ECT Forum

DIGIFABS Presented at the 2nd ECT Forum 2026 in Cyprus DIGIFABS, ECT Forum October 26, 2026 14:44 pm On 8 October 2026, the DIGIFABS project was presented at the 2nd ECT Forum, held at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus. The event provided an opportunity to introduce the project’s objectives and activities to a wider audience from academia, industry and the innovation sector. The ECT Forum, organised by the European Centre for Emerging Competencies and Technologies (ECECT), a DIGIFABS project partner, is an initiative that brings together researchers, academics, industry professionals, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders to exchange knowledge, share experiences and discuss technological developments and their impact on education, business and society. This year’s Forum focused on digital transformation and the need for individuals, businesses and educational institutions to adapt in the era of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Through presentations and panel discussions, speakers explored emerging technologies, innovation, entrepreneurship, changing skills requirements and the opportunities and challenges associated with the increasing adoption of AI across different sectors. The event attracted more than 100 participants, including representatives from academia and industry from Cyprus, Germany and Estonia, as well as university students. The programme featured panel discussions with experts from both academic and industrial backgrounds, encouraging the exchange of perspectives on how emerging technologies are reshaping education, employment and business practices. During ECECT’s presentation, DIGIFABS was highlighted as a practical example of connecting higher education with industry needs, particularly in addressing the digital transformation challenges faced by small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in the Food and Beverage sector. The presentation emphasised how DIGIFABS brings together students, educators and SMEs through practical learning activities based on real business challenges. Students develop relevant digital, innovation and problem-solving skills, educators incorporate industry perspectives into their teaching, and SMEs contribute their needs and experience to the learning process. The project’s approach was particularly relevant to the Forum’s discussions on adapting to technological change, as it demonstrates how collaboration between academia and industry can help prepare future professionals and businesses for digital transformation. More information: DIGIFABS Project and 2nd ECT Forum 2026 Latest news DIGIFABS Presented at the 2nd ECT Forum 2026 in Cyprus 26 Oct 2026 ECT Forum ECT Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Nicosia 21 Oct 2026 ECT Forum DITEC validation workshop in Cyprus highlights priorities for practice-oriented IT education 21 Oct 2026 DITEC ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 20 Oct 2026 News ECECT Brings SOIL-XR to the Cyprus Planetarium 09 Sep 2026 Projects Popular news ECECT: Tο 1ο εκπαιδευτικό σενάριο του έργου Sustain4Rural στην Κρήτη. 13 Nov 2022 News ECECT: Παρευρέθηκε στο Συνέδριο Γραφείου Επιτρόπου περιβάλλοντος "Πράσινη Μετάβαση" 16 Dec 2022 News Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 20 Oct 2026 News DITEC validation workshop in Cyprus highlights priorities for practice-oriented IT education 21 Oct 2026 DITEC

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ECT Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Nicosia ECT Forum October 21, 2026 17:52 pm The 2nd ECT Forum – European Competencies and Technologies took place on Thursday, October 8th, 2026, at the UNESCO Amphitheatre of the University of Nicosia, bringing together over 100 participants from academia, industry, research and the technology sector to discuss the impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies on education, skills and the future of work. Organized by the non-profit European Centre for Emerging Competencies and Technologies (ECECT), supported by DITEC – Didactic Technologies for IT Education, a European Erasmus+ project examining how IT education can respond more effectively to the changing needs of industry. The event explored how rapid developments in AI and emerging technologies are transforming the way people live, learn and work. Through presentations, discussions and thematic panels, participants exchanged perspectives on future skills, the relationship between education and industry, and the opportunities and challenges arising from technological change. Participants and representation ECT Forum 2026 brought together participants from academia, education and research (42%), industry and services (26%), students (21%) and non-profit organizations (11%). The Forum also attracted international interest, with at least 15% of registered participants affiliated with organizations outside Cyprus, highlighting its reach beyond the local community. Connecting education, research and industry A key focus of ECT Forum 2026 was the need to strengthen cooperation between education providers and industry in response to changing skills requirements. The Programme also featured European research and education initiatives, including the Erasmus+ project DITEC – Didactic Technologies for IT Education, which explores ways to better connect IT education with the evolving needs of industry. The discussions highlighted the importance of ongoing dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration to help prepare students and professionals for a rapidly changing technological environment. Continuing the conversation ECT Forum 2026 reaffirmed the value of bringing together stakeholders from different sectors to exchange ideas and explore shared challenges. ECECT aims to continue supporting dialogue and collaboration around emerging competencies, digital skills, Artificial Intelligence and new technologies through future initiatives and events. ECECT extends its sincere thanks to all speakers, moderators, panelists, partners and participants who contributed to the Forum’s success. Event photographs and further updates are available at ectforum.eu. Media contact ECT Forum – European Competencies and TechnologiesEmail: contact@ectforum.euWebsite: ectforum.eu https://youtu.be/JnMYc-hQXwI?si=5lhUjOkKUdN-AkaU Latest news ECT Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Nicosia 21 Oct 2026 ECT Forum ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 20 Oct 2026 News ECECT Brings SOIL-XR to the Cyprus Planetarium 09 Sep 2026 Projects Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Italy 26 Jun 2026 Projects Popular news ECECT: Tο 1ο εκπαιδευτικό σενάριο του έργου Sustain4Rural στην Κρήτη. 13 Nov 2022 News ECECT: Παρευρέθηκε στο Συνέδριο Γραφείου Επιτρόπου περιβάλλοντος "Πράσινη Μετάβαση" 16 Dec 2022 News Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News ECT Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Nicosia 21 Oct 2026 ECT Forum ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 20 Oct 2026 News

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DITEC validation workshop in Cyprus highlights priorities for practice-oriented IT education ECT Forum, DITEC October 23, 2026 14:35 pm On 8 October 2026, the DITEC project held a WP3 validation workshop at the University of Nicosia, Cyprus, as part of the 2nd ECT Forum 2026. The Forum brought together more than 100 participants, providing an opportunity to discuss how IT education can better respond to the needs of users and organisations. The DITEC session welcomed 46 participants, with 42 contributing to the interactive polls and submitting 238 responses across eight questions. The workshop explored the relevance of the key themes underpinning the project’s IT Education Methodology Guide and Case Study Book, gathering feedback to inform their further development and implementation. What did we learn? Participants highlighted four important challenges for IT education: Disconnected digital systems create extra work: 93.3% of respondents agreed that systems unable to exchange information place a substantial additional burden on users. Communication matters: 84.8% agreed that misunderstandings between IT professionals and non-technical users are a major cause of project delays. Workplace experience is essential: 83.3% agreed that limited exposure to real workplaces leaves IT graduates underprepared for professional practice. Understanding users’ daily work is fundamental: 68.4% agreed that insufficient understanding of everyday workflows is a major reason why digital systems fail to meet organisational needs. The discussion priorities also pointed towards practical ways forward: combining user interviews with workplace observation, establishing clear responsibility for communication between IT teams and organisations, and reducing duplicate work through shared data sources. Internships with defined responsibilities were the most frequently selected priority for improving students’ readiness for professional practice. From validation to implementation The findings support the relevance of the four tested WP3 themes and provide direction for using the Methodology Guide and the Case Study Book, which contains 15 practice-oriented organisational challenges. They particularly encourage connecting case-based learning with direct user engagement and meaningful workplace experience. As DITEC enters its second project year, we plan to implement both resources in the upcoming semesters in Estonia, Cyprus and Germany. This next stage will provide opportunities to gather feedback from students, educators and participating organisations, and to assess learning and practical outcomes. We warmly thank the University of Nicosia, ECECT European Centre for Emerging Competencies and Technologies, the ECT Forum organisers and our hosts, as well as every participant who contributed their time, experience and ideas. Your support is helping DITEC bring IT education closer to the realities of professional practice. Latest news ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 – Copy 23 Oct 2026 News ECT Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Nicosia 21 Oct 2026 ECT Forum ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 20 Oct 2026 News ECECT Brings SOIL-XR to the Cyprus Planetarium 09 Sep 2026 Projects Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News Popular news ECECT: Tο 1ο εκπαιδευτικό σενάριο του έργου Sustain4Rural στην Κρήτη. 13 Nov 2022 News ECECT: Παρευρέθηκε στο Συνέδριο Γραφείου Επιτρόπου περιβάλλοντος "Πράσινη Μετάβαση" 16 Dec 2022 News Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News ECT Forum 2026 Successfully Held in Nicosia 21 Oct 2026 ECT Forum ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 – Copy 23 Oct 2026 News

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Highlights from the ECT Forum Cyprus (2024) ECT Forum September 2, 2024 12:08 pm Με μεγάλη επιτυχία διοργανώθηκε το ECT Forum στις 27 Αυγούστου, στο CYENS Centre of Excellence στη Λευκωσία που διοργάνωσε ο μη Κερδοσκοπικός Οργανισμός ecect.eu Στην εκδήλωση συμμετείχαν άτομα από το χώρο της έρευνας και καινοτομίας τόσο από Ακαδημαϊκά ιδρύματα αλλά και τη βιομηχανία. Η εκδήλωση περιλάμβανε παρουσιάσεις για έργο BETES (Bootcamps for Emerging Technologies and Essential Skills) – betesproject.eu που συγχρηματοδοτήθηκε από το ERASMUS+ της Ευρωπαϊκής Ένωσης. Επίσης, περιλάμβανε θέματα όπως την Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη (Artificial Intelligence), Επαυξημένη και Εικονική Πραγματικότητα (AR/VR), Ρομποτική, Μικροηλεκτρονική, ΤΝ ηθική και πρακτικές εφαρμογές της από διάφορες εταιρείες. Σημαντικό ήταν και το πάνελ συζήτησης που αφορούσε την Τεχνητή Νοημοσύνη, ευκαιρίες, προκλήσεις καθώς και θέματα ηθικής.  Ευχαριστούμε θερμά τους χορηγούς και υποστηρικτές μας:• IET Cyprus Local Network• CYENS Centre of Excellence• Cyprus Computer Society• Cyprus Association of Research and Innovation Enterprises• Panis Media Ιδιαίτερες ευχαριστίες στον Δήμαρχο Λευκωσίας, κ. Χαράλαμπο Προύντζο και στο κ. Χρήστο Χρίστου (Πρόεδρο, IET Cyprus Local Network) για τους θερμούς χαιρετισμούς και τα εναρκτήρια σχόλια που πρόσφεραν, καθώς και τον κ. Δημήτρη Σκουρίδη – Chief Scientist που παρευρέθηκε στην εκδήλωση! Ένα μεγάλο ευχαριστώ στους ομιλητές και πανελίστες μας: Κα. Φωτεινή Γεωργίου Δρ. Σάββας Χατζηχριστοφή Κα. Μόνικα Ιωαννίδου Πολεμίτη Δρ. Φώτης Λιαροκάπης Κ. Οδυσσέας Οικονομίδης Δρ. Σύλια Χατζηχριστοδούλου Δρ. Κωνσταντίνος Δοβρόλης Κ. Γιώργος Γεωργίου Κ. Γιώργος Μελλίλος Κ. Ανδρέας Ανδρέου Δρ. Μαρία Τερζή #BETESProject #ECTForum #Cyprus #Techology #Innovation #AI #AR #VR #Leadership #Networking #Event Latest news Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Italy 26 Jun 2026 Projects Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Cyprus 26 Jun 2026 Projects Take the SOIL-XR Survey! 26 Jun 2026 Projects The SOIL-XR project is officially underway! 26 Jun 2026 Projects Popular news Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Cyprus 26 Jun 2026 Projects Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Italy 26 Jun 2026 Projects The SOIL-XR project is officially underway! 26 Jun 2026 Projects Take the SOIL-XR Survey! 26 Jun 2026 Projects

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ECT Forum Cyprus (2024) – BETES ECT Forum | BETES September 2, 2024 08:59 am As the BETES project is coming to an end, ECECT.eu the project coordinator organized the final multiplier event – ECT Forum in Cyprus.  We discussed the activities and outcomes of the BETES Project and delved into a diverse range of intriguing topics. From soft skills to digital transformation and emerging technologies. We explored the role of AI in modern industry, the fusion of traditional data analysis with new technologies, advancements in extended reality, innovations in microelectronics, and the evolving landscape of leadership in the tech era. A special thanks to our speakers, panelists and everyone who attended and made the event a success! #BETESProject #ECTForumCyprus #TechInnovation #AI #FinalEvent               Latest news Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Italy 26 Jun 2026 Projects Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Cyprus 26 Jun 2026 Projects Take the SOIL-XR Survey! 26 Jun 2026 Projects The SOIL-XR project is officially underway! 26 Jun 2026 Projects Popular news Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! 06 Jul 2026 News Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Cyprus 26 Jun 2026 Projects Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Italy 26 Jun 2026 Projects The SOIL-XR project is officially underway! 26 Jun 2026 Projects Take the SOIL-XR Survey! 26 Jun 2026 Projects

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