The Minister of Economy personally supported the Bulgarian Olympians representing our country at the second edition of the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence in Beijing
Bulgaria is building an ecosystem comprising scientific research, start-up companies, and education in the field of artificial intelligence. Many talented specialists graduate from our schools, universities, and laboratories. We stand ready to contribute and collaborate with partners by implementing responsible innovations and placing people at the centre of technological progress. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, in his speech at the opening of the second edition of the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), held in Beijing.
Bulgaria is building an ecosystem comprising scientific research, start-up companies, and education in the field of artificial intelligence. Many talented specialists graduate from our schools, universities, and laboratories. We stand ready to contribute and collaborate with partners by implementing responsible innovations and placing people at the centre of technological progress. This was stated by the Minister of Economy and Industry, Peter Dilov, in his speech at the opening of the second edition of the International Olympiad on Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), held in Beijing.
The Minister of Economy personally supported the Bulgarian national AI team in the Chinese capital, having received an official invitation from our Olympians to attend the international Olympiad.
The best Bulgarian students are representing our country in the competition, which is being held in Beijing this year. Teams from over 60 countries are participating in the event. Bulgaria is the initiator and first organiser of the world’s most prestigious high school tournament in the field of artificial intelligence, with the inaugural edition having taken place last year in Burgas.
The Bulgarian national AI team this year consists of: Reni Paskaleva (12th Grade, First Private Mathematical High School), Bozhidara Pukhaleva (11th Grade, Sofia Mathematical High School), Velislav Dzhelepov (11th Grade, Mathematical High School – Plovdiv), Mario Petkov (11th Grade, Professional High School of Electronics and Chemical Technologies, Pleven), Alexander Slavov (9th Grade, Mathematical High School – Ruse), Adriana Georgieva (10th Grade, Sofia Mathematical High School), Damyan Dochev (11th Grade, 91 German Language High School, Sofia), and Boyan Vangelov (Year 12, Mathematical High School – Varna). Their supervisors are Yoan Salambashev and Assistant Melania Berbatova, from the Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”.
The Minister of Economy congratulated the young talents representing our country in one of the most significant and promising fields of contemporary knowledge – artificial intelligence. “Your participation in international competitions and forums is not only a success on an individual level but also a contribution to establishing Bulgaria as a country with high capacity in the field of advanced technologies and scientific research,” declared Dilov.
“Your generation will determine what artificial intelligence becomes – how it is used, what it represents, and whom it serves,” he addressed the students.
According to him, the development of artificial intelligence is one of the most dynamic and transformative fields of our time. “It is not only a driver of economic growth for a country, but is increasingly becoming a key factor for modernisation, development, and improving the quality of life,” Dilov emphasised.
In his speech, the Minister of Economy noted that we are experiencing one of the most exciting and challenging times in human history. “Worldwide, countries are investing heavily in artificial intelligence. They recognize its potential to transform economies, stimulate innovation, and solve complex global problems, however, this potential also raises difficult questions – about ethics, privacy, and fairness. And these questions require answers grounded in human values,” he pointed out.
In his words, the future of artificial intelligence is not solely about technology. “It’s about people. It’s about you. The choices you make – the ideas you pursue, the principles you uphold – will shape the future of this field,” Dilov stated.
The Minister of Economy further emphasised that artificial intelligence is a powerful tool that requiers careful guidance. “It must serve humanity – not simply by increasing efficiency, but by uplifting people rather than replacing them. As the next generation of creators, you bear this responsibility,” he told the participants.
Dilov stated that artificial intelligence is not neutral. “It learns from the data we provide it. The tools you create will shape how people live, learn, heal, and connect. This is a great responsibility, but also an enormous opportunity,” he affirmed.
“For us, institutional-level support is vital,” said Ms Elena Marinova, Deputy Chair of the Management Board of the Association of Olympiad Teams in Natural Sciences and co-founder and Chair of the IOAI Board.