The initiative is named after the world-renowned, Bulgarian-born inventor John Atanasoff, creator of the first digital computer with regenerative memory.
The John Atanasoff Award is presented to young researchers in the field of computer science, to the creators of projects of significant public importance, as well as to students and pupils with successful debut projects.
Since the initiative’s inception in 2003, the John Atanasoff Award has been presented to young Bulgarian scientists and researchers in the field of computer science for their outstanding achievements on a global scale.
Since the initiative’s inception in 2003, the John Atanasoff Award has been presented to young Bulgarian scientists and researchers in the field of computer science for their outstanding achievements on a global scale.
Among the recipients of this Presidential Award are leaders of research centers at major scientific research institutes and of multinational companies in the field of computer science.
Participants in the 2026 competition will compete for awards in the following categories:
Participants in the 2026 competition will compete for awards in the following categories:
- John Atanasoff Award of the President of Bulgaria – for young scientists in the field of computer science (up to 35 years old).
- John Atanasoff Certificate for Students and Their Teachers – for achievements made throughout the year by student-teacher teams in national and international Olympiads in informatics, artificial intelligence, or information technology.
- John Atanasoff Certificate for Projects with High Social Impact – awarded to projects of significance in the fields of information technology and programming and implemented in Bulgaria.
- John Atanasoff Certificate for a Breakthrough Debut in the Fields of Computer Science and Technology – awarded to pupils and students for their first significant scientific projects.
- John Atanasoff Certificate for the Creation and Inspiration of New Talents – awarded to teachers and mentors who have contributed to the continuous growth and development of the next generations’ successful experts.
The recipients of the John Atanasoff Award and Certificates are selected by a jury made up of leading Bulgarian scientists and experts in the field of computer science.
The John Atanasoff Award applications deadline is September 9th, 2026.
The participation rules for each category, together with the documents needed to participate in the competition are published on the President’s official website.
For additional information call 02 / 923 93 93 or reach out to nagradajohnatanasoff@president.bg.
