The Internet of Things is transforming how we interact with technology, enabling seamless connectivity and automation. From smart homes to connected vehicles, IoT has revolutionized daily life by making devices smarter and more efficient. This interconnectedness also brings significant security challenges. Ensuring the safety and privacy of IoT devices and systems is a critical component of cybersecurity, and with the growing number of connected devices, the need to protect our connected world has never been more urgent.

Cybersecurity has become a cornerstone of digital resilience for enterprises across Europe. However, challenges such as digital skills gaps, complex security technologies, and limited tailored training opportunities hinder effective cybersecurity adoption. The MERIT project partners recently hosted an Innovation Breakfast on cybersecurity in Romania, bringing together industry experts, academics, and enterprise representatives to discuss these critical issues.

We live in an era where digital technology is deeply embedded in all aspects of life. Digital, however, is not confined solely to IT. It encompasses a wide range of technologies that are now inseparable from daily business operations. Just 15 years ago, technology and management were largely distinct domains within organizations, but the landscape has dramatically changed. Digital transformation has moved from being a buzzword in management circles to a fundamental reality of modern business. Today, companies and individuals are immersed in technology, and it is no longer just a tool – it is the foundation upon which companies must build their strategies and business models.

As the digital world evolves, universities are stepping up to equip the next generation of leaders with the tools they need to stay ahead in a rapidly advancing technological landscape. Master’s programs in fields like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things (IoT) are now leveraging an array of sophisticated equipment to create a robust learning environment. This equipment is more than just hardware; it serves as a gateway to the hands-on, practical knowledge that is essential for students to thrive in these cutting-edge fields. Constant update of the information technology infrastructure is a must for master studies, concentrating on advanced digital skills.

The MERIT project is set to deliver an exciting array of events and initiatives that reflect its commitment to advancing digital skills and fostering collaboration across Europe. From engaging MERIThONs to hands-on industry workshops and transformative short courses, this year promises to be a landmark for the project and its participants. Here’s an overview of what lies ahead.

On Saturday, February 8, eleven teams from all over Catalonia gathered at UPC Manresa to participate in the FIRST LEGO League (FLL) tournament in the Challenge category.

Around seventy young people and children from different educational centers, aged between 10 and 16, attended accompanied by their respective coaches and legal guardians. The teams came from Barcelona, ​​Terrassa, Sant Boi de Llobregat, Bellaterra and Manresa.

Cybersecurity is a rapidly evolving field that demands continuous learning, innovation, and collaboration between academia, industry, and public institutions. As part of the MERIT EU project, Cristina Bulat from Digital Innovation Zone conducted a series of interviews with Tiberiu Baraboi, co-founder of Expertware, to explore the role of cybersecurity professionals, the importance of structured ecosystems, and strategies for fostering talent and innovation.

In today’s data-driven era, Big Data and Machine Learning (ML) have emerged as essential drivers of innovation across industries. From optimizing supply chains to advancing personalized medicine, these technologies work hand in hand to unlock valuable insights. Therefore, it is important to understand what those technologies are about and what challenges and possibilities provide the intersection of those two key technologies.

In an increasingly interconnected academic world, opportunities for international collaboration are more accessible and rewarding than ever. A prime example of this took place recently at VILNIUS TECH, where master’s program students benefited from a remote lecture delivered by professor Andrea Aler Tubella from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC). The lecture focused on one of the most pressing and thought-provoking topics in artificial intelligence (AI): bias and fairness.

The Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) is proud to announce the acquisition of the TIAGo robot from PAL Robotics. This state-of-the-art robotic platform will serve as a cornerstone for developing advanced skills in robotics and artificial intelligence within the context of the European Union’s MERIT project.