The project WISE-AI: Fostering young women’s employability by promoting Sustainable Development Goals through Artificial Intelligence, had its final event – Coding the Future: Women in AI – and transnational project meeting on March 19, 2026, in Vilnius, Lithuania, and streamed online. The event was hosted by Lithuanian partner AY Institute, organised by Deimantė Radišauskaitė, Inga Vederytė, Aistė Akelaitytė, Austėja Krištopaitytė, Dominyka Svilytė, and Armanda Sofija Rimkutė, at the Vilnius Culture Centre (Vilnius Teachers’ House).
The project aimed to develop an innovative approach, combining training with educational games (Minecraft Education game and a Knowledge Portal), in order to help young women (aged 15–29) explore their entrepreneurial skills and abilities related to the field of AI and bridge the gap between inclusion and equality, as well as to encourage innovation and the sustainability of the SDGs, within a fun, engaging and positive environment.
During the event, nearly 60 students (15-18 year-old), accompanied by teachers Irina Read and Renata Petrėnaitė, were able to explore the basic concepts of AI through interactive activities, try out the educational game Minecraft based on the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and use the WISE-AI Knowledge Portal.
A special keynote by Kateryna Piddubna, AI programme manager from Women Go Tech, was also part of the event.
WISE-AI’s local coordinator from BRU-Iscte, Aristides Ferreira, together with team members research fellow Beatriz Saavedra, and project funding manager Mafalda Casais presented the WISE-AI project to the audience.
The ICON team was also present at the venue, represented by Maria Almpanaki, Xanthi Almpanaki, and Panagiotis Evangelopoulos.
Learning AI Through Experience
The event focused on making AI simple and relatable. Instead of complex theories, participants were invited to explore AI through real-life examples, interactive activities, and discussions.
One of the highlights of the day was the hands-on session where participants tested the WISE-AI Knowledge Portal and explored the Minecraft educational game. These tools allowed them to learn by doing – understanding how AI connects to real-world challenges such as sustainability and innovation.
Working in groups, participants engaged in tasks, shared ideas, and reflected on how technology is shaping their future opportunities.
A Truly International Experience
The event stood out not only for its content, but also for its strong international dimension.
Project partners joined in person from Portugal and Greece, creating opportunities for direct exchange and connection. At the same time, partners from Cyprus and Spain participated online, ensuring that the event remained fully inclusive and collaborative across borders.
A key moment of the event was the presentation by ISCTE – University Institute of Lisbon, who introduced the story of the WISE-AI project – from its initial idea to the development of its main results. This helped participants better understand the purpose behind the project and the impact it aims to create.
Inspiration from International Experts
A special part of the event was the guest presentation by Kateryna Piddubna, AI Program Manager at Women Go Tech.
Through real examples from the ‘AI Foundations’ programme, she showed how people with different backgrounds can start using AI in their everyday lives. Her session included practical case studies and interactive elements, encouraging participants to think about how they could take their own first steps in AI.
More Than Just Technology
While the event focused on AI, it also highlighted something equally important – inclusion.
WISE-AI places a strong emphasis on encouraging more women and underrepresented groups to explore technology. Throughout the event, participants were invited to reflect on who builds technology, who uses it, and why it is important to create more diverse and inclusive spaces in the field.
A Space to Connect and Exchange
Beyond the sessions, the event also created opportunities for informal conversations. During the networking break, participants connected with speakers, partners, and each other – discussing studies, career paths, and shared interests.
This exchange of ideas was just as valuable as the workshops themselves, helping to build confidence and curiosity around AI.
Looking Back – and Forward
The final event in Lithuania marked the closing of the WISE-AI project, but also the beginning of something bigger.
The tools developed during the project – including the Knowledge Portal and Minecraft game – will continue to be available, allowing even more young people to explore AI in an accessible way.
The event showed that when learning is interactive, inclusive, and connected to real life, technology becomes less intimidating – and much more exciting.
