Celebrating Youth Innovation – WAICY Europe 2025 Awards in Fundão

On July 18th, 2025, the city of Fundão proudly hosted an awards ceremony to recognize the exceptional youth who participated in the first European edition of the World Artificial Intelligence Competition for Youth (WAICY). The event was held in the stately halls of Fundão’s City Hall, bringing together students, families, educators, and civic leaders for a celebration of innovation, education, and community spirit.

The ceremony was opened by the President of the Municipal Chamber of Fundão, who spoke passionately about the city’s continued investment in education, technology, and opportunity for the next generation. Partners from the European Center for AI Research and Education (ECAIRE), VV-AI, and ReadyAI were also present to award the young participants and support the shared vision of inclusive, youth-centered AI literacy. These institutions played an essential role in the design and implementation of WAICY Europe 2025, alongside the Municipality.

Students were honored with gold, silver, and bronze medals, along with beautifully designed certificates recognizing their contributions and accomplishments. The winning teams demonstrated a remarkable blend of creativity, technical understanding, and social awareness in their AI-driven projects. Whether tackling challenges related to education, accessibility, or the environment, their work reflected the high standard of excellence WAICY represents.

This moment capped off months of preparation, innovation, and collaboration. WAICY Europe is not just a competition—it is a movement that empowers young people to think critically about technology, explore ethical uses of AI, and engage with global challenges in meaningful ways. The 2025 awards in Fundão offered a glimpse into a future led by thoughtful, curious, and capable youth. ECAIRE, VV-AI, and ReadyAI remain committed to supporting these efforts and expanding opportunities for young innovators throughout Europe and beyond.