNIVERSE

05.09.2023 |

Embark on a journey to create advanced tools within the flexible and extensible Omniverse platform. Learn first-hand from the Omniverse developer ecosystem team how to enhance and expand the capabilities of your favorite 3D tools.

During this workshop, you’ll master the art of:

  • Running Omniverse code with confidence.
  • Installing and activating extensions in Omniverse Code.
  • Navigating the extensions panel, view and selecting primitives.
  • Skillfully navigating through the complex USD hierarchy of stages.
  • Crafting a handler for scale management widgets.
  • Solving the problem of a malfunctioning manipulator (slider).
  • Constructing a scaling manipulator designed for single axis scaling.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of Python (helpful, but not required).
  • The Python Tutorial.

Tools used:

  • Omniverse Code
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Python
  • Python Extensions

Minimum hardware recommendations:

  • Desktop or laptop computer with Intel i7 Gen 5 or AMD Ryzen.
  • NVIDIA RTX-capable GPU with 16 GB of storage.
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for all

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Level

Basic

Middle

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database

EASILY DEVELOP ADVANCED 3D LAYOUT TOOLS ON NVIDIA OMNIVERSE

By Format of the training, Online training, OPPORTUNITIES: Training, Course, Free training, Up to one week, Other, Training fee, Duration of training, Type of training, Language of the training, Country providing the training, OPPORTUNITIES
EASILY DEVELOP ADVANCED 3D LAYOUT TOOLS ON NVIDIA OMNIVERSE

05.09.2023 |

Plunge into the world of NVIDIA Omniverse, an immersive platform that connects and crafts meticulously precise 3D virtual environments. Discover the effortless process of sculpting your own custom scene layout tools using Omniverse code powered by a short Python snippet. Through this hands-on encounter, you’ll gain unparalleled knowledge of creating interactive 3D worlds.

Uncover the ins and outs of Omniverse in a self-paced course designed to guide you through creating your custom scene layout. With hands-on exercises using Omniverse Code and Python, you’ll be prepared to create immersive virtual landscapes tailored to your vision.

Course Objectives:

  • Launching Omniverse Code with ease.
  • Navigating the extensions panel, view, and select primitives.
  • Moving through the USD hierarchy of stages with finesse.
  • Crafting a specialized scatter function from Prim’s origin.
  • Injecting randomization into the Scatter extension to increase flexibility.
  • Revealing the art of manipulating Prims and customizing the Scatter extension.

Prerequisites:

  • Basic knowledge of Python (an asset, but not required).
  • Recommended preparation materials.
  • Tools:
  • Omniverse Code
  • Visual Studio Code
  • Python
  • Python Extension

Minimum Hardware Recommendations:

  • Desktop or laptop computer with an Intel i7 Gen 5 or AMD Ryzen processor.
  • NVIDIA RTX-capable GPU with 16 GB of capacity.
Details

Target audience

Digital skills for ICT professionals

Digital technology

Artificial Intelligence

Level

Middle

Format of the training

Online

Training fee

Free training

Duration of the training

Type of training

Language of the training

English

Country providing the training

Other

Classification

Database