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Bulgaria is poised to become the epicenter of AI innovation as it prepares to host nearly 200 students and youths from across the globe for the first-ever International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI). This pioneering event, initiated by Bulgarian visionaries, is set to take place in the vibrant city of Burgas from August 9 to August 15, 2024.
A Proud Tradition of Excellence
Building on its rich heritage of hosting prestigious international competitions, Bulgaria continues to strengthen its reputation in the STEM disciplines. The country previously hosted the first International Olympiad in Informatics in 1989, the International Linguistics Olympiad in 2003, and the European Junior Olympiad in Informatics in 2017. The IOAI represents the latest addition to this illustrious lineage, underscoring Bulgaria’s commitment to promoting advanced fields of knowledge on a global stage.
A Platform for the Brightest Minds
Minister of Education and Science, Galin Tsokov, highlighted Bulgaria’s dedication to fostering international Olympiads, particularly in rapidly advancing fields like artificial intelligence. This event has drawn significant attention, with 44 teams confirmed to participate, including two from Bulgaria.
The Olympiad will be hosted by the Professional Natural Sciences and Mathematics High School “Acad. N. Obreshkov” in Burgas and is sponsored by tech giant Google, signaling the event’s high stakes and global importance.
A Comprehensive AI Challenge
The competition is designed to test the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of participants in key AI domains such as machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision. The event will be segmented into two main rounds: a scientific round focusing on theoretical advancements, and a practical round where students will create AI-driven products like audio, video, or image-based solutions.
Schedule of Events
- August 9: Arrival of teams
- August 10: Opening ceremony
- August 11: Scientific round
- August 12: Conference
- August 13: Practical round
- August 14: Awards ceremony
- August 15: Departure of teams
Celebrating Academic Achievement
Bulgaria’s students have already demonstrated their prowess in international arenas, securing 58 medals in various Science Olympiads this year alone. The Ministry of Education and Science, in collaboration with the Municipality of Burgas, plays a key role as an institutional partner for this landmark event.
Elena Marinova, co-creator of the Olympiad, emphasized the dual nature of the competition, which combines theoretical excellence with hands-on experience. The event will also feature parallel activities, some of which will be open to the public, further promoting the importance of AI in contemporary education and industry.
Looking Forward
As Bulgaria welcomes participants from around the world, the inaugural IOAI promises to be a melting pot of ideas, innovation, and collaboration. It not only aims to challenge the brightest young minds but also to inspire the next generation of AI experts who will shape the future of technology.
With strong institutional and corporate support, the event is set to leave a lasting impact on the global AI community, reinforcing Bulgaria’s role as a key player in the advancement of artificial intelligence.
For more updates and detailed coverage of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence, stay tuned to BawabaAI (بوابة الذكاء الاصطناعي).
Source: IOAI, Radio Bulgaria
