GIS 2026 Brings Together Leaders from More Than 20 Countries in Sofia
Updated: 17 hours ago
The GFCC’s 2026 Global Innovation Summit brought together leaders from more than 20 countries in Sofia, Bulgaria, from October 19 to 22 for four days of high-level discussions, networking and exchange on topics ranging from space technology and artificial intelligence to innovation policy and infrastructure development.
Hosted by GFCC corporate member GBS (Glavbolgarstroy Holding AD), the program combined the GFCC Annual Meeting, a full day of Summit sessions and site visits across Sofia and Plovdiv.
Participants also reviewed what GFCC members around the world are doing in AI, with a focus on how to better prepare people to work and thrive in an AI-driven world.
The event counted with the presence of distinguished guests, including H.E. Iva Petrova, Minister of Energy of the Republic of Bulgaria, and Ms. Mira Yosifova, Deputy Minister of Innovation and Digital Transformation of the Republic of Bulgaria.
During the Summit, GFCC Chairman Charles O. (Chad) Holliday and GFCC Founder and President Deborah L. Wince-Smith launched the GFCC 2026 Call to Action, Building the Talent Advantage in an AI-Driven Economy.
The event also included the 2026 Global Competitiveness Awards ceremony. This year, Professor Isabel Capeloa Gil, Rector of the Catholic University of Portugal, received an award In Recognition of Trailblazing Academic Leadership & Cultivating Next Generation Talent and Innovation. Kalin Peshov, Chairman of the Management Board of GBS, received an award In Recognition of Visionary Business Leadership in Advancing Competitiveness and Driving Economic Prosperity.
Beyond the conference room, the delegation visited companies, research organizations and innovation hubs, including EnduroSat, INSAIT (Institute for Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence and Technology), Sofia Tech Park, GBS manufacturing facilities and Schneider Electric. Several of these organizations are setting global benchmarks in their fields.
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