Ventspils University of Applied Sciences Faculty of Translation Studies Bachelor’s degree student of “Translation and Language Technology” Matīss Jansons and Bachelor’s degree student of “Intercultural Communication” Līva Slesare participated in an exciting summer school “Responsible Digitalization: AI, Social Media and their Contribution to a Sustainable Society”, which took place from 21st to 25th of July in Paderborn, Germany. The aim of the summer school was to provide a learning experience about sustainable use of artificial intelligence and digital technologies for the benefit of society, while promoting collaboration, practical innovation and cultural exchange. The summer school program was intense and dynamic – lectures, workshops and discussions led by lecturers and guest lecturers took place throughout the day, covering the practical application of artificial intelligence, its ethical and social aspects, issues of power, prejudice and everyday life. Each day provided new insights and encouraged students to think about the role of technology in the future society. Outside of lectures, students from Latvia, as well as from various other countries, had the opportunity to go on guided tours and get to know the city of Paderborn in Germany and its ancient history, see the world's largest computer museum "Heinz Nixdorf MuseumsForum", as well as have informal conversations and make new contacts. Students admit that the opportunity to work in international teams with participants from several COLOURS alliance universities was very valuable. This diversity promoted the exchange of experience and allowed for different approaches to solving problems related to artificial intelligence. Dr. François Vignale's (Le Mans University) lecture on the identification of AI-generated and biased content also aroused special interest, providing practical knowledge and sparking a discussion about these problems in society. This experience gives students the opportunity to gain new knowledge, opening a broader view of the everyday life of students at other European universities, exchanging opinions and creating contacts and future friendships. Read more about the summer school on the COLOURS website: https://colours-alliance.eu/event/international-summer-school-on-responsible-digitalization-ai-social-media-and-their-contribution-to-a-sustainable-society/

From June 26 to July 5, 2025, third-year Business Management students Mārtiņš Didzis Gailis and Daniels Balcers from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences participated in the COLOURS project summer school "Scientific Project Management: From Idea to Funded EU Project", which took place at the University of Le Mans, France. The aim of the programme was to provide students with theoretical and practical knowledge in scientific project management, with a particular focus on attracting European Union funding. The program was organized in a combined format – with online classes on June 26 and 27 and in-person activities at the University of Le Mans from July 1 to 5. During the online sessions, students learned about the project life cycle, European Union project evaluation criteria, the use of Gantt and PERT charts, risk analysis, and budgeting. The in-person sessions included practical workshops on stakeholder mapping and Horizon Europe funding opportunities, as well as the development and presentation of students' final projects in the form of a simulated competition. The program also included a visit to the Le Mans 24 Hours Museum and participation in the international event "Le Mans Classic," where students gained insight into the organization and management of high-level events. Daniels says that he is very interested in everything related to cars and motorsports, so he was particularly excited to attend the Le Mans Classic race – it was a great opportunity to get to know one of the world's most legendary racing events, see classic racing cars in action, and experience the authentic atmosphere that reigns in this historic place. Mārtiņš admitted that he had visited France before, but Le Mans left an even deeper impression on him – quieter, more authentic and with a strong historical presence. He particularly liked the historic atmosphere of the city, the enthusiasm for motorsport and how open and friendly the local people were. "To be honest, we regret a little that we didn't take advantage of such opportunities earlier during our studies – they provide not only knowledge, but also a broader view of the world, people and ourselves. That's why we especially encourage other students and young people to be active, take advantage of the international programs on offer, and not be afraid of challenges – these are experiences that create unforgettable memories," the guys admit. Participation in this program provided students with valuable experience in project planning, risk assessment, budgeting, and international communication. The knowledge and skills they gained will be useful both in their future studies and professional activities.

The Erasmus+ program offers the opportunity to participate in an innovative and dynamic learning format – the Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). This format allows both students and staff to explore a specific topic in depth within an international setting, combining virtual learning with a short but intensive five-day on-site component. Students of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences actively take part in these programs – over the past two academic years, 18 students have participated in BIP courses held in Lithuania, Portugal, Spain, and France. From 26 to 30 May, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences hosted its first Erasmus+ Blended Intensive Programme titled “Technology Startup Course”. The course was implemented as part of the “Developing by Experimenting II” module within the “Start-up Management” study program, in cooperation with two COLOURS partner universities – Jan Dlugosz University in Czestochowa (Poland) and University St. Kliment Ohridski Bitola (North Macedonia). During the program, students from Ventspils University collaborated in international teams with peers from Poland, North Macedonia, and Bulgaria to develop innovative, technology-based business ideas. In total, 38 students participated, including 18 international students (six of whom represented COLOURS partner universities), forming 13 project teams. The primary goal of the program was to enhance students' skills in creating innovative, tech-driven business ventures capable of competing in the real-world market. On 30 May, five of the top teams were selected to present their ideas to investors at the TestDevLab headquarters in Riga. The winning team, “SOUNDPACK”, was represented by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences student Ronalds Palacis. The team’s idea focused on using AI to generate fully cohesive, royalty-free sample packs based on natural language prompts, simplifying the workflow for music producers. The Erasmus+ BIP program provided a valuable experience for both students and staff and helped strengthen cooperation with international partner universities. In the next academic year, Ventspils University of Applied Sciences aims to implement two more BIP programs – one for students and one for staff. We encourage all faculties to submit their BIP program ideas by emailing: erasmus@venta.lv

Ventspils University of Applied Sciences recently hosted the forum “Artificial Intelligence – The Fourth Industrial Revolution”, which took place at the concert hall “Latvija”. The forum brought together industry experts, policymakers, university representatives, and others, gathering around 250 participants in total. The next day, a workshop titled “How to Collaborate Across Generations in the Era of AI” was held at the “Saieta nams” in the Pasiekste Windmill, open to all interested participants. During the same week, Ventspils welcomed partners from all COLOURS project countries. Over the course of several days, they worked together to advance the goals of Work Package 3 (WP3). The partners were also introduced to Ventspils University, Latvian culture and traditions, visited the Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in Irbene, and participated in the CoLab. Kristiāna Balode, WP3 coordinator from Ventspils University of Applied Sciences, shared: “It was a true pleasure to welcome the COLOURS partners to Ventspils and to share both our professional experience and Latvia’s rich culture and hospitality. I am especially proud that we had the opportunity to present our university and highlight Ventspils’ potential in the field of innovation. This meeting not only strengthened collaboration within WP3, but also sparked new ideas for the future development of science and higher education.”

From May 25 to 30, an international summer school took place in Ferrara, Italy, with the aim to identify and understand the principles of ecological, social, and economic transitions. The Summer school analysed human activity and the impact of climate change on the environment, and developed innovative solutions for sustainable regional development and effective communication. During the summer school, we got to know the city of Ferrara, participated in workshops and discussions, visited the Po Delta region and worked with experts to generate new ideas and solutions for a sustainable future. The Po Delta region, shaped by river sedimentation processes and human intervention, has proven to be not only an ecologically and economically important place but also a deeply symbolic space, a living landscape of memory, adaptation, and survival, where the past flows seamlessly into the present. From the first settlement of Spina in the 6th century BC to the environmental and social transitions of today, the region tells a story of constant change and the human capacity to adapt. Every bend in the canal, fisherman's hut or line of salt-stained trees speaks of resilience, creativity and the ability of the local people to live with their changing environment. We took part in a fascinating series of lectures on the history, environmental and social transitions of the Po region. We heard different perspectives on how the region's unique landscape and historical processes have shaped community identity and everyday life. In addition to the lectures, we actively engaged in discussions, shared our impressions and developed our presentations, reflecting on what we had observed and offering our visions for future possibilities in such transition areas. Our experience in Italy, especially in the Po Delta region, made us realise that this area is not just in transition - it is in transition itself. It is a threshold between past and future, a space continuously shaped by water, politics, climate and human activity. We learned that such landscapes need to be taken holistically, with respect for their environmental, cultural and emotional dimensions. And we also learned something very important: vulnerability is not weakness. On the contrary, the environmental, demographic and climatic vulnerabilities of a region highlight its complexity, value and potential. Tackling these challenges is not enough technological innovation, it also requires trust, historical understanding and political courage. During the week, we not only learnt and went on educational excursions but also made many new friends and valuable contacts from different European countries. The lively work and conversations outside formal activities created a bond that will be hard to forget. This experience demonstrated the importance of transnational and interdisciplinary cooperation. We learned to listen, to collaborate and to translate different knowledge into a common vision while pursuing one of the strongest values of the European Union: unity in diversity. To sum up the week in one message, it would be this: caring for such places is not just a technical task or a moral obligation, it is a form of belonging. We belong to the stories we inherit, the futures we help shape and the places we choose to care for. When we return to our universities, cities and languages, we bring with us both the memory of the region and a commitment to think and act differently - with respect, responsibility and commitment. Press release about the Summer School on the University of Ferrara website: https://www.unife.it/en/unife-world/colours/news-colours/colours-international-summer-school-wrap-up Prepared by: 2nd-year student of FoTS Master's study programme "Translation and Terminology" Ailenda Bulindža-Leitiete; 2nd-year student of FoTS Bachelor's study programme "Intercultural Communication" Karīna Ganiņa; 2nd-year student of FoTS Bachelor's study programme "Translation and Language Technology" Solveiga Lavrane International Summer School was organised within the European Commision project “COLlaborative innOvative sUstainable Regional univerSities” (project No.101124491).

From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt.

On Wednesday, May 28, everyone is invited to the Kurzeme Business Forum “Artificial Intelligence – The 4th Industrial Revolution”, which will take place at the Latvija concert hall. The forum will bring together entrepreneurs, municipal representatives, university staff and students, as well as technology experts to discuss the significance of education and the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on business. The first part of the forum will focus on the role of higher education in the AI era. The development of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences will be examined in this context, addressing key questions: How will the education system adapt to new requirements? Which professions will remain relevant, and which will change? The discussion will also explore the synergy between AI and cybersecurity in academic studies. The second part of the forum will address the question—do businesses need AI? The legal framework and state support mechanisms for such innovations will be introduced. Entrepreneurs will share their experiences, and participants will gain insights into common myths and the real situation regarding AI in Latvia’s economy. The discussion will conclude with an exploration of the opportunities for port development in the AI era. Participants will have the chance to engage in valuable discussions and networking sessions. Although the forum will be held in Latvian, the company SIA Tilde will provide real-time translation into any language using AI technology. Register for the forum now: https://www.kurzemesbiznesaforums.lv/ The forum is organized by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences within the European University Alliance COLOURS, in collaboration with the Ventspils State City Municipality, the Freeport of Ventspils Authority, and the Green and Smart Technology Cluster.

From March 21 to March 23, Ventspils University was the venue for the European University Alliance Colours hackathon "Combat Robotics" and the Ventspils Robotics Championship – one of the stages of the Latvian Championship. The event brought together technology and robotics enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania, Spain, Croatia and Egypt. On Friday, March 21, 13 teams from various regions of Latvia, as well as partner universities in Croatia and Spain, began a three-day hackathon. During the event, teams were tasked with designing and building a combat robot to compete in a specially designed arena. After several intense battles, the grand prize of €1,500 was claimed by a team from Riga, Latvia with their combat robot "The Shredinator." Second place went to VUAS students with their robot "Bob," earning a €600 cash prize. Meanwhile, third place and a €400 prize were awarded to a team from Latgale with their robot "Zeimuļs vs PRK." The Ventspils City Special Award went to the team "Labākais tiiims ever" for their exceptionally creative combat robot design. Hackathon winner Patriks Ezerins shares: “I think this is a really cool way for people to come together – engineers, future engineers, and robotics enthusiasts – to build something amazing within a set time limit and then battle it out for victory. It’s a unique opportunity! I definitely recommend giving it a try, especially with the kits we provide. Even someone with zero coding knowledge can come, take a basic chassis (which is a pre-assigned part), print it, install the motors and controller, and start driving. That’s it – you’re ready to fight! I encourage everyone to participate, because the more participants we have in the future, the more hackathons like this will continue!” On Saturday, robotics and technology enthusiasts from Latvia, Lithuania and Croatia gathered at VUAS to participate in the Ventspils Robotics Championship. Throughout the championship, more than 50 robots competed in nine different disciplines, like Folkrace, Antweight, Mini Sumo, Line following and iRobot Sumo, and showcasing the participants' outstanding skills and innovative solutions. Team from Croatia placed 2 nd in Mini Sumo PRO category. The Ventspils City Special Award in the Robotics Championship was not given to an individual but to a team from Sigulda in recognition of their enthusiasm and extensive participation, demonstrating their contribution to the development of robotics. Photos: Day 1: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-1-diena-21-03-2025/ Day 2: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-2-diena-22-03-2025/ Day 3: https://zviedrans.lv/galleries/ventspils-starptautiskais-cinas-robotu-hakatons-3-diena-23-03-2025/

On March 7th, the COLOURS Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center was opened in the MOOMENTUM coworking space. This center offers students a place to develop their business ideas and create innovations. To understand how the Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center should operate and what services and opportunities it should provide, it was essential to ask the students themselves – what do YOU need to start your own business? Based on the collected information, the mission, vision, goals, and desired activities of the Student Entrepreneurship and Innovation Center were developed.