The John Atanasoff Award of the President of the Republic of Bulgaria, named after the creator of the first electronic computer - the famous scholar of Bulgarian descent, John Atanasoff, was first awarded in 2003 in support of the personal achievements of young Bulgarian researchers working in the fields of informatics and information technology. Among the John Atanasoff laureates are leaders in world renowned research institutes and corporations, developing solutions in the areas of computer linguistics, robotics and cryptology.

In recognition of the increasing importance computer science, digital skills and entrepreneurship all have in our society, since 2012 the awards expanded to include the following three additional categories:

• The John Atanasoff: Students and Their Teachers category highlights the achievements of the students with the highest scores at international Student Olympiads in Informatics and ICT, and the teams of teachers who trained them.
   
• The John Atanasoff: First Steps in Computer Science category distinguishes talented students aged 12-22, who have achieved outstanding results with their personal projects submitted at international science and engineering fairs and competitions.
   
• The John Atanasoff: Outstanding Projects with Social Value-Added category highlights projects – stat-ups included - that address open and relevant issues of social significance. All developers of initiatives broadly fitting these criteria under the age of 35 are eagerly encouraged to apply.

The winners of the John Atanasoff Awards are selected by a Jury comprising leading researchers and practitioners in the field of information and communication technologies.