Digital Challenge: A Final That Transforms Education. The final of the international Erasmus+ project Digital Challenge was held at Mathematical Grammar School from March 19th to 21st.

Through a three-day program, the event demonstrated what education looks like when knowledge, practice, and collaboration come together,bringing together students, mentors, teachers, and partners from Serbia and Romania.

The project, implemented with the support of the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union and the Tempus Foundation, confirmed its value as a model of modern education. All planned objectives were achieved ahead of schedule, including the development of more than 10 qualified young mentors and the creation of STEM educational materials that significantly exceeded initial expectations.

📊 Results that speak for themselves

The final event gathered:

• 15 mentors and teachers
• 32 students participating in the hackathon
• an additional ~40 student exhibitors
• around 300 visitors during the main day

In addition, more than 15% female participation was recorded, marking an important step toward greater inclusion in STEM fields.

📅 Day 1 – connection, energy, and a strong start

The first day was marked by the arrival of participants and the creation of a highly positive atmosphere.

During visits to the Museum of Science and Technology, as well as a walk through Belgrade, participants had the opportunity to meet, exchange ideas, and build new connections. It was especially interesting to see some participants reconnect after previous activities, while others had already been in contact even without meeting in person. At the same time, new participants met for the first time — and, as they put it, “clicked instantly.”

The competitive part began the same day.
Teams were formed, participants quickly connected, and the first phase of the hackathon immediately set a competitive tone.
Work on the first challenges continued into the evening, closing the day in a fully engaged working atmosphere.

The project was also featured that day in the morning program of K Television.

🔥 Day 2 – the highlight of the event

Friday, March 20, marked the central day of the event.

The Mathematical Grammar School was filled with participants, guests, and visitors — including many who came independently, driven by interest in the event.

A student exhibition was held with around 40 exhibitors, including participants from partner schools, the First Kragujevac Gymnasium, the First Belgrade Gymnasium, and Nikola Tesla Electrical Engineering Schools from Belgrade and Pančevo, as well as “1300 Kaplara” Primary School from Belgrade and the Regional Talent Center “Mihajlo Pupin” from Pančevo.

A panel discussion was also organized:

“Building the Future of Education – STEM, Innovation and Digital Skills”

Panel participants included:

• Mirjana Katić, Principal of the Mathematical Grammar School
• representatives of the Mihajlo Pupin Institute
• a representative of the Tempus Foundation
• a representative of the Ministry of Education
• a representative of the Artificial Intelligence Alliance
• Director of the Regional Talent Center
• mentors from participating schools

The panel took place in an open, constructive, and friendly atmosphere, with high satisfaction among participants. One of the key conclusions was the idea to integrate the exhibition and panel into a unified event, with the potential to develop into a permanent conference dedicated to education and digital skills.

Following the official opening, the final hackathon began, featuring more complex challenges that required strong knowledge, problem-solving skills, and teamwork.

🏆 Day 3 – conclusion and a new beginning

The third day was dedicated to announcing winners and awarding certificates in a celebratory atmosphere.

The jury faced a challenging task — the quality of participants was exceptionally high, and all teams successfully responded to demanding final challenges.

While the best teams were recognized, it was emphasized that all participants made significant progress.

The next step has already been defined: the formation of mixed teams that will continue participating in regional and professional hackathons through the broader initiative Pupin’s Challenge and existing collaboration platforms.

🌍 More than a project

Digital Challenge demonstrated what education can look like when knowledge is applied in practice.

In the coming period, the following will be published:

• video materials from the event
• participant testimonials
• recordings of activities throughout the project
• educational tutorials

All content will be available on the organization’s YouTube channel.

The final made one thing clear —
the future of education is not something that is coming.

It is already happening.