“Boosting AI Development in Central and Eastern Europe”

Google announced this week a new investment of over million in support of INSAIT, the Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, and Technology based in Sofia, Bulgaria. This funding underscores Google’s dedication to promoting AI research and talent development in Central and Eastern Europe.

Part of the investment includes providing INSAIT with over million in cloud computing resources, including access to Google Cloud’s Tensor Processing Units (TPUs). These specialized processors are crucial for handling machine learning workloads, enabling researchers at INSAIT to create foundational models and conduct cutting-edge research in AI.

Additionally, million will go towards funding eight doctoral scholarships through the Google-INSAIT partnership. This initiative seeks to attract and support the brightest minds in the region, nurturing a new cohort of AI experts.

This latest investment builds on Google’s previous support for INSAIT, which began with a million donation in 2022 for compute resources and scholarships. Google researchers also play a role in mentoring doctoral students at INSAIT.

Google’s decision to invest in INSAIT aligns with the belief that Central and Eastern Europe holds significant potential in the AI field. Despite the abundance of talent in the region, there is still a gap in representation in AI research. By backing institutions like INSAIT, Google aims to help bridge this divide.

Since its establishment in 2022, INSAIT has emerged as a prominent research center, striving to create a top-tier research environment that attracts, nurtures, and retains top talent, ultimately fostering a robust high-tech economy in Bulgaria. Professor Martin Vechev, the Founder and Scientific Director of INSAIT, views this latest support as validation that the institute is on the right path.

Collectively, Google and INSAIT are paving the way for a more inclusive, innovative, and impactful future in AI research and development.