The MERIT project connects with students and companies at the University–Business Forum at UPC Manresa

The MERIT master’s programme was featured at UPC Manresa’s University–Business Forum, drawing interest from students and companies in its key focus areas: artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things.

On May 7, the eighth edition of the University–Business Forum took place at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya – BarcelonaTech (UPC) in Manresa, UPC Manresa, setting a new record for participation with the presence of 34 companies, professional associations, student groups, and other university-related entities.

The event was held at the university’s sports hall, a venue that provided enough space to host the large number of participating organizations. The day began with an official opening by the director of UPC Manresa, José Miguel Jiménez. The forum was open to visitors from 12:00 to 14:00 and from 15:00 to 16:00, and also featured a networking lunch for company representatives between 14:00 and 15:00.

Once again, the Forum established itself as a key meeting point between the university and the business network of Central Catalonia and other regions. The event was especially targeted at students—mainly those in the third and fourth years of undergraduate degrees and master’s programmes—who were able to learn about professional opportunities related to their fields of study and make initial connections for future internships and employment.

Throughout the day, companies had their own booths to present their activities, projects, organizational structures, international reach, and most in-
demand professional profiles. The Forum also offered a valuable exchange space for teaching and research staff, who explored potential collaborations with attending companies.

UPC also had its own information booth. This space featured details about internship programmes and the school’s master’s degrees. Interested students were able to learn more about the Master’s degree in Machine Learning and Cybersecurity for Internet Connected Systems, created as part of the European MERIT project.

Participating companies and professional associations represented a wide range of sectors and profiles, with a common focus: most of them were looking for ICT-related talent. Among them, the presence of Asoindel—a MERIT project partner—was especially noteworthy. Many students showed interest in career opportunities and were also able to receive information about the MERIT project and see a demonstration of some equipment from the IoT Hybrid Lab, prepared at the company’s facilities for master’s internships and funded by the project.

Initial conversations were also held with several companies working in the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Cybersecurity, and the Internet of Things. These early contacts are expected to lead to future research or technology transfer projects.

The event drew a large crowd and was very well received by participants, both companies and students alike.