15 Young Talents Selected for INSAIT’s Explorer Scholarship Programme

The new scholarship recipients for the Explorer programme run by the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology (INSAIT), which enables outstanding Bulgarian talent in mathematics, computer science, artificial intelligence and the natural sciences to continue their education and development in Bulgaria at a world-class level, were presented at a ceremony at the Council of Ministers.

The idea behind the Explorer programme, run by INSAIT and Sofia University’s Faculty of Mathematics and Informatics, is to give talented young Bulgarians the opportunity to stay in Bulgaria while receiving a world-class education and opportunities for scientific research. The programme’s third cohort consists of 15 young talents who, from their first year at university, combine their studies with work on real-world scientific problems.

Prof Martin Vechev, founder and scientific director of INSAIT: “These talented Bulgarian young people can stay in Bulgaria and develop at a level equal to, comparable with or even higher than what they would receive at leading elite Western universities.”

The initiative is supported by Sofia University, the Bulgarian Olympic movement, Bulgarian schools and companies committed to developing the next generation of young researchers.

Rumen Radev, Prime Minister: “What all of you are doing together is launching Bulgaria into a new orbit. With the advance of artificial intelligence, we are now measuring a nation’s economic potential by its talent, its research in artificial intelligence and the models it develops. These are fundamental, profound changes.”

One of the programme’s first scholarship recipients is Maria Drencheva, now a third-year student with research publications and experience in several areas of artificial intelligence.

For her, the opportunity to begin research from her first year was decisive in choosing to study in Bulgaria. Three years on, she already has a clear goal: to continue her research in the field of artificial intelligence.

Maria Drencheva, third-year student and Explorer scholar: “I definitely want to pursue research in artificial intelligence, and the truth is that there are amazing people to work with here at INSAIT. They are the best at what they do, and that is why I have always seen myself continuing my development here in Bulgaria.”

Two of the new scholarship recipients are Valentin, a graduate of the Mathematics High School in Pleven, and Martin, a graduate of Sofia High School of Mathematics. They describe the programme as an exceptional opportunity to stay in Bulgaria and continue their education here. Asked where they see themselves after completing the programme, they said:

Valentin Filipov: “I see myself as one of the elite scientists at the institute, developing alongside them and growing together.”

Martin Shopov: “After the programme, I want to start my own start-up and become one of the driving forces behind innovation in the world, and in doing so put Bulgaria on the map.”

This is also the programme’s broader ambition: for future cohorts to show that the path to world-class science can begin right here in Bulgaria.