Imagine this… You walk into your favorite coffee shop. Before you say a word, the barista smiles and says, “The usual flat white?”. That tiny moment makes your day. You feel seen, valued. That’s why you keep coming back—even when prices go up. They know you.

In today’s fast-evolving digital landscape, innovation is no longer a luxury – it is a necessity. Digitalisation is reshaping how businesses operate, especially within the vibrant startup ecosystem. In this special article series, we explore the key forces driving this transformation, the challenges faced, and the opportunities ahead for startups seeking to compete globally.

During Girls in ICT Day at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) in Manresa, UPC Manresa, and with the support of the MERIT project, we had the opportunity to hear from Noèlia Català, an expert in artificial intelligence at IThinkUPC. She explained what lies behind tools like ChatGPT and how they are now capable of performing tasks traditionally done by humans—such as writing, summarising, providing information on almost any topic, or chatting like a real person. 

Artificial intelligence (AI), the Internet of Things (IoT), and cybersecurity solutions have become fundamental elements of our daily lives. For many, digital tools like ChatGPT and smart devices are commonplace, yet the true potential of these technologies is often underutilized in businesses. While companies are aware of the power that AI and similar innovations offer, many face challenges in properly implementing these technologies into their operations.

A few days ago, UPC Manresa hosted the Girls in ICT Day, supported by the MERIT project. Among other activities, the participating girls took part in a hands-on workshop at Techlab Manresa to learn what the Internet of Things (IoT) is all about. The workshop was led by Xènia Mata and Mercè Tormo, both students of the Bachelor’s Degree in ICT Systems Engineering offered at UPC Manresa. They showed the attendees that controlling a system remotely can actually be done quite easily.

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries and daily life, acquiring advanced digital skills is no longer optional—it is essential. The MERIT project stands at the forefront of this transformation, actively contributing to societal edification by equipping various demographic groups with knowledge in artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity.

As digital transformation accelerates, the demand for skilled digital specialists continues to grow. In response, the MERIT project brings together experienced partners to design and update master programmes and offer diverse upskilling opportunities. Through our collaborative efforts, we have identified key areas where artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping education.

Welcome to this introduction to Pneumatics-Case, a cutting-edge virtual and augmented reality learning environment designed to enhance technical education.
At TalTech, as part of the MERIT project, we are dedicated to exploring innovative digital learning tools. Pneumatics-Case, while still in development, demonstrates the potential of virtual labs in supporting hands-on learning in fields such as pneumatics, electronics, and mechanics.

The foundation of advancement in the quickly changing world of today is innovation. But in order for innovation to flourish, it needs a strong ecosystem that fosters and supports its expansion, not just a great concept. As a seasoned leader with experience in both the public and commercial sectors, Kaspars Rožkalns is in a unique position to provide insights into the operation of innovation ecosystems and how businesses can capitalize on their potential.