In March, DigiAdvance deliver another engaging, hands-on workshop as part of our mission to build digital confidence and capabilities across Europe’s SME sector. This time, the spotlight was on automation and robotics —a fast-evolving area that’s reshaping the way businesses operate and grow.
Hosted by our partner Inova-Ria, a DigiAdvance partner with deep roots in Portugal’s tech ecosystem, the session took place on Thursday 20 March, from 18:30 to 20:30, and drew a strong turnout, with over 50 professionals signing up to explore how automation technologies are transforming today’s workplace.
The workshop featured contributions from organisations operating directly in the field of automation and robotics, including Neadvance, the University of Aveiro, and Atena – Automação Industrial. Participants had the opportunity to learn how these organisations are applying technology to optimise processes and industries—enabling real-time updates and supporting more informed, data-driven decisions.
As part of the event, participants were also introduced to the DigiAdvance course catalogue – a growing list of online and in-person training opportunities across a wide range of digital themes.
Why this matters for SMEs
Workshops like this are a core part of the DigiAdvance approach – creating space for SME owners, managers and employees to learn together, exchange ideas and strengthen their digital capabilities in a supportive, real-world setting. Whether it’s understanding the basics or exploring emerging technologies, our sessions aim to turn curiosity into confidence and ideas into action.
Automation and robotics aren’t just the future – they’re already driving efficiency, productivity and competitiveness in businesses of all sizes. But to stay ahead, SMEs need access to flexible, practical training opportunities that suit their pace and needs. That’s where DigiAdvance comes in.
Our project is designed to close the digital skills gap through low-cost, demand-led courses tailored specifically for SMEs. Whether you’re interested in AI, cloud computing, digital marketing or process automation, our training supports business leaders and employees at every stage of their digital journey.
Powered by partnership: Inova-Ria
This workshop was made possible through our collaboration with Inova-Ria, based in Aveiro, Portugal. Inova-Ria plays a vital role in connecting education, technology and business, with over 20 years of experience fostering talent and innovation in the ICT and electronics sectors. Their involvement in DigiAdvance reflects their ongoing commitment to aligning workforce skills with the evolving needs of the digital economy.
Carisa Martins, project coordinator at Inova-Ria, recently shared:
“As technology is constantly evolving, professionals in this field and the job market itself require constant updating of knowledge and adaptation to the needs and challenges of the various sectors of the economy.”
This philosophy is at the heart of everything we do at DigiAdvance – bridging the gap between digital opportunity and real-world application.
Want to join the next workshop?
This event was just one example of the many courses and workshops we offer across Europe. Whether online or in person, our programmes are practical, accessible and designed to support SMEs across a range of digital themes.
Explore our course catalogue today: digiadvance.eu/courses
Or take a moment to try our skills mapping tool to benchmark your team’s digital capabilities and help shape future course offerings!