Advanced Computing for Innovation (ACOMIN)

Framework: FP7 — Capacities
Programme: Research Potential
Destination: Unlocking and developing the Research Potential of research entities established in the EU�s Convergence regions and Outermost Regions
Action type: Coordination and support actions
Countries involved: Bulgaria
Call:  (FP7-REGPOT-2012-2013-1, 2012)
Start date: 2012-10-01
End date: 2016-03-31
Duration (months): 42.0
Total project cost (EUR): 3594288.4
EU funding (EUR): 3219477.99
Participants: 1
Project status: CLOSED

The Institute of Information and Communication Technologies (IICT) is an excellent research unit, created after international evaluation of the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences and subsequent personal attestation with the strategic mission to be the top ICT research actor in Bulgaria. It consolidates the best BAS groups in several core ICT areas. AComIn aims to create a scientific environment which attracts incoming researchers to work in conditions comparable to the EU Centers of Excellence. IICT has already solid infrastructure (Grid, access to a supercomputer IBM Blue Gene/P) but lacks modern periphery for advanced 3D input and output of microstructures, modelling of particles dynamics and interaction in granulated media as well as (pre-/post-)processing of speech, images and signals. In fact IICT needs modern devices to acquire data about objects and processes that might be of interest for the Bulgarian high-tech industry. A coherent (and unique for South East Europe) set of devices called Smart Lab will be purchased, ensuring the data autonomy of IICT and its access to real-world data. AComIn is focused on advanced computing, smart interfaces, and optimisation and intelligent control. Seven positions for long-term employment of incoming experienced researchers will be provided. Top scientists will be invited to join the IICT team via short-term employments, to perform joint research and technological transfer oriented to industrial users. Networking with 6 outstanding EU partners enhances the RTD potential of IICT researchers; dozens of world-renowned experts will contribute to the knowledge exchange efforts by short visits to IICT. AComIn supports innovation capacity building by IPR activities and ′Stock Exchange′ Days for sharing ideas, results and prototypes with high-tech businesses and policy makers. The project will have considerable impact by reinforcing links between academia and industry. IICT will establish User Communities of industrial experts who want to apply high-tech solutions in their companies. A broad range of dissemination activities will spread out the IICT excellence and innovation potential to the academia, Bulgarian business and the society at large. The international conference AComIn in 2015 will make the project results visible worldwide. Dissemination efforts at other high-level scientific events, organised by IICT, are foreseen in order to address the broad academic EU audience. Participation in exhibitions and fairs will demonstrate the IICT excellence in industrial research and will enable to develop closer links to innovation-absorbing Bulgarian business organisations. A post-evaluation by independent reviewers is planned, to assign a quality label to IICT and to explicate its capacity as an ICT research driver. AComIn turns IICT to an innovation engine, supporting the sustainable regional and national growth and increasing the efficiency and competitiveness of the Bulgarian economy.

Keywords: information and communication technologies,advanced computing,smart interfaces,optimisation and intelligent control,valorization,reinforcement,best practices,become dynamic it innovation driver