The Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT) at Sofia University has launched a joint programme with the Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory (CSAIL) at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT CSAIL). The collaboration was inaugurated at a ceremony held at the INSAIT headquarters in Sofia Tech Park on Wednesday.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Innovation and Growth Tomislav Donchev said that the agreement with MIT symbolizes INSAIT’s integration into the global, cutting-edge infrastructure in science and technology. “The fact that today we have an agreement between MIT and INSAIT does not mean that INSAIT is just now appearing on the map – it has been on the map for a long time already. What it does mean, however, is something else: that it is now part of the global, avant-garde infrastructure in the field of science and technology.”

Education and Science Minister Krasimir Valchev thanked MIT for partnering with INSAIT, and expressed a hope that more Bulgarian scientists and talents will join the programme, visit INSAIT and then achieve scientific and professional success there in the field of AI and computer science. After five years of existence, INSAIT has not only met the goals of its establishment but it has also exceeded them many times over, Valchev said.

Prof. Martin Vechev, scientific director and founder of INSAIT, said: “The programme allows scientists and researchers joining INSAIT and Sofia University, with a long-term plan, to specialize and spend one year at MIT CSAIL.” After returning to Bulgaria, participants will apply the knowledge and experience at INSAIT and universities across the country, he added. He also said MIT has very few similar programmes worldwide, and they have chosen INSAIT “after nearly a year of talks and discussions.”

America for Bulgaria Foundation Executive Director Desislava Taliokova said that the joint programme between INSAIT and MIT CSAIL is a success for INSAIT, and a success for Bulgaria. “INSAIT’s partnership with MIT will allow Bulgarian scientists and researchers to engage with and measure themselves against the world’s leading minds,” Taliokova said.

Sofia University Vice Rector Tony Spassov said: “It is extremely important for us to connect the Bulgarian researchers at INSAIT and Sofia University with the highest level of thought and implementation of scientific ideas.” He emphasized that competition is an essential mechanism for bringing out the best results.

MIT CSAIL Associate Director and COO Armando Solar-Lezama emphasized the importance of international collaboration for the advancement of science. He expressed optimism about the future of the partnership, noting that he looks forward to the start of the collaboration and hopes it will continue for many years.

The event was also attended by US Charge d’Affaires in Bulgaria Martin McDowell and INSAIT Executive Director Borislav Petrov, among others.