site.btaBulgarian Students Present AI Projects at Education Conference in Sofia

Bulgarian high school students showcased AI projects at the Education 4.0: Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and Digital Future with Erasmus+ conference in Sofia on Thursday. 

Among the highlights is Firefly, a forest fire prevention drone developed by students from the Professional School for Computer Programming and Innovation in Burgas. Another standout project, Moneta, created by students from the Technological School of Electronic Systems at the Technical University – Sofia, focused on improving financial literacy through AI-driven simulations.

Students from the Alexander Stepanovich Popov Professional High School of High Technologies introduced Maria, an AI digital assistant who co-hosted part of the event. Maria is the first in a series of such assistants and real-time interaction and audience engagement to be added to future versions.

Deputy Education Minister Emilia Lazarova opened the conference, emphasizing the importance of digital skills in education. She announced new professional qualifications related to information systems, user interfaces, and unmanned aerial vehicles to be introduced for 8th-grade students starting 2026 - 2027 and aligned with UNESCO standards. 

“Artificial intelligence will not replace teachers, but teachers who use AI will replace those who do not,” Lazarova stated.

Deputy Interior Minister Filip Popov noted Bulgaria’s active role in becoming not just a consumer but also a creator of digital security. 

Antoaneta Krasteva, Director of the Directorate General for Education, Youth, Sport and Culture at the European Commission, raised concerns about the digital divide, pointing out that only 56% of Europe’s population has basic digital skills - and just 43% among eighth-graders. The EU’s goal is to reach 20 million digital technology specialists in the coming years.

Organized by the Human Resource Development Centre (HRDC), the conference highlights the impressive talents of young Bulgarians, as well as the country's commitment to shaping a digital future rooted in innovation, responsibility, and inclusion.