Yordan Iliev, Co-founder and CEO of MY Synergy
What is the role of technology in education today, in your view?
Technology is no longer an add-on to education – it is part of the environment itself. It is transforming the way people learn, teach, and access knowledge. More importantly, it enables education to become more flexible and closer to real-world conditions. In higher education, this is critical, as students must be prepared for an environment where technology is part of everyday life.
What skills do learners develop thanks to technology?
It’s not just about digital skills – it’s about a mindset. People become better at working with information: finding it, evaluating it, and using it effectively. They develop adaptability, independence, and decision-making abilities. In fields like medicine, this also means being able to operate in highly digitalized and regulated environments – not just using technology, but understanding its role.
Where does Bulgaria stand in terms of technology in education?
There are good examples, but there is still a lack of a systematic approach. We see universities that are investing and thinking strategically, which is very positive. However, there is often a gap between having technology and using it in a way that creates real value. In my view, we are in a transition phase – moving from isolated initiatives to a more comprehensive transformation.
What are the main barriers to adopting technology, and how can they be overcome?
The challenge is rarely the technology itself, but how it is implemented. There is often a lack of clear connection between investment and outcomes, resistance to change, and insufficient internal capacity. Solutions are frequently implemented as standalone projects rather than part of a broader strategy. The answer lies in having a clear direction, focusing on real needs, and building partnerships with organizations that understand both the technology and the environment.
MY Synergy operates in healthcare technology. Where is the intersection between healthcare and education?
The intersection is particularly strong in medical universities. Both fields involve working with data, digital processes, and high requirements for quality and accuracy. This means that the education of future professionals must reflect the real environment in which they will work. Here, technology is not just a tool – it is part of the profession itself.
How does MY Synergy contribute to improving education and implementing technology in Bulgaria?
We focus on practical solutions. Our goal is to help universities move from ideas to real implementation – in education, administration, and data management. We tailor our approach to each organization, as there is no one-size-fits-all model. Our experience in healthcare is also valuable, as the requirements for technology in that sector are particularly high.
MY Synergy is a member of “EdTech Bulgaria”. Why did you join?
Because we believe this field cannot develop in isolation. “EdTech Bulgaria” creates an environment where different organizations can collaborate and exchange experience. This is essential if we want real change, rather than isolated initiatives.
What does “EdTech Bulgaria” bring to organizations, users, and education in Bulgaria?
Above all, connectivity. It connects ideas, organizations, and real needs. This helps make solutions more practical and applicable. For education, this means a more meaningful conversation about technology – not as a trend, but as a real tool.
What does the EdTech ecosystem in Bulgaria need most?
More consistency and a real environment for implementation. There are ideas and solutions, but often a lack of connection to practice. More partnerships and opportunities for piloting and scaling are needed.
What kind of support is missing for EdTech companies?
Primarily access to real environments. Companies can develop solutions, but often struggle to implement them. There is a lack of clear mechanisms for working with educational institutions, as well as more opportunities for pilot projects.
What advice would you give to startups in the education sector?
Start with a real problem, not with technology. And work closely with users – teachers, students, and administrators. That’s the only way to create solutions that truly work.
What advice would you give to startups in the education sector?
Start with a real problem, not with technology. And work closely with users – teachers, students, and administrators. That’s the only way to create solutions that truly work.
How do you see the future of education, and what will be the role of technology?
More flexible, more practical, and more connected to the real world. Technology will play a key role, but not as an end in itself – rather as a tool. Most importantly, it should support people – both educators and students – not replace them.