AI Chamber at Digital Horizons in Sofia

Exploring Bulgaria’s AI potential and shared ambitions across CEE

On July 31st, 2025, our CEO Tomasz Snażyk and Director of Growth & Partnerships Agnieszka Gosztyła represented AI Chamber at Digital Horizons 2025, held at Sofia Tech Park. The conference gathered tech innovators, policymakers, and business leaders from across Central and Eastern Europe to explore the future of artificial intelligence in the region.

The event was co-organized by the Bulgarian Ministry of Innovation and Growth, the Bulgarian SME Promotion Agency (BSMEPA), and Sofia Tech Park, with support from the #BreakingGrounds initiative. Its main focus: accelerating the digital transformation of Bulgaria’s economy.

With over 180 million BGN in funding now available for innovation, automation, and technological upgrades through national and EU programs, the forum provided a timely platform to connect traditional businesses with emerging technologies.

The day’s program featured:

• A high-level policy dialogue with deputy ministers and public agency leaders

• Insights from 50+ IT companies and business organizations in an expo zone

• B2B networking opportunities and partnership matchmaking

• Expert presentations on AI, cybersecurity, and green digital transformation

AI Chamber was invited to contribute by Recursive Media JSC, and we were pleased to present our latest findings on AI adoption among SMEs in the CEE region.

During his presentation, the CEO of AI Chamber highlighted compelling insights about Bulgaria, drawn from a report we recently released on how small and medium-sized enterprises are embracing AI. His remarks shed light on the innovative momentum building in the region and the growing role of intelligent technologies in the day-to-day operations of local businesses.

• Bulgaria’s AI development is in its early stages, but the outlook is highly promising
  65% of SMEs report using AI, 59% see it as beneficial, yet only 37% are aware of the AI Act
• The most common applications include data analysis, automatic translation, and task automation
• Bulgaria has a relatively low share of “Practical Optimists” — companies eager to grow with AI but needing more strategic and regulatory support
• Gaps in infrastructure, digital readiness, and employee training present opportunities for rapid advancement with the right investments.

Although Bulgaria is currently at an earlier stage of AI adoption compared to some of its regional neighbors, it shares key characteristics with other Central and Eastern European countries such as a strong entrepreneurial spirit, optimistic attitudes toward artificial intelligence and a growing appetite for innovation. These common traits create fertile ground for meaningful cross-border collaboration, encouraging the exchange of knowledge, resources and best practices across the region.

The presentation drew an audience of industry professionals who listened to Tomek’s talk with great interest. Following the main session, representatives of AI Chamber engaged in numerous conversations with regional companies, fostering valuable dialogue and connection.

We would also like to take this opportunity to thank Teodor Antonio Georgiev and the team at Recursive Media JSC, whose support made it possible for us to be present in Sofia and establish so many valuable and engaging connection

📥 Explore the full AI Action Plan:
🌐 www.aiactionplan.eu