Wikipedia's Father Wales Launches US-Bulgaria IT Partnership

Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences 1994 laureate, US John Nash (L) and Jimmy Wales (R), founder of the internet cyclopaedia "Wikipedia". Photo by BGNES

The US Ambassador to Sofia, Nancy McEldowney, will launch Friday, June 5, the first US-Bulgarian partnership dedicated to Information Technology and Innovation.

The news was announced by the US Embassy press center.

The event will also commemorate the continued and sustained assistance relationship with USAID in Bulgaria, now for more than 18 years and will feature remarks by Jimmy Wales, President of Wiki Inc, and founder of Wikipedia. 

This new partnership, which will build upon Bulgaria's strengths in information technology, and focuses on improving Bulgaria's competitive advantage. The initiative is supported by international and local firms employing a highly skilled workforce.  

During this event, USAID will announce a call for proposals from industry, academia and government.
 
Coordinated by Development Counselor Denny Robertson, this call for proposals will challenge the IT community to present creative ideas with serious cost-sharing to advance the goals of the Partnership.  

Initial US Government funding of USD 500 000 will be matched by the Bulgarian government, with expected future funding by private sources.

Jimmy Wales, founder of the most extensive online encyclopedia "Wikipedia", is going to visit Bulgaria between June 4 and 6.

Wales will open the media "Media Mix" festival, held at Bulgaria's Black Sea resort "Albena".
Sofia's internet fans will be able to meet Wales in person on June 6 at the city's Modern Theater.

 

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