Helena Bioinformatics joins European Commission Discussion on the Future of AI in Healthcare

The meeting in Sofia brought together European institutions, scientists and biotechnology representatives to discuss the responsible use of artificial intelligence in healthcare, genomics and biomedical research.

On 5 June 2026, Helena Bioinformatics participated in a roundtable discussion with European Commissioner Ekaterina Zaharieva, representatives of the European Commission, CellGenetics and the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences.

Helena Bioinformatics was represented by its Founder and CEO, Vladimir Mitev, and Academician Prof. Draga Toncheva, MD, DSc, Founding Chair of the company’s Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board.

Academician Toncheva contributed the perspective of medical genetics and genomic medicine, drawing on decades of scientific, clinical and academic experience. Her role at Helena Bioinformatics is focused on scientific direction, clinical validation and the responsible human oversight of technologies used in genomic interpretation.

The meeting addressed a question that is becoming central to European health and research policy: how can artificial intelligence be introduced into healthcare in a way that accelerates scientific and clinical work while preserving medical responsibility, patient safety and control over sensitive data?

The discussion covered the use of AI in biomedical research, genomic analysis and diagnostic workflows. Participants considered the opportunities created by faster computation and access to scientific knowledge, as well as the conditions required for these technologies to be used responsibly.

For Helena Bioinformatics, this is not an abstract policy debate. The company works at the point where software engineering, clinical genetics and bioinformatics meet. Its experience developing genomic interpretation technology informed its contribution to the discussion.

From technological progress to responsible adoption

Artificial intelligence is changing how complex medical information can be processed. In genomics, this includes large volumes of variant data, scientific publications, clinical annotations and evidence that must be reviewed before a meaningful interpretation can be reached.

The ability to process this information quickly creates clear opportunities. It can shorten analytical workflows, help researchers work across larger datasets and allow clinical specialists to reach relevant evidence sooner.

It also raises questions that cannot be answered by technical performance alone.

Who remains responsible for a medical conclusion? How can an expert inspect the reasoning behind a system’s output? Where is patient data stored and processed? What role should public institutions play in setting the boundaries for systems used in clinical environments?

These questions shaped the meeting. They also reflect the position Helena Bioinformatics has taken in its own work: AI should support scientific and clinical expertise without displacing the professional who is responsible for the patient.

Europe needs its own capacity in health technology

The development of artificial intelligence in healthcare is also a question of European capacity.

Genomic data is among the most sensitive forms of personal information. The infrastructure used to store and analyse it matters. So does Europe’s ability to develop its own scientific software, computational systems and biotechnology companies rather than depending entirely on technologies created outside the European Union.

Helena Bioinformatics presented the perspective of a Bulgarian company developing advanced genomic technology within Europe. Its work is built around European infrastructure and local processing of sensitive genomic information, with AI operating inside a controlled environment rather than through external public services.

This was relevant to the broader discussion because technological sovereignty is not achieved through policy language alone. It depends on companies, research institutions and clinical organisations that can build and operate the necessary systems.

Bulgaria has a role in that effort. The country has established expertise in genetics, molecular biology, computer science and medical research. Bringing these fields together creates the conditions for Bulgarian organisations to contribute technology, not only participate as users of systems developed elsewhere.

A shared responsibility

The future use of AI in healthcare will not be decided by one group.

Researchers establish the scientific evidence. Clinicians understand the consequences of applying it to individual patients. Technology companies turn methods into working systems. Public institutions define the legal and ethical conditions under which those systems can be introduced.

Progress depends on these groups speaking to one another before technical choices become established practice.

The roundtable in Sofia created space for that conversation. Helena Bioinformatics contributed the perspective of a company working directly on the technical and scientific problems involved in genomic interpretation.

Its position is that Europe should pursue faster and more capable health technologies, while remaining precise about responsibility. AI can process information, organise evidence and reduce the time required for complex analysis. Medical judgement must remain with qualified professionals, and sensitive health data must stay protected throughout the process.

Bulgaria as a contributor to European biotechnology

Helena Bioinformatics was founded in Bulgaria to develop technology for genomic medicine. Its participation in the meeting reflects a wider ambition: Bulgarian biotechnology companies should have a place in the European discussion about how new medical technologies are designed, governed and used.

That discussion is already under way. The decisions made now will influence which technologies enter clinical practice, how evidence is reviewed and where responsibility sits when AI becomes part of everyday medical work.

Helena Bioinformatics intends to remain part of that process, alongside the scientists, clinicians and institutions shaping the next stage of European health technology.

Image credit: © European Union, 2026. Photo by Aleksandar Mihaylov / European Commission Audiovisual Service.