As part of the MERIT project’s society training activities, TalTech has been actively contributing to the development of digital, engineering and technology-related skills among high-school students. Through voluntary elective courses, young learners have been introduced to practical topics that connect engineering thinking, digital technologies and real-world problem solving.

Digital technologies are transforming the way we live, work and produce. From connected machines to data analytics, artificial intelligence and smart factories, the digital sector offers many professional opportunities for the next generation. However, making these opportunities visible and accessible to all remains a key challenge, especially when it comes to encouraging more girls and young women to consider careers in ICT.

The MERIT Industrial Engineering and Management master’s programme (MARM) at Tallinn University of Technology (TalTech) brings together professionals and aspiring engineers from diverse backgrounds, industries, and countries. While each student enters the programme with different goals and professional backgrounds, their experiences reveal common themes: practical learning, industry relevance, international collaboration, and preparation for the future of manufacturing. 

On 16th of June 2026, organized within the framework of the Digital Europe MERIT project, the MERIT International Industry Engagement Workshop on the Internet of Things (IoT) took place in a hybrid format, broadcasting online and hosted on-site at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Manresa, Spain.

On 1 June 2026, Riga Technical University (RTU) hosted the MERIT International Industry Engagement Workshop on Artificial Intelligence, bringing together representatives from academia, industry, and the MERIT student community for an open discussion on the future of AI competencies and their role in modern organisations.

On 7 May 2026, the MERIT project organised the International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity, a hybrid event held in Trento, Italy, and online. Taking place in the context of the MERIT General Assembly, the workshop brought together representatives from industry, academia, research organisations and innovation ecosystems to exchange perspectives on today’s cybersecurity challenges and the skills needed to support Europe’s digital resilience.