Today, on 22.03.2022, a cooperation agreement was officially signed between the Technical University – Sofia and Bosch Engineering Center Sofia. The first step is the participation of company representatives in the training for the newly opened specialization "Intelligent Systems and Artificial Intelligence". The specialization was developed within the framework of the INNOTECH PRO project No. BG05M2OP001-2.016-0008 "INNovations, Science and Education for high quality and labor market compliance at the TECHNical University - Sofia and PaRtners (INNOTECH PRO)" under the "Modernization of Higher Education" program of the Operational Program "Human Resources Development".
The training for the new bachelor's specialization at TU – Sofia will begin in the autumn of 2022. The goal is for students to gain in-depth knowledge in computer science and mathematics, necessary for practical applications of artificial intelligence (AI), as well as up-to-date knowledge of the latest technologies in the field. The training can be conducted in both Bulgarian and English.
INNOTECH PRO is a joint project of 5 universities (TU – Sofia, TU – Gabrovo, Ruse University "Angel Kanchev", UMTP and SU "St. Ivan Rilski"), 3 associated partners (Universite de technologie de Troyes – France, Technological University Dublin – Ireland and Universitatea Tehnică din Cluj-Napoca – Romania – universities from the EUt+ consortium) and 2 employer organizations (Bulgarian Chamber of Commerce – Union of Bulgarian Business and Association of Industrial Capital in Bulgaria).
Experts from Bosch Engineering Center Sofia will also participate in the training, playing a leading role in implementing the specially created practical module in the 4th year, focusing on "Intelligent Technologies for the Automotive Industry". The Center will also assist in providing the necessary learning environment and will fully equip a high-tech laboratory on the premises of the Faculty of Mechanical and Technological Engineering. The Center will provide sensors for autonomous vehicles, computing modules and computers, actuators and equipment. Investment in education and the development of young talents in the IT sector are among the main priorities of Bosch Engineering Center Sofia. A three-week pre-graduation internship for 4th-year students at Bosch Engineering Center Sofia is also planned. The planned duration of the partnership between Bosch and the University is 10 years.
The training for the specialization is aligned with both the requirements and needs of the modern fourth-generation information and communication technology industry (Industry 4.0), covering the most current tools and digital technologies, virtual engineering, internet and cloud technologies, engineering information management, as well as the educational and research programs of leading European universities from the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, etc.
"The IT sector in Bulgaria is one of the few in which we are competitive on a global scale. To preserve and develop this potential, Bosch is actively involved in the process of modernizing the education system and in creating future specialists for the industry. Our agreement with the Technical University – Sofia is a step in exactly this direction," said Konstantin Konov, General Director of Robert Bosch and representative of the Bosch Group in Bulgaria.
"Since its establishment, Bosch Engineering Center Sofia has supported the education, professional development, and orientation of young people in our country. I believe that our experts, in their role as mentors, will help young people to realize their potential and acquire valuable practical knowledge and skills through innovations and technologies," said Dinko Rusev, Engineering Director of Bosch Engineering Center Sofia.
Since its establishment in the spring of 2019, Bosch Engineering Center Sofia has grown significantly, and currently continues to hire young specialists and has many open positions for software and hardware engineers. The company demonstrates responsibility and good practices as an employer, offering long-term employment and education, as well as support in the professional development of its employees and investment in future personnel.
Recently, the first academy of the Center for training software engineers – Bosch ECS Career Camp – was launched, under the mentorship of proven professionals in the field of software development and testing. Dual training, internship programs, and collaboration with universities are part of the good long-term practices of Bosch Engineering Center Sofia.
The Rector of TU – Sofia, Prof. Dr. Eng. Ivan Králov expressed gratitude for the beginning of a good and promising cooperation and emphasized the important role of business in practice-oriented training of students, in accordance with the most modern trends in technology development.
"I believe that this project will contribute to improving the qualifications of future engineers and, in this way, will open a new horizon for their successful professional realization in today's global competitive environment," Prof. Králov concluded in his remarks.
