Bulgaria secures funding to build a major AI factory in Sofia

Bulgaria has recently been selected to host one of six new European factories dedicated to artificial intelligence, as announced by the Representation of the European Commission in Sofia. This significant development highlights Bulgaria's emerging role in the tech sector and follows a competitive bidding process with several advanced European nations. The new factory, named BRAIN++, will be located in Sofia Tech Park and is set to feature a state-of-the-art supercomputer along with an AI center designed to support various sectors including government, education, and the private industry. Despite the challenges posed by global competition, the establishment of BRAIN++ has been made possible through a national and European investment totaling 485 million euros, showcasing a strong financial commitment toward innovation and technological advancement in Bulgaria. The project was secured with the support of the Bulgarian government, which pledged to provide 50 percent of the necessary funding starting in 2026. This funding strategy is critical for facilitating the development and infrastructure needed for advanced AI technologies. The factory is intended to operate in collaboration with five additional AI facilities located in Austria, France, Germany, Poland, and Slovenia. Together, these factories aim to promote ethical and responsible AI practices across Europe. In particular, BRAIN++ will contribute to projects involving earth observation, robotics, and the development of large language models, expanding the range of capabilities and services available in the region. To enhance the collaboration between stakeholders, BRAIN++ seeks to create cloud-based environments aimed at supporting small and medium enterprises. This initiative will not only lower barriers to accessing critical technological resources but also engage with training programs designed to develop expertise in AI-related fields. The implementation of this project is expected to take three years, establishing Bulgaria as a pivotal player in the AI industry on the European stage.