Rising Youth with SAP Italia: over 600 students involved in the training programme
The journey continues for students from higher education institutions involved in Rising Youth, the fifth edition of the project promoted by Fondazione Mondo Digitale ETS in collaboration with SAP Italia. This initiative helps the younger generation explore the link between artificial intelligence, sustainability and innovation, with a practical look at the future of work.
Over 600 students from schools across Italy, from Pacinotti in Fondi to Dettori in Cagliari, are taking part in the online training activities. The course includes one webinar per month, led by SAP experts, dedicated to the application of AI in business processes and the challenges of environmental and social sustainability.
The next event is scheduled for 12 January, from 3 to 4 p.m., with Anita Brescia, Business Process Associate Consultant at SAP Italia, who will lead the webinar “AI and Supply Chain”, dedicated to the role of artificial intelligence in the sustainable management of supply chains.
During the first meeting, on 2 October 2025, the design challenge was launched, which will accompany students until the final hackathon, scheduled as part of the RomeCup 2026 (28–30 April, Sapienza University of Rome). Teams are asked to imagine their ideal company and develop an innovative product or service capable of making it more sustainable, based on the content of the webinars.
Particular attention will be given to original and unconventional ideas, based on the conscious use of smart technologies and with a clear impact on environmental or social sustainability, from inclusion to the reduction of inequalities. Avoiding existing models and daring to come up with new solutions will be a key element in the final evaluation.
During the hackathon, a jury of experts from SAP and partner companies will meet with the teams in dedicated interviews. Students will present their projects with an elevator pitch of up to five minutes, evaluated according to criteria that include business idea, originality, adoption of AI, impact, clarity of presentation, teamwork and prototype (if present).
All participants deserve a big cheer: it's time to give shape to your ideas, transforming creativity and digital skills into concrete projects for a more sustainable future.
