Romania will host a major regional education and technology event in 2026 as Cluj-Napoca prepares to welcome the first edition of the Central European AI Olympiad. The competition aims to showcase young talent in artificial intelligence while strengthening cooperation among Central European countries. The Central European AI Olympiad is designed for secondary school students with strong interests in AI, problem-solving, and innovation.
Cluj-Napoca Chosen as Host City
The inaugural Central European AI Olympiad will take place from July 14 to July 19, 2026, at Babeş-Bolyai University in Cluj-Napoca. The city is widely recognized as one of Romania’s leading academic and technology centers. Hosting the event further reinforces Cluj-Napoca’s reputation as a growing hub for digital education and emerging technologies in Central Europe.
What Is the Central European AI Olympiad?
The Central European AI Olympiad is an annual academic competition created to test students’ abilities in artificial intelligence. It combines theoretical knowledge with practical challenges, encouraging participants to think critically and creatively. The event includes:
- Two days of intensive AI challenges
- Tasks centered on algorithmic thinking, AI models, and data analysis
- Problems designed to assess both technical expertise and innovation
The rules follow established international science olympiad standards while addressing the unique opportunities and risks associated with AI technologies.
Encouraging the Next Generation of AI Experts
A key goal of the Central European AI Olympiad is to inspire students to deepen their understanding of artificial intelligence and explore its real-world applications. The competition helps participants:
- Strengthen advanced AI problem-solving skills
- Gain experience in innovation-driven challenges
- Prepare for future studies and careers in AI-related fields
By focusing on secondary education, the event supports early talent development in a rapidly evolving sector.
Selection Process and National Phases
Each participating country will select its teams through national competitions or other accredited evaluation methods. This ensures that the Central European AI Olympiad brings together top-performing students from across the region.
Romania’s national phase is scheduled for April and will be hosted by the West University of Timișoara. The top students from this stage will represent the country at the international competition in Cluj-Napoca.
A Strategic Milestone for AI Education in Central Europe
The launch of the Central European AI Olympiad marks an important step in promoting artificial intelligence education across the region. By bringing together young talent, educators, and institutions, the event supports collaboration and innovation at an early stage.
As artificial intelligence continues to shape the future of economies and societies, initiatives like the Central European AI Olympiad play a vital role in preparing students for tomorrow’s technological challenges.
Source: Romania Insider