Free AI and Big Data Support for SMEs

The GATE Institute is opening the services offered under the InnovationAmp project to companies from Bulgaria and the wider region that are looking to advance their digital transformation and strengthen their use of data and artificial intelligence. The Bulgarian-Romanian Chamber of Commerce has launched a partnership with the Institute in support of the business community.

Through the European InnovationAmp project, part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network, the GATE Institute provides free technological support to small and medium-sized enterprises undertaking digital transformation initiatives. The services are available to businesses from all sectors that work with data and see opportunities for implementing AI solutions. The support is publicly funded and does not require any upfront investment from participating companies.

Who Is It For?
The programme is designed for SMEs that already collect data from their operational, manufacturing or customer-related processes and would like to test a specific digital or AI solution before committing their own resources.

It is suitable both for companies that are at the beginning of their digitalisation journey and for more advanced organisations looking to pilot a specific technology before large-scale implementation.

What Do You Receive?
Following an initial consultation and assessment of your company, the GATE team will define a tailored project within one of the following areas:

Digital Transformation Roadmap
An assessment of your current digital maturity and a practical action plan covering everything from ERP and cloud systems to identifying where and how AI can generate measurable business value.

Test Before You Invest
Evaluate an AI model or innovative technology using your own data in GATE's secure environment and receive an objective assessment of its business value before committing financial resources.

Digital Twin for Manufacturing
Create a virtual model of your production line to simulate changes and optimisation scenarios without interrupting actual operations.

Data Health Assessment
Evaluate whether the data you currently collect is suitable for machine learning applications and prepare your organisation for future AI projects.

AI Assistants and Process Automation
Development and testing of chatbots and AI-powered tools for customer service, inquiry management and internal business processes.

Training for Teams and Management
AI and Data Analytics for Managers
A practical workshop focused on data-driven decision-making and the business applications of AI.

The EU AI Act
Understanding the impact of the new European AI legislation and how your organisation can prepare for compliance.

Innovation Management Through Design Thinking
Practical innovation sprints designed to transform ideas into prototypes and business solutions.

Data Spaces for Industry
Secure sharing and monetisation of data between partners across the value chain.

Who Can Apply?
InnovationAmp services are available to companies that meet the following criteria:

• Company size: Micro, small, medium-sized enterprises or mid-cap companies.
• Location: Registered and operating in Bulgaria.
• Sector: Priority sectors include automotive, mechatronics, pharmaceuticals and ICT, although companies from other industries are also eligible.
• Financial status: No insolvency or liquidation proceedings and no significant public liabilities.

About GATE
The GATE Institute is Eastern Europe's first Centre of Excellence in Big Data and Artificial Intelligence, established within Sofia University. Through InnovationAmp, the Institute is part of the European Digital Innovation Hubs (EDIH) network funded under the Digital Europe Programme.

Learn more about GATE:
https://www.gate-ai.eu/en/home/

Next Step
Schedule a 30-minute introductory consultation with Ivan Draganov for a free initial assessment:

ivan.draganov@gate-ai.eu

+359 885 402 541

Project No. BG16RFPR002-1.002-0002-C02 "Promoting Digitalisation in Southwest Bulgaria (InnovationAmp)", financed under Programme "Research, Innovation and Digitalisation for Smart Transformation", co-funded by the European Union through the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).