Unique Opportunity for Robotics and Coding Enthusiasts: “RoboTech” Kicks Off, Organized by Metropolitan University Tirana and COD
All students passionate about coding and robotics now have the opportunity to develop their skills in the “RoboTech” competition, organized by Metropolitan University Tirana and COD. Over the course of 11 weeks, students from 10 participating high schools will be trained by top experts in computer science at Metropolitan University Tirana, in a unique competition in Albania.
But what are the innovations that “RoboTech” will bring?
“UMT, in collaboration with COD at the Prime Minister’s Office, organizes this initiative to allow high school students to familiarize themselves more with technology, not only as users but also as developers. During this period, they will learn about robotics, which helps us provide a wide range of knowledge because it involves electronics, mechanics since these robots will move according to a specific objective and goal,” explained Dr. Elton Domnori, Vice Dean of the Faculty of Computer Science and IT at UMT.
Invited from the business world, academia, and many high school students were present at the opening ceremony of this competition at the COD premises at the Prime Minister’s Office. Ten participating high schools were welcomed by COD representatives Elidon Dodaj and Hevio Lila, UMT President Eng. Arjan Çukaj, Executive Director and Board Member of OFICINA Innovation Hub Arjan Ymeri, and Gledi Tace Mentor/Founder of RoboTech Trainings.
UMT President Arjan Çukaj stated that it is the university’s mission to support passion and youth in the field of technology, coding, and robotics.
“University Metropolitan Tirana is the natural habitat of technology and innovation. We are the first Albanian university focused on Artificial Intelligence. At UMT, we not only offer bachelor’s studies in Artificial Intelligence, but we have also established the doctoral school in Artificial Intelligence and Intelligent Systems, with the first doctoral students conducting their research in collaboration with our partner institutions in France and the USA. Therefore, today, with expertise and excellence, I want to express that our team at UMT is ready to offer all the knowledge and support even towards the processes of adopting artificial intelligence in public services, as is also the declared objective of the Albanian government. I am pleased that our vision has borne fruit when the data shows us that 75% of our students work full-time in their profession, and about 10% of UMT graduates are employed abroad from America, to England, Belgium, or Germany, confirming the value of the UMT diploma,” said President of University Metropolitan Tirana Arjan Çukaj, expressing the ambition for this competition to expand across the Balkans. Participants had the opportunity to receive answers to questions about the competition from RoboTech mentors; Director of the Innovation Center at UMT Dr. Igli Hakrama, Dr. Elton Domnori, Sindi Selfo, and Xhesiba Saraci.
The culmination of this competition is particularly important because it brings students’ attention to the knowledge they need about the field of robotics and its applications in everyday life in society, encouraging their passion for coding to shape the future professionals in the most sought-after fields by the job market within and outside the country.
University Metropolitan Tirana, focused on computer science, artificial intelligence, engineering, and economics, offers students 25 bachelor’s and master’s degree programs, while being the only Albanian university to have established the doctoral school in Artificial Intelligence.