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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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ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 NEWS October 20, 2026 17:30 pm On October 17th, 2026, the European Centre for Emerging Competencies and Technologies (ECECT) participated in the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival, held at Eleftheria’s Square as part of the Erasmus Days 2026, celebrating the 10th anniversary of this European initiative.  Organised by the Nicosia Municipality in collaboration with IDEP Lifelong Learning, the festival brought together educational institutions, non-profit organisations, European project partners and the wider public to celebrate European cooperation, learning and the opportunities offered by the Erasmus+ programme. Connecting with the Community through Erasmus+ ECECT joined the celebrations with an information booth, providing an opportunity to introduce our organisation, present our involvement in European projects and engage with visitors interested in education, emerging technologies, digital skills and sustainability. Throughout the event, we connected with students, young people, educators and members of the community, exchanging ideas about European cooperation, lifelong learning and opportunities to get involved in educational and volunteering initiatives. Our participation reflects ECECT’s commitment to connecting research, education, technology and society, while making European project results and learning opportunities more accessible to local communities. Celebrating European Collaboration Erasmus Days is an important occasion to recognise the value of international partnerships, knowledge exchange and inclusive learning experiences. Events such as the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival provide a space for organisations and citizens to connect, discover new opportunities and explore how European initiatives can contribute to education and skills development. We sincerely thank Nicosia Municipality and IDEP Lifelong Learning for organising the festival, as well as everyone who visited our booth and shared their interest, ideas and enthusiasm. We look forward to continuing these conversations and creating more opportunities for learning, innovation and collaboration through European projects. Discover more about ECECT: https://ecect.eu/ Latest news 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 Co-Design the SOIL-XR Learning Platform in Cyprus 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 ECECT Connects with the Community at the Nicosia Erasmus+ Festival 2026 20 Oct 2026 News Στην Κύπρο, Για Συνάντηση Με Τους Εταίρους Μας 09 May 2023 News

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Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! Robotex July 6, 2026 12:48 pm Another memorable year with Robotex Cyprus! ECECT.eu was delighted to support Robotex Cyprus 2026, contributing to one of Cyprus’ largest celebrations of educational robotics, STEM and innovation. Throughout the event, our team welcomed students, educators, families, and technology enthusiasts to our booth, where we showcased EU-funded projects, promoted digital skills and lifelong learning, and demonstrated how emerging technologies can enhance education and help tackle real-world challenges. We also had the pleasure of meeting Nathan Metsälä, CEO of Robotex International, and exchanging ideas on the importance of STEM education, innovation, and international collaboration. We are also proud of ECECT members who volunteer as judges across several competitions, helping evaluate participants while encouraging creativity, teamwork, and technical excellence. Robotex is much more than a competition; it is a meeting point where education, research, technology, and collaboration come together to inspire the next generation!  A sincere thank you to the organizers, Cyprus Computer Society, co-organizers, Πανεπιστήμιο Κύπρου | University Of Cyprus, IET Cyprus Local Network, Οργανισμός Νεολαίας Κύπρου / Youth Board of Cyprus, volunteers, coaches, judges, sponsors, supporters, and every participant who contributed to another outstanding event. We are grateful to have been part of this incredible community and look forward to supporting future editions. 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 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

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Up To YOU(th) 2025 – Highlights News September 22, 2025 12:35 pm Το Σάββατο το Πάρκο Ακρόπολης γέμισε με μουσική, ιδέες και δράση στο 9ο Φεστιβάλ Νέων Up To YOU(th)!  Ζήσαμε ένα απόγευμα γεμάτο τεχνολογία, ρομποτικές μάχες, μουσική και ανοιχτές συζητήσεις.Ευχαριστούμε όλους όσους πέρασαν από το περίπτερό μας και μοιράστηκαν μαζί μας ιδέες και ενέργεια! #UpToYouth #YouthFestival #NicosiaEvents #ECECT #Innovation #Creativity #Tech #STEM #NGOFair #ChangeMakers Latest news RoboXR Showcased at the MASTER XR Final Event in Oldenburg 18 Jun 2026 Projects RoboXR Pilot Testing Successfully in Cyprus  18 Jun 2026 Projects New DITEC Outputs For Human-Centered IT Education 15 Jun 2026 DITEC RoboXR Teaser Video Release 29 Apr 2026 Projects DITEC: First Project Deliverable Launched 13 Feb 2026 DITEC Popular news DITEC – First TPM Meeting 06 Nov 2025 DITEC RoboXR Showcased at the MASTER XR Final Event in Oldenburg 18 Jun 2026 Projects RoboXR Pilot Testing Successfully in Cyprus  18 Jun 2026 Projects DITEC: First Project Deliverable Launched 13 Feb 2026 DITEC New DITEC Outputs For Human-Centered IT Education 15 Jun 2026 DITEC

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Up To YOU(th) 2025 News September 19, 2025 15:37 pm Το Πάρκο Ακρόπολης γεμίζει ξανά με μουσική, ιδέες και δράση. Το 9ο Φεστιβάλ Νέων Up To YOU(th) έρχεται το Σάββατο 20 Σεπτεμβρίου και φέρνει τη μεγαλύτερη γιορτή δημιουργικότητας και συμμετοχής στην Κύπρο. Από τις 17:00, σε περιμένει ένα απόγευμα γεμάτο ζωντανή μουσική, ταινίες, επιστημονικά πειράματα, τεχνολογικές ανακαλύψεις, ρομποτικές μάχες, ανοιχτές συζητήσεις, κυνήγι θησαυρού και πολλές εκπλήξεις. Στο κέντρο της γιορτής βρίσκεται το NGO Fair, με περισσότερους από 70 οργανισμούς, ΜΚΟ και κοινωνικές πρωτοβουλίες που θα σε ενημερώσουν για ευκαιρίες εθελοντισμού, ευρωπαϊκές ανταλλαγές και πρακτικές ασκήσεις. Είναι η τέλεια στιγμή να ανακαλύψεις πώς μπορείς να συμμετάσχεις και να κάνεις τη διαφορά στην κοινότητά σου. Η ECECT EU θα είναι εκεί για να σε εμπνεύσει με τα έργα της. Θα γνωρίσεις το VR4Bees που φέρνει την εικονική πραγματικότητα στη διάσωση των μελισσών, το DIGIFABS που ανοίγει τον δρόμο στην ψηφιακή παραγωγή και το 3D printing, τα projects ρομποτικής και STEM που ζωντανεύουν την τεχνολογία μπροστά σου και το ReSENSE που σε εξοπλίζει με δεξιότητες remote sensing, GIS και IoT για ένα πιο πράσινο μέλλον. Είναι η ευκαιρία σου να μας γνωρίσεις, να μοιραστείς ιδέες και να βρεις τον τρόπο που σου ταιριάζει για να γίνεις πρέσβης της αλλαγής. Φέρε τους φίλους σου, ανακάλυψε νέες εμπειρίες και ζήσε μια μέρα γεμάτη έμπνευση και δράση. 20 Σεπτεμβρίου Πάρκο Ακρόπολης, Λευκωσία Από τις 17:00 Ελεύθερη Είσοδος       Latest news RoboXR Showcased at the MASTER XR Final Event in Oldenburg 18 Jun 2026 Projects RoboXR Pilot Testing Successfully in Cyprus  18 Jun 2026 Projects New DITEC Outputs For Human-Centered IT Education 15 Jun 2026 DITEC RoboXR Teaser Video Release 29 Apr 2026 Projects DITEC: First Project Deliverable Launched 13 Feb 2026 DITEC Popular news DITEC – First TPM Meeting 06 Nov 2025 DITEC RoboXR Showcased at the MASTER XR Final Event in Oldenburg 18 Jun 2026 Projects RoboXR Pilot Testing Successfully in Cyprus  18 Jun 2026 Projects DITEC: First Project Deliverable Launched 13 Feb 2026 DITEC New DITEC Outputs For Human-Centered IT Education 15 Jun 2026 DITEC

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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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We had a fantastic time at the 7th National Robotex Cyprus Competition and the 1st Minoan Sports Robotics Competition!ECECT.eu team was proud to volunteer and host a booth, making this event unforgettable for many young robotics enthusiasts. Highlights from our Booth:- Kids had great time drawing with the DexArm Robot- Trying out the VR glasses for an immersive experience – Playing and exploring with the M5Stuck It was truly inspiring to see the excitement and interest in the eyes of these future innovators.#robotex2024 #minoansportsrobotics #ECECT #RoboticsForKids #FutureInnovators The teachers learned about robotics and AI and engaged in hands-on workshops using micro:bit. #robotics #technology #training #learning #AI      

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Another training session was a success yesterday! With our partners, Skills Zone Malta we conducted two workshops at St. Joseph School, Sliema, on Robotics & AI as part of the BETES project. The teachers learned about robotics and AI and engaged in hands-on workshops using micro:bit. #robotics #technology #training #learning #AI       

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