Kurzemes Business Forum: “Challenges of the IT industry in the era of artificial intelligence”
31.03.2026 - 15:43
From May 20 to 22, the Kurzeme Business Forum will take place in Ventspils, which this year is dedicated to the challenges of the IT industry in the era of artificial intelligence. On the first day of the forum, entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to learn about the most current problems and solutions in the field of artificial intelligence and human resources in the IT industry, participating in discussions with industry experts. This day will serve as a basis for further forum activities,
The first day of the forum, on May 20, will focus on strategic issues and current challenges in the industry. The program includes expert speeches, panel discussions and co-creation sessions, which will be attended by representatives of IT companies, developers of artificial intelligence solutions, cybersecurity specialists, as well as representatives of universities and the public sector. The discussion will focus on issues such as the transformation of the labor market under the influence of AI, the availability of qualified specialists, cybersecurity challenges and the adaptation of companies to the new technological reality. The day will also include solution presentations (pitch), outlining existing initiatives and approaches to the development of the industry.
"The Kurzeme Business Forum is an important platform where education, entrepreneurship and the public sector meet. Artificial intelligence is already significantly affecting the economy and the labor market, so it is important to identify both risks and development opportunities in a timely manner in order to strengthen the region's competitiveness," emphasizes Jānis Vītoliņš, Chairman of the Ventspils City Council.
"The Kurzeme Business Forum is an important platform where education, entrepreneurship and the public sector meet. Artificial intelligence is already significantly affecting the economy and the labor market, so it is important to identify both risks and development opportunities in a timely manner in order to strengthen the region's competitiveness," emphasizes Jānis Vītoliņš, Chairman of the Ventspils City Council.
On the second day, May 21, the forum will continue with practical work and promotion of cooperation. The day will be opened by the inter-faculty activity "Shared Ideas", where students will present their ideas, projects and initiatives, promoting the formation of new contacts and cooperation between representatives of different fields. Subsequently, students, faculty, entrepreneurs and industry experts will work in joint teams to develop solutions to the challenges defined on the first day, receiving methodological and substantive support in structuring and developing ideas.
The third day, May 22, will be dedicated to improving, presenting and receiving feedback on the developed ideas. The teams will summarize their work, refine their solutions and prepare short idea pitches, which they will present to the jury and other participants. On the final day, the most promising ideas will be highlighted and their further development opportunities will be outlined, promoting cooperation between students, the university and industry partners even after the event ends."The Kurzeme Business Forum allows the university to closely link studies and research with the real needs of the industry, and for the region to develop an innovation ecosystem and strengthen competitiveness, and it is a vivid example of how international cooperation turns into practical benefits at the local level," says Andris Vaivads, Rector of Ventspils University of Applied Sciences.
The Kurzeme Business Forum is organized as a unified three-day cooperation cycle, in which challenges are identified, ideas are developed, and solutions are presented sequentially, thus creating a complete innovation process and strengthening the connection between education, business, and the public sector.
More information about the forum program and agenda, as well as registration options, is available at: https://www.kurzemesbiznesaforums.lvParticipation in the event is only possible with prior registration.
The forum is organized by Ventspils University of Applied Sciences within the framework of the European university alliance COLOURS, where 9 regional universities collaborate, solving challenges relevant to the regions, and the Ventspils City Municipality in cooperation with the Ventspils Freeport Authority, the Latvian Association of Artificial Intelligence.
