The event was organized by the Municipality of Burgas, Sofia Tech Park, and DIGIHUB, filling the conference halls of the complex.

Over 200 experts, business representatives, academics, and local authorities gathered at Central Park Burgas to discuss the future of digitalization. The event, organized by the Municipality of Burgas, DIGIHUB, and Sofia Tech Park, attracted the attention of the entire IT community in the country.

The opening of the meeting, held on September 27, was marked by the presence of Dimitar Nikolov, Mayor of Burgas, Zornitsa Rusinova, Chair of the Economic and Social Council, and Todor Mladenov, Executive Director of Sofia Tech Park. They emphasized the importance of collaboration between local authorities, businesses, and academia in the digital transformation of the region. Following them, Petko Georgiev, Chairman of the DIGIHUB Board, highlighted key moments in the development of the digital ecosystem in the region in recent years and shared ambitions for the future.

The conference featured several panel discussions and workshops. The keynote lecture, titled “Homo/Deus Ex Machina,” was presented by Dobroslav Dimitrov (BRAIT) and explored the profound impact of artificial intelligence across various industries.

Panel 1: Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Digital Transformation was moderated by Georgi Nenov and featured Ivaylo Slavov, Iliya Krastev, Elena Marinova, and Kristian Mihaylov. They shared their insights on the integration of AI into businesses and society, as well as the challenges associated with it.

Panel 2: Green Innovations through AI, moderated by Kristian Mihaylov (PARA), included participants such as Kalin Dimchev (Microsoft), Todor Mladenov (Sofia Tech Park), Hristo Kovachev (ORBIS Digital Services), and Ina Agafonova (DIGIHUB Board member). They discussed how AI can support sustainable industrial development. Ina Agafonova contributed valuable expertise to the panel.

Panel 3: The Role of AI in the Public Sector included presentations of the AI4Public and META CITIES projects, delivered by Boyan Popunkyov and Prof. Sotir Sotirov. The panel, moderated by Tsvetan Smardanski, focused on how AI can be integrated into the public sector and explored the available funding opportunities.

Panel 4: Innovative Training Programs and the Digital Future

The final panel centered on the role of innovative educational programs in the digital future. Moderator Mihail Nenov led a discussion with Prof. Stanislav Simeonov, Prof. Milen Baltov, Alexander Kitov, and Stanislava Gorostanova. They discussed how academic institutions and tech companies can prepare talent with the digital skills needed for future challenges.

The event also featured two workshops organized in collaboration with the Ministry of Innovation and Growth (MIR), which proved particularly useful for cluster and hub representatives. The first workshop focused on funding opportunities for clusters and upcoming programs set to launch in October 2024. It was specifically noted that a funding procedure for clusters would open by the end of the year, allowing them to apply for support. The second workshop, related to the national network of 12 digital innovation hubs, also provided valuable guidance for the future development and collaboration between hubs.

The closing session, led by Georgi Nenov, summarized the key takeaways from the conference, with particular attention given to the future development of the digital ecosystem.

The conference concluded with a celebration marking the 8th anniversary of the ICT Cluster Burgas. The celebration included congratulatory addresses from AIBEST, BRAIT, and the ICT Cluster Varna, while guests enjoyed a festive cake, music, and dancing.

Burgas Digital 2024 reaffirmed its position as a leading platform for knowledge and idea exchange in the field of digitalization, and we eagerly look forward to continuing this journey next year.

“We are fortunate to have so many members and partners with whom we share 8 years of success, common values, and memories to celebrate. This has become a tradition that binds us forever,” said Petko Georgiev, Chairman of the DIGIHUB and ICT Cluster Burgas, welcoming our guests and members on the beautiful terrace of Central Park at sunset in Burgas.