site.btaGATE Institute Signs Two Cooperation Agreements with Japanese Universities

The Big Data for Smart Society Institute (GATE) at Sofia University St. Kliment Ohridski has signed two cooperation agreements with leading Japanese universities during EXPO 2025 in Osaka, the university’s press centre said. The partner institutions are the University of Tsukuba and Kwansei Gakuin University.

According to Sofia University, the agreements represent an important step in strengthening academic and scientific cooperation between Bulgaria and Japan, laying the foundation for joint research and knowledge exchange in the fields of artificial intelligence, digital twins, sustainable cities, and digital healthcare.

The signing took place amid intensified contacts between the two countries and builds on the Joint Declaration on Strategic Partnership between Bulgaria and Japan, signed on May 20, 2025, in Tokyo by President Rumen Radev and Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. The declaration identifies science and innovation as key pillars of bilateral relations — a vision that GATE and its Japanese partners are already putting into practice, Sofia University added.

“This event symbolizes a shared vision and mutual trust between our institutions and our two nations. Together, we are building the path toward more sustainable, digital, and adaptive cities of the future,” said Prof. Dr. Silvia Ilieva, Director of GATE. 

The university’s press office noted that at the Osaka event, GATE was represented by Marieta Arabadzhieva, Bulgaria’s Ambassador to Japan. The ceremony was attended by academics, diplomats, and guests from both countries, who learned about the research areas of GATE and its partner universities, as well as their plans for joint scientific projects and academic exchange.

The partnership with the University of Tsukuba will expand the already established collaboration between the two institutions in modelling, artificial intelligence, climate studies, and digital healthcare, while the agreement with Kwansei Gakuin University will launch new initiatives in urban development and smart infrastructure, the university’s statement added.

The two ceremonies, held as part of GATE’s Academic Days at EXPO 2025 in Osaka, further demonstrate the institute’s commitment to building strategic international partnerships and strengthening Bulgaria’s position on the global map of scientific and technological innovation, Sofia University said.

The mission of the Big Data for Smart Society Institute is to conduct applied research, foster innovation, and offer education in the fields of data science and artificial intelligence. The institute has extensive experience gained through numerous successful projects addressing key societal challenges, including Alzheimer’s disease and disinformation.