The ExcellCity event “Excellent Education for Capacity Building in Smart City” was successfully held on May 11, 2026, at the Metropolitan Hotel in Sofia, Bulgaria. The forum brought together representatives of academia, partner organizations, PhD students, students, and innovative businesses to exchange knowledge, ideas, and good practices in the field of Smart Cities.

The event officially opened with presentations of the main activities and achievements within the project’s work packages, focusing on research and innovation capacity building, R&I twinning activities, small joint R&I projects, dissemination, communication, and project management.

Associated partners of ExcellCity — including the University of Messina (Italy), the University of Murcia (Spain), FIWARE Foundation, Sofia Development Association, and Virtech Bulgaria — actively participated in the programme by presenting good practices, collaborative initiatives, and opportunities for future cooperation.

Special attention was given to the participation of PhD students and students involved in ExcellCity activities, as well as to the sessions dedicated to start-up initiatives and demonstrations of innovative technological solutions for Smart Cities.

The event provided an excellent platform for networking, knowledge exchange, and discussions on the future development of Smart Cities and the role of education and innovation in this process.

Through initiatives such as this event, the ExcellCity project continues to promote international collaboration and the development of a sustainable ecosystem for innovation, education, and research in the field of Smart Cities.

• 11.05.2026

Sofia, 2026 – The University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) once again brought together students, employers, and partners from various sectors during “Career Days 2026.” The event reaffirmed its role as a key platform for career orientation and for strengthening the connection between education and business.

As a co-organizer and sponsor of the forum, Excellcity contributed to the overall experience with a creative and memorable touch. The company provided branded sweet treats—modern “cake-in-a-can” desserts—for all employer organizations participating with booths. This thoughtful gesture added a personal and engaging element to interactions between companies and attendees.

Employers appreciated the attention to detail and the opportunity to welcome students at their booths with something distinctive and enjoyable, helping to create a more relaxed and friendly atmosphere for conversations. The branded desserts also served as a natural icebreaker in meetings between young talents and business representatives.

“We believe that successful events are built not only on content but also on experience. Through our involvement, we aimed to contribute to the positive energy of the forum and support employers in their communication with students,” shared the Excellcity team.

“Career Days at ULSIT 2026” once again demonstrated the importance of strong partnerships and a creative approach in organizing events that connect future professionals with the real business environment. Excellcity remains committed to initiatives that support young talent and create value for the wider community.

• 29.04.2026

On April 23 and 24, 2026, the Fourth Scientific and Practical Conference with International Participation, titled “Digital Transformation of Education – Problems and Solutions,” was held in the city of Ruse.

Traditionally, the event is organized by the Ministry of Education and Science, the National Evaluation and Accreditation Agency, the Council of Rectors in the Republic of Bulgaria, the National Center for Distance Learning, the Bulgarian Research and Education Network, and many other institutions, while the host of this year’s event was the University of Ruse.

The selection and systematization of the scientific papers were carried out by a Program Committee co-chaired by Acad. Hristo Beloev, Prof. Miglena Temelkova, Prof. Stoyanka Lazarova, and Prof. Rumen Trifonov, comprising 21 distinguished academic members.

The direct organization was handled by an Organizing Committee co-chaired by Prof. Angel Smrikarov and Assoc. Prof. Galina Ivanova, with the active participation of 18 members—habilitated lecturers, assistants, PhD candidates, master’s and bachelor’s students, and undergraduate students.

At this representative forum, for the third time, researchers from ULSIT participated: Prof. Eugenia Kovatcheva, PhD; Deyan Matev, PhD; and Dobromir Dinev, PhD. The presented scientific and applied paper, titled “Free to Experiment – Free to Publish,” summarizes the achieved results and practical experience within the framework of the project: EXCELLCITY: BG-RRP-2.005-0003.

In previous editions of this scientific forum, other papers were presented. In April 2023, the paper “Risk Analysis in the Process of Digital Transformation in Universities,” co-authored with Prof. Eugenia Kovatcheva, PhD; Assoc. Prof. Boyan Zhekov, PhD; and Deyan Matev, PhD, and in April 2024, the paper “Challenges and Risks in Managing Digital Transformation in an Academic Environment,” co-authored with Prof. Eugenia Kovatcheva, PhD; Deyan Matev, PhD; Dobromir Dinev, PhD; and Hristo Tsolov.

All papers have been published in peer-reviewed standalone scientific proceedings with ISBN 978-954-712-892-7 and ISBN 978-954-712-892, while the latest volume is currently in the process of preparation for publication.

The ExcellCity team is pleased to announce that the final programme of the XIV National Seminar with international participation has been officially published. The event is held under the theme:

“Intellectual Property: An Ecosystem of Knowledge, Innovation and Identity”

📅 Date: April 23, 2026
🕙 Start: 10:00 AM
📍 Venue: ULSIT, Ceremonial Hall, Sofia
💻 Online participation: meet.google.com/vdw-asat-otz

The seminar features a comprehensive and dynamic programme, including:

• official opening with representatives of academic institutions and public authorities;
• a scientific forum addressing key topics such as copyright, access to knowledge, and intellectual property in contemporary society;
• a practical panel on “Business and Intellectual Property”;
• thematic sessions focused on:
  • intellectual property in science and the arts;
  • challenges of artificial intelligence;
  • books and reading in the digital age;
  • youth and future innovations;
• short presentations and contributions from international participants.

The programme brings together a diverse community of researchers, academics, PhD students, and business representatives, fostering dialogue and exchange of ideas in the field of intellectual property and innovation.

👉 Join Us!

We warmly invite all researchers, lecturers, students, business representatives, and professionals, as well as anyone interested in the topic, to take part in the seminar – either on-site or online.

📌 Participation offers an excellent opportunity for:

• knowledge exchange and networking;
• establishing new collaborations;
• engaging in discussions on the role of intellectual property in the digital era.

The full and final programme of the seminar is available below: https://excellcity.unibit.bg/images/PROGRAM-IP-day-23.04.2026.pdf

We look forward to welcoming you!

On 23 April 2026, the ExcellCity Project will participate as a partner in the scientific seminar organized by the State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT) in celebration of International Book Day and World Intellectual Property Day.

This year’s event will be held under the theme: “Intellectual Property: Ecosystem of Knowledge, Innovation and Identity”

The seminar aims to foster discussion on the role of intellectual property as a driving force for the development of knowledge, innovation processes, and the preservation of cultural identity in contemporary society.

In 2026, the event is organized in partnership with:

• State University of Library Studies and Information Technologies (ULSIT)
• Academy of Music, Dance and Fine Arts “Prof. Assen Diamandiev” – Plovdiv
• South-West University “Neofit Rilski” – Blagoevgrad
• King Stanisław Leszczyński Higher School of Humanities – Leszno, Poland
• ExcellCity Project

📍 Date and Venue:

• 23 April 2026
  
• 10:00 AM
  
• Ceremonial Hall, ULSIT, 119 Tsarigradsko Shose Blvd., Sofia, Bulgaria

💻 Online participation will also be available.

The ExcellCity Project supports initiatives that encourage scientific dialogue, the exchange of best practices, and the creation of a sustainable environment for innovation and knowledge development.

We look forward to being part of this meaningful discussion on the future of knowledge, innovation, and cultural identity.

From April 7 to 9, 2026, representatives of the EXCELLCITY project team took part in the Eurasia Higher Education Summit (EURIE 2026), one of the leading international forums dedicated to higher education, academic cooperation, and institutional development. This year’s edition marked the 10th anniversary of the summit, bringing together universities, research institutions, policymakers, and academic leaders from around the world.

Participation in EURIE 2026 was organized as part of the ongoing implementation of the EXCELLCITY project – “Enhancing Scientific and Innovation Capacity in Smart Cities through Twinning” (No. BG-RRP-2.005-0003), which aims to strengthen research excellence, foster innovation, and expand international cooperation in the field of smart cities.

The project was represented by:

• Prof. Tereza Trencheva, PhD – Vice Rector for Research and International Affairs and Institutional Erasmus+ Coordinator
• Assoc. Prof. Plamen Teodosiev, PhD – Lecturer in the Department of National and International Security

During the summit, the EXCELLCITY team held a series of productive meetings with representatives of the Eurasian Universities Union (EURAS), the main organizer of EURIE, as well as with delegates from universities and academic institutions across the Eurasian region, including Türkiye, Albania, Romania, Indonesia, and other partner countries.

These meetings created valuable opportunities for:

• establishing new academic and research partnerships;
• exploring opportunities for future international cooperation and joint initiatives;
• exchanging expertise and best practices in research and innovation;
• promoting collaboration in the area of Smart Cities and sustainable urban development.

Participation in international events such as EURIE is an essential part of the EXCELLCITY project’s mission to enhance visibility, strengthen networking, and facilitate the exchange of knowledge with leading academic institutions worldwide.

Through its active international engagement, EXCELLCITY continues to build strategic partnerships and contribute to the advancement of scientific excellence and innovation capacity in support of the smart cities of the future.

• EURIE 2026

We are pleased to invite you to the final conference of the EXCELLCITY project – “Enhancing Scientific and Innovation Capacity in Smart Cities through Twinning” (BG-RRP-2.005-0003).

The event will present the key results achieved within the project, highlight good practices, and showcase innovative approaches in the field of smart cities, as well as opportunities for future collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions.

📅 Date: 11.05.2026
🕙 Start time: 10:00 AM
📍 Venue: “Sofia” Hall, Metropolitan Hotel

During the conference, participants will have the opportunity to learn about:

• 👉the main outcomes and achievements of the EXCELLCITY project;
• 👉innovative approaches to smart city development;
• 👉opportunities for international cooperation and knowledge exchange;
• 👉best practices from partner organizations.

The event is intended for representatives of the academic community, researchers, experts, students, and all stakeholders interested in smart city development and innovation.

📌 Please register HERE: https://forms.gle/aybxsAaoPBqNMSx59

Find the Agenda HERE

We look forward to welcoming you!

Between 11 and 16 January 2026, the team of project BG-RRP-2.005-0003 ExcellCity is carrying out a short-term mobility visit to the University of Murcia (Spain) as part of the activities under Work Package 2. The mobility is organized in accordance with the official project implementation plan and approved project activities.

As of 14 January 2026, the visit is in its active phase and includes intensive research, academic, and coordination activities aimed at strengthening international cooperation and supporting the development of innovative solutions for smart and sustainable urban environments.

Main activities and highlights

During the mobility, the project team is involved in a wide range of professional and scientific activities, including:

• 👉 conducting joint scientific research and preparing academic publications in cooperation with researchers from the University of Murcia;

• 👉 presentations of ongoing research and innovation projects by PhD students of the host university;

• 👉 discussions and preparation of future joint project proposals within European and international funding programs;

• 👉 demonstrations of smart solutions in the agricultural sector, including experimental implementations within the GreenHouse initiative;

• 👉 participation in the Semiconductor Security Forum, focused on current challenges and good practices in the field of semiconductor technologies and cybersecurity.

The mobility contributes significantly to the exchange of knowledge and best practices, the establishment of sustainable academic partnerships, and the advancement of the scientific and innovation capacity of the ExcellCity project consortium.

The project team expresses its sincere appreciation to the University of Murcia for the warm hospitality, excellent organization, and productive collaboration.

• 12.01.2026 - 18.01.2026