Over the past week, the March session of the ATHENS programme was held at the Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies, bringing together 28 students from seven partner universities in Bucharest, Delft, Istanbul, Lisbon, Madrid, Milan, and Warsaw. Participants came from a wide spectrum of disciplines – spanning biotechnology, economics, management, computer science, AI, data governance, ICT and engineering fields including aerospace, naval, industrial, materials, and mechanical engineering.

The course focused on developing effective data management strategies, a key prerequisite for successfully adopting intelligent technologies in business. Lectures explored not only the technical aspects of smart systems but also their ethical, societal, and managerial implications, with emphasis on strategic data governance, data quality, security, and the use of data as a vital organizational asset.

Students engaged in lectures and workshops led by CTU academics and industry experts, who shared cutting-edge trends and real-world applications of artificial intelligence. Contributing professionals represented major global technology and consulting corporations, namely Adastra, Hewlett Packard Enterprise, IBM, Microsoft, MSD, SAP and Personal Connect.

Immersive experiences included a tour of the 3D printing farm by Prusa Research, where students saw AI in action in advanced manufacturing, along with visits to the National Theatre and the National Technical Museum, showcasing Prague’s rich cultural and historical heritage.

Our gratitude and huge thanks go out to all the lecturers and leading professionals who made this week an exciting and inspiring journey into the world of artificial intelligence.

ATHENS remains a key hub for knowledge exchange, international networking, and developing skills essential for the future of technology. The MIAS course once again showed that combining various technical disciplines, cultural perspectives, and hands-on industry experience creates the ideal environment for innovation in technology-driven business and industrial solutions.

Catch up on previous editions of ATHENS weeks: November 2025, March 2025, November 2024, and March 2024.