Driving digital innovation for social impact
Our DIGISET project is on a clear mission: to bridge the digital divide within the European social economy.
Throughout January and February, we’ve moved past the "hype" of technology, focusing instead on transforming complex AI into practical, value-driven tools for social SMEs and enabling organizations across the continent.
Here is a summary of the milestones and learning experiences that defined the start of our year.
January: Laying the foundations of Generative AI
The year kicked off in Manresa, Spain, with a deep dive into the practical world of Generative Artificial Intelligence. On January 13th, our partners at EURECAT and El Garbell hosted a specialized training session that proved there is a massive hunger for digital literacy in our sector.
- Participation: 28 social economy organizations joined the front lines.
- The Shift: We moved from abstract theory to hands-on practice, experimenting with generative tools.
- Sector Impact: The focus remained strictly on how these tools solve real-world challenges specific to the social economy, from streamlining communication to scaling social impact.
February onwards: Building digital capacity across Europe
February was a high-momentum month. While we prepared for our upcoming immersive events, we also focused on the strategic side of tech, asking not just how it works, but who it serves.
The Brussels immersive journey: March 17th
Registration is now officially open for our full-day workshop at FARI (AI for the Common Good Institute). This isn't your typical sit-and-listen conference. We are bringing together four world-class experts to guide you through a 360-degree view of AI:
Meet the experts shaping the day:
- Filip Agatic (European Digital SME Alliance): Filip will lead the charge on European Tech Sovereignty. He’ll unveil the Tech Sovereignty Catalogue, a powerful resource connecting SME innovators with decision-makers to ensure European tech remains independent, ethical, and community-focused.
- Simeon Michel (FARI): As a specialist in robotics and AI, Simeon is the bridge between the lab and the street. He leads the FARI Demo Tour, where he translates complex research into tangible, interactive demonstrators that even non-experts can question and explore.
- Susheel Nath (FARI & CAVE): Ever wanted to "walk" inside your data? Susheel, manager of the CAVE, will lead an exclusive visit to this immersive AR/VR/XR hub. He’ll show how Digital Twins can help sectors like Healthcare, Urban Planning, and Education simulate scenarios and make better-informed decisions.
- Lea Rogliano (FARI): Lea brings the human element to the forefront. She will lead a Data Walk through Brussels, a collective experience that makes the city’s "invisible" data layers (sensors, cameras, etc.) visible, sparking vital conversations about transparency and digital culture.
Thanks to the European Commission Single Market Program, we can offer a lump sum grant to support your travels to Brussels. It is about 948 euros, and you can apply here.
Upcoming satellite events
The momentum doesn't stop in Brussels. We are taking the DIGISET mission across Europe with our dedicated partners:
- Cluj-Napoca, Romania (May 28, 29): ClujIT Cluster invites you to the AI Discovery Workshop during Cluj Innovation Days. A hands-on program focused on leveraging AI for daily operations and social impact. Learn more here.
- Amsterdam, Netherlands (June 5): Amsterdam City will host a dedicated workshop within the Public Spaces Conference, focusing on the intersection of tech and the public realm.
- Brussels, Belgium (June 10): CollectiveUP will host a special Satellite event as part of the New European Bauhaus Festival, exploring the beauty and sustainability of digital transformation.
- Coming Soon: Stay tuned for more activities currently being cooked up by our partners SOGA and FARI!
Check regularly our project website: DIGISET - Events & News
What’s next? Join us!
As we move into March, DIGISET remains committed to fostering a peer learning network where knowledge meets community.
Don’t miss our flagship Brussels event:
📅 Date: March 17, 2026
🕘 Time: 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
📍 Location: FARI, Brussels
💶 Support: Financial travel support is available for eligible social enabling organizations located more than 20km from Brussels!
Register for the March 17th Workshop: here
Apply for Travel Support: here.
Let’s shape a responsible, values-driven AI ecosystem together.
Follow our journey: www.collectiveup.be/digiset
