ated4kids summer camp: coding, robotics and AI for young talents

From 25 to 29 August in Melide, the ated4kids summer camp engaged girls and boys aged 8 to 15 from Ticino in a journey through coding, robotics and digital creativity. Among the highlights was a workshop on artificial intelligence applied to self-driving cars.

For an entire week, young participants had the chance to explore the world of technology as active learners. The initiative featured a diverse and engaging program that skillfully blended learning and fun, stimulating curiosity, creativity, and collaboration. Topics such as coding, robotics, and digital creativity were at the forefront of the activities, which aimed to introduce participants to essential skills for the future. This experience also provided opportunities for socialisation, helping attendees make new friends and better understand if pursuing a career in the digital world might be a path for them in the years ahead.

One of the most exciting activities was the workshop dedicated to artificial intelligence, led by Roberto Minelli, academic coordinator of the Software Institute, and Samuele Pasini, PhD student in the TAU research group. After an introduction to the fundamental concepts of AI and its applications in the field of self-driving cars, participants were able to directly apply what they had learned by participating in a small competition. This activity allowed them to put theory into practice, making a highly topical field tangible and stimulating.

The summer camp was not limited to transferring technical knowledge: it also sought to encourage young people to develop critical thinking and the ability to make informed choices about their future educational and professional paths. Through the workshops, participants were able to explore different areas of technology, acquiring skills that could prove invaluable in tomorrow's world of work.

A key element of the initiative is the partnership between the Faculty of Informatics and ATED – Associazione Ticinese Evoluzione Digitale. This independent association welcomes individuals, companies, schools, and organisations interested in innovation. It promotes responsible technology use and supports the growth of the local economy. This collaboration further strengthens the mission to build bridges between research, education and real-world applications, offering the younger generation concrete tools to tackle digital challenges.

The ated4kids Summer Camp is a valuable event for the Ticino region. It offers a unique opportunity for participants to learn while having fun, explore the world of technology with enthusiasm, and envision how to transform their passions and skills into future opportunities.