About ITD & AI
Applied research, innovation enablement, and ecosystem growth powered by trustworthy AI.
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Strengthening academic–industry collaborations
Connecting universities, startups, and enterprises for joint innovation.
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Promoting knowledge, innovation, and entrepreneurial culture
Building a fertile ground for growth and experimentation.
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Training and educational engagement
Technology adoption in education, community development, and corporate systems.
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Facilitating innovation evaluation
Supporting entrepreneurs, students, and researchers in validation processes.
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Methodological research and best-practice dissemination
Advancing ICTs nationally and internationally.
The journey of ITD & AI
The Institute of Technology Development and AI (ITD.AI) — formerly the Institute of Technology and Development (ITD) — was founded in 2006 as a spin-off of the Centre of Information Society Technologies (CIST), Sofia University. ITD.AI is a non-profit, non-governmental organisation committed to advancing applied research and developing innovative business and technology solutions that foster a digitally empowered innovation ecosystem. Its mission is to enable sustainable growth, cultivate entrepreneurial culture, and deliver tangible societal impact.
Building on ITD’s foundation, the institute supports national and international public, private, and NGO partners with forward-looking AI and emerging-tech strategy. ITD.AI has a proven record in European and national programmes and serves as Bulgaria’s Bridgehead Organisation within the EURAXESS Service Network—connecting researchers and innovators globally. By uniting academic and industry leaders, ITD.AI delivers tailored skills, processes, and ICT systems as a dynamic hub for AI-driven innovation and regional development.
Guided by visionary leadership
Under the leadership of Professor Roumen Nikolov and operational management of Marin Barzakov, ITD.AI has evolved into a dynamic hub.
The founding team unites forward-thinking researchers, innovators, and technologists who share a strong commitment to ITD.AI’s mission.
Pioneer transformative AI for real impact
To pioneer transformative AI and technological research, driving real-world innovation across society by shaping smarter cities, modern healthcare, environmental resilience, and equitable legal systems while cultivating regional talent and nurturing deep-tech entrepreneurship.
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Transformative Research & InnovationFrom concept to validated prototypes
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Applied Societal ImpactSmart cities, healthcare, environment, law
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Talent DevelopmentTraining, mentorship, community
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Entrepreneurial EcosystemSpin-offs, partnerships, venture paths
A compass for AI-driven ecosystems
To become a regional and global leader in AI-driven innovation, enabling thriving smart ecosystems and inclusive technology solutions by retaining local talent, attracting global collaboration, and charting sustainable pathways to societal advancement.