Burgas, 15 June 2026 – The fourth edition of the AIBEST Tech Academy in Burgas has attracted record interest, making it the largest edition of the initiative to date. More than 150 students specializing in information technology from seven schools across the city have joined the programme. Divided into 20 teams, they will spend three weeks—from 13 June to 3 July—working on practical technology projects under the guidance of experienced industry mentors.
The AIBEST Tech Academy has established itself as a successful model for connecting education with business by giving students the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice, collaborate in teams, and develop skills that are difficult to acquire solely in the classroom. Each team consists of seven to eight students who will go through the entire process of developing a technology solution—from defining roles and planning tasks to delivering and presenting a working product.
The Academy features an intensive daily teamwork programme combined with direct mentoring, consultations, and supervision from 20 experts representing leading companies in the IT and business services sectors. This year's mentors come from SoftServe, Proxiad SEE, IBRD (World Bank), Scalefocus, Accedia, Ipsos, A Data Pro, Zühlke, EPAM, ICT Strypes, and DXC Technology. SoftServe is the co-organizer of the initiative, while the Municipality of Burgas continues its long-standing partnership with the programme.
Students participating in this year's Academy represent the Vocational High School of Computer Programming and Innovation, Konstantin Fotinov Vocational High School of Electrical Engineering and Electronics, Acad. Nikola Obreshkov High School of Mathematics and Science, Georgi Stoykov Rakovski Foreign Language High School, Goethe High School, Geo Milev English Language High School, as well as the national "IT Skills and Career" programme. The growing interest in the initiative reflects the increasing demand among students for hands-on learning opportunities that expose them to real industry expectations and working environments.
"For the Municipality of Burgas, it is extremely important that young people see they can build their professional future right here—in an environment that encourages knowledge, innovation, and close collaboration with business. The Tech Academy is an excellent example of how institutions, schools, and companies can work together to create real opportunities for students while strengthening Burgas as a technology hub," said Mihail Nenov, Deputy Mayor for Education, Healthcare, Social Affairs and Youth Policies at the Municipality of Burgas, during the opening ceremony.
"The record level of interest in the Academy shows that students are increasingly seeking practical experience and opportunities to apply their knowledge in a real-world environment. Our goal is not only to help them develop technical skills, but also to cultivate the right mindset, teamwork, adaptability, and confidence to tackle real business challenges. That is precisely the value of initiatives like this," commented Nataliya Shishkova-Georgieva, Executive Director of AIBEST.
The final presentations of the AIBEST Tech Academy will take place on 3 July, when all 20 teams will showcase their solutions before a jury composed of representatives from local government, educational institutions, and the business community. For the first time in the Academy's history, such a large number of teams will compete in the finals, prompting the organizers to expand the awards and recognize the top five teams, instead of the traditional three.
The AIBEST Tech Academy is successfully held in several cities across Bulgaria and forms part of the Association's long-term commitment to developing the country's future technology talent through practical experience, mentorship, and strong partnerships between education and industry.
About AIBEST
The Association for Innovation, Business Services and Technology (AIBEST) is an independent industry organization dedicated to positioning Bulgaria as a leader in knowledge-intensive products, services, and solutions, and as a globally recognized destination for highly skilled talent. The Association brings together companies from across the modern business services industry, including Business Process Outsourcing (BPO), Information Technology Outsourcing (ITO), Research and Development (R&D) centres, and Shared Services Centres (SSCs).
