The Bulgarian Award
Outstanding Contribution to IOAI
Established in recognition of Bulgaria’s pioneering role as the inaugural host of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI) in Burgas, August 8–15, 2024, The Bulgarian Award for Outstanding Contribution to IOAI honors individuals, teams, or organizations whose visionary leadership, groundbreaking achievements, and enduring dedication have positively shaped and elevated the growth, image, and global influence of the IOAI.
Recipients of the Bulgarian IOAI Award leave a lasting legacy not only within the IOAI but also across the broader international AI education community—serving as powerful role models of excellence, responsibility, inclusion, and global vision.
This award celebrates those who have transformed how young people around the world engage with science and artificial intelligence—empowering them to think critically, solve real-world challenges creatively, and explore the frontiers of AI. It recognizes efforts that have made the IOAI more inclusive and accessible, ensuring that talent can flourish regardless of background and that participation remains open and equitable.
Honorees exemplify ethical leadership in AI—championing its responsible development for the benefit of humanity and the planet—while inspiring the next generation of global innovators. Their contributions foster a spirit of collaboration that unites students, educators, partners, and institutions across borders, cultures, and disciplines to build a shared future through AI.
Selection process
1. Decision-Making Authority
The LERAI Foundation, as the founding body of IOAI, holds full and final authority to select the recipient(s) of the Bulgarian IOAI Award.
2. Criteria for Selection
The award may be granted to individuals, teams, or organizations that have demonstrated one or more of the following:
- Positively shaped and elevated the IOAI’s international standing and legacy, through direct contributions to its development, image, or strategic impact
- Advanced AI education or ethical AI innovation, in a way that aligns with IOAI’s mission—fostering inclusion, responsibility, and global engagement among young people
- Inspired the creation, spirit, or direction of IOAI, through visionary leadership or influence in artificial intelligence, science education, or global collaboration, even without formal involvement
- Demonstrated sustained commitment to the broader AI community, encouraging ethical, cross-cultural, and interdisciplinary progress that reflects IOAI’s core values
3. Selection and Timing
- The LERAI Foundation conducts an internal review process and selects one or more recipients annually
- In exceptional cases, the award may be given jointly or withheld
- The award is formally presented during the Opening or Closing Ceremony of the annual IOAI
4. Recognition
- Recipients receive an official distinction recognizing their outstanding contribution and are honored across IOAI platforms, publications, and events
- Where appropriate, the LERAI Foundation or Local Organizing Committee may support travel and accommodation for recipients attending the award ceremony
5. Revisions
The LERAI Foundation reserves the right to revise the criteria, process, and timing of the Bulgarian IOAI Award at its sole discretion, in alignment with IOAI’s evolving mission and values.
IOAI 2025
Antônio Henrique Carlan Júnior
In recognition of his visionary leadership, exceptional dedication, and lasting contributions to the growth, integrity, and global impact of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI), and for his special contribution to the development of National Olympiads in AI around the world.
The People's Republic of China
The second host of the International Olympiad in Artificial Intelligence (IOAI).
Under the patronage of
Zhivko Minev - the artist
Zhivko Minev is a Bulgarian artist and sculptor, born in Sofia in 1982 into a family of artists. He graduated from the High School of Applied Arts “St. Luca” and holds a master’s degree in Sculpture from the National Academy of Arts in Sofia. Since 2003, he has worked across sculpture, mural painting, fine art, and drawing, completing numerous public and private monumental projects. His work, rooted in classical techniques and materials such as stone, wood, metal, mosaic, and fresco, has been featured in three solo and multiple group exhibitions. Through his art, Minev seeks to create harmonious spaces that inspire self-reflection and spiritual growth.
