The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) serves as Bulgaria's first Centre of Excellence for Big Data and AI research while also functioning as the country's International Data Spaces Association (IDSA) Hub . The institute integrates research excellence with practical innovation across four strategic areas: Future Cities, Intelligent Government, Smart Industry, and Digital Health.
Name in original language
GATE Център за върхови постижения - Големи данни за интелигентно общество
Initiative overview
GATE Institute was established as the first dedicated Centre of Excellence for Big Data and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Eastern Europe, co-funded by the European Commission and the Bulgarian Government. It addresses the growing need to leverage data and AI technologies to solve complex societal challenges and foster digital transformation. Recognizing that broad AI research alone is insufficient, GATE focuses on impactful, real-world applications in key areas such as Future Cities, Digital Health, Smart Industry, and Intelligent Governance. By doing so, it supports the development of a data-driven smart society, enhancing public services, environmental monitoring, healthcare, and industrial innovation.The initiative's main objectives include building a globally competitive research and innovation center that drives practical AI and Big Data solutions with clear societal and economic benefits. GATE aims to increase research capacity by attracting world-class scientists and training new generations of AI experts. It fosters strong collaboration between academia, industry, and government to accelerate innovation, experimentation, and commercialization of AI technologies. GATE also emphasizes the creation of advanced open infrastructures that enable secure data sharing and privacy-aware AI methods, such as federated learning, positioning itself as a national and European hub for trustworthy AI research and innovation.Looking ahead, GATE plans to institutionalize its activities by embedding them into national and EU research frameworks and expanding its role in the European Research Area. The initiative is expected to scale by increasing the number of partnerships and members in its data-sharing ecosystems, such as the Bulgarian Urban Data Space, supporting more cities and sectors. It will continue to pioneer responsible AI development through explainable AI methods, transparent systems, and privacy-preserving technologies. This ongoing evolution reflects a strategic policy shift towards deploying AI as a tool for societal benefit, sustainable development, and public trust.Since its inception, GATE has demonstrated significant policy and research advancements by aligning its focus with pressing societal needs and international collaboration. It has shifted from exploratory AI research to targeted applications that address immediate challenges, such as environmental protection, healthcare improvement, and intelligent governance. Its commitment to data sovereignty, privacy, and transparency sets new standards for AI deployment in Bulgaria and the wider region. Through its comprehensive approach, GATE is shaping a future where AI drives innovation while respecting ethical principles and societal values.
Name of responsible organisation (in English)
Ministry of Education and Science (MES); Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIG); Ministry of Electronic Governance (MEG)
