First Waicy Europe – Europe’s Youth-Led AI Revolution - 2025

WAICY Europe 2025 marked a historic milestone in youth-centered technology education as Fundão, Portugal, hosted the first-ever European edition of the World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth (WAICY). Held at the city's Migrant Centre, the event gathered over 400 project submissions from students in 37 countries. Participants included youth innovators, educators, and leaders from countries like the USA, China, France, Saudi Arabia, and many more. The day featured dynamic panels, live project presentations, and closing keynotes from thought leaders, including representatives from Stanford University and major AI organizations.

What made this edition exceptional was its focus on ethical, inclusive, and community-driven AI education. Student projects ranged from health-monitoring systems and AI-generated art to robotics for accessibility and climate innovation. Fundão was celebrated not only for its hospitality and innovation ecosystem but also for becoming the official European headquarters for WAICY for the next two years. The event also included the launch of Portugal’s first K–12 AI curriculum and the announcement of an AI Robotics Assembly Center in Fundão by 2026. WAICY Europe 2025 was more than a competition—it was a catalyst for transnational collaboration and long-term educational transformation.