Successful MERIT International Industry Engagement Workshop on Cybersecurity
On 7 May 2026, the MERIT International Industry Engagement Workshop series on Cybersecurity took place in a hybrid format, on-site in Trento, Italy, and online.
Organised in the framework of the MERIT project General Assembly, held in Trento from 7 to 8 May and hosted by Fondazione Bruno Kessler (FBK), the workshop gathered over 50 participants, including MERIT project partners, members of the MERIT Advisory Board, and experts from industry, academia, research organisations, and innovation ecosystems across Europe.
The event provided an opportunity to exchange perspectives on current and emerging cybersecurity challenges, the impact of Artificial Intelligence, regulatory developments, and the advanced digital skills required to support Europe’s digital resilience.
The workshop aimed to strengthen dialogue between higher education institutions and industry by offering a platform for experts to share insights, discuss technological trends, and explore opportunities for collaboration in cybersecurity education, research, and innovation.
It also offered valuable perspectives, practical examples, and forward-looking reflections on the cybersecurity trends expected to shape the sector in the coming years, with relevance for industry stakeholders, students, researchers, and professionals in the field.
Event Highlights and Takeaways
The programme included a keynote session, industry presentations, an interactive discussion on cybersecurity skills and workforce needs, and an open exchange and networking session. The agenda underlined the importance of connecting academic expertise with industry experience to respond effectively to emerging cybersecurity challenges and support the development of advanced digital skills.
Building Trustworthy AI in Industry: Beyond Traditional Cybersecurity
Speaker: Matteo Meucci, CEO @ Synapsed
The keynote session focused on the development of secure and trustworthy AI across the software development lifecycle. The presentation addressed practical steps for building and assessing reliable AI systems, as well as real risks in AI-assisted development and how they can be tackled. It also explored cybersecurity skills and workforce development, including how OWASP guidelines can support companies in developing more secure AI systems.
Securing Your Company’s Future: Cybersecurity Skills and Compliance in a Changing EU Landscape
Speaker: Tudor Damian, Co-founder Cybersecurity, AI & Cloud Advisor @ D3 Cyber
This presentation examined the key cybersecurity skills needed to implement and maintain compliance with evolving EU legislation. The session addressed practical approaches for SMEs to apply requirements related to DORA, NIS2, the Cyber Resilience Act, and the AI Act. It also discussed the need to move beyond checklist-based compliance towards real cybersecurity capability, while aligning compliance efforts with future cybersecurity challenges.
Safe AI and Business Guardrails: Hybrid Architecture Combining On-prem with Cloud for Data Privacy
Speaker: Marian Călborean, Founder @ OPTI Software
The presentation focused on safe AI adoption through a hybrid architecture combining on-premises and cloud environments to support data privacy. It addressed privacy-first design and data protection strategies, as well as the importance of controlling data flows between internal systems and AI solutions. The session also highlighted real-world examples of resilient AI deployment and practical business guardrails for organisations implementing AI.
Next generation of Cyber Defense: Protecting Data in an AI World
Speaker: Vladimir Chiritescu, Systems Engineer @ Veeam Software
The presentation focused on next-generation cyber defence and the protection of data in an AI-driven world. It covered data resilience and protection strategies, as well as the role of AI in modern cyber defence. The session also addressed how organisations can prepare for evolving cyber threats and strengthen their overall cybersecurity readiness.
Looking Ahead and Future Opportunities
MERIT extends its sincere thanks to all speakers and participants for their valuable contributions to the success of this workshop.
The recording of the session is available on the Digital MERIT YouTube channel HERE.
Further details about the presentations will soon be available on the MERIT website.
Stay updated on MERIT initiatives in cybersecurity and advanced digital skills, and join us for the upcoming MERIT International Industry Engagement Workshops on AI (1 June 2026) and IoT (16 June 2026).
About MERIT
The MERIT project aims to strengthen advanced digital skills in key deep-tech domains, including Cybersecurity, Artificial Intelligence, and the Internet of Things. Through close collaboration among its consortium partners, MERIT has developed new master’s and training programmes at UPC, RTU-RBS, TalTech, and VILNIUS TECH, shaped by technological market trends and aligned with industry needs, with students already benefiting from them.
MERIT supports the development of innovative educational programmes and engagement activities that prepare students, professionals, and organisations for the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
About MERIT Contributors Network
The Digital Europe MERIT project brings together a diverse network of innovators, combining the expertise of academic institutions, industry leaders, and research organisations across Europe. Our network works collaboratively to tackle the challenges and opportunities in the field of advanced digital skills, with a focus on AI, Cybersecurity, and IoT. Together with our contributors, we foster digital transformation and support the development of future skills that will be utilized by the employees of tomorrow.
Join our network by filling out the MERIT Contributors form here!
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