Memorandum of Understanding Strengthens Relations between Technical University of Sofia and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development

A close relationship between academia and industry is essential for technological advancement, economic competitiveness, sustainable development, and the training of highly qualified professionals. This long-term cooperation goal is behind the signed on September 9th, 2026 Memorandum of Understanding between Technical University of Sofia (TU-Sofia) and the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD).

The document was signed at Technical University of Sofia by the University’s senior officials, represented by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Elitsa Gieva, Vice-Rector for Research, Applied Science, and Academic Staff, and Subhash Jose, Managing Director, Information Technology and CIO at EBRD. The EBRD delegation also included Simon Reeves, Associate Director, Technology Services and Head of the Global Technology Hub in Sofia, and Nadezhda Krasteva, DM Tech Sofia.

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Eng. Elitsa Gieva, Prof. Dr. Eng. Agata Manolova, Prof. Dr. Eng. Rumen Trifonov (from left to right) – senior officials of TU-Sofia

Prof. Dr. Eng. Agata Manolova, Dean of Faculty of Telecommunications, and Prof. Dr. Eng. Rumen Trifonov, Dean of Faculty of Computer Systems and Technology were also at the meeting on behalf of TU-Sofia. Prof. Manolova presented the activities of Technical University of Sofia and its faculties. She highlighted the strong ties between the University and industry, and the importance of such relations in developing the next generation of technology leaders. Prof. Manolova also emphasized the University’s extensive research, and participation in various research initiatives within the European University of Technology (EUt+) alliance, as an opportunity to apply science and technology in the economy, leadership, and society as a whole.

Simon Reeves (left) and Subhash Jose (right), EBRD representatives.

The signed Memorandum outlines a framework for cooperation in areas of mutual interest, including joint research and innovation projects; exchange of teaching and research expertise; lectures, seminars, working groups, conferences, professional training, continuing education, and other knowledge exchange activities.

 

The focus is on the students – practical training, thesis topics, and career development activities, as well as support for student entrepreneurship and start-ups through mentorship, expert guidance, access to relevant business and technical know-how, and participation in innovation initiatives.

Signing the Memorandum of Understanding
The Memorandum provides opportunities for cooperation in the exchange of knowledge, the development, validation, and subsequent application of scientific research.

The next step is an international student hackathon, led by the EBRD, which will take place in different countries.

 

The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development will donate more than 150 laptops to Technical University of Sofia for students to use in their studies.

Subhash Jose, EBRD (left) and Elitsa Gieva, TU-Sofia (right)

The EBRD is signing a Memorandum of Understanding with two Bulgarian universities, with TU-Sofia being one of them. This is a recognition of the country’s oldest higher technical school and demonstrates the University’s leading role as a European educational and research center in the fields of technical and applied sciences.

 

At the end of their visit, the guests explored the laboratories of the National Center for Excellence in Mechatronics and Clean Technologies. The modern equipment made a strong impression, as did the ambitious goals of the research teams.