The DigiAdvance project gathered partners, experts, and innovators at the University of Aveiro for a two-day event dedicated to exploring cutting-edge digital technologies shaping Europe’s SME sector. The sessions delved into Artificial Intelligence, FinTech, Cybersecurity, and Blockchain, highlighting their transformative potential for small and medium-sized enterprises.
🧠 Day 1 – Artificial Intelligence
(October 8 | Edifício Atlas, University of Aveiro)
Participants discovered how AI can revolutionise SME operations, enhance efficiency, and drive innovation. The opening session introduced the DigiAdvance initiative, followed by a keynote address from Morteza Mardani (NVIDIA), who shared insights on the role of AI in enabling business intelligence and competitiveness.
Workshops led by João Carvalho and Susana Brás from the University of Aveiro offered hands-on learning opportunities, guiding attendees through practical AI applications for business optimisation. The day concluded with an engaging networking session connecting academia, industry, and digital leaders.
💻 Day 2 – FinTech, Cybersecurity & Blockchain
(October 9 | University of Aveiro)
The second day focused on digital trust and financial innovation, highlighting how FinTech, blockchain, and cybersecurity are building resilience in today’s digital economy.
DigiAdvance partners Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona (UAB), Mobile World Capital Barcelona (MWCB), and Universidade de Aveiro / Inova-Ria shared project insights and impact results, followed by a keynote from Professor Michael Dowling (Dublin City University) on the intersection of finance and emerging technologies.
A dynamic roundtable showcased industry and academic perspectives:
- Cybersecurity – Francisco Rente (Art Resilia)
- Blockchain – Professor Miguel Nadal (UIB): “Blockchain Solutions for Today’s Business Challenges”
- FinTech – Ayesha Awan
The event concluded with a lively Q&A and closing remarks celebrating collaboration and knowledge-sharing across Europe.
🤝 DigiAdvance Consortium Meeting
Alongside the public sessions, DigiAdvance partners convened for the project’s consortium meeting, marking the transition to the final stage of the project. Representatives from all partner institutions DCU, UAB, UA, Inova-Ria, MWCapital, and The FinTech Corridor gathered to review achievements, discuss sustainability strategies, and plan future actions to strengthen SME digital capabilities.
This meeting reaffirmed the project’s mission: to bridge Europe’s digital skills gap through accessible, high-quality training for SMEs in fields such as AI, Blockchain, Cybersecurity, and Digital Marketing.