The project AI4Society – Connecting Youth Innovation with Municipal Digital and Energy Transition in the Western Balkans connects young people with knowledge and skills in technology, artificial intelligence and digital innovation with the concrete needs of local communities. The project is implemented by Belgrade Open School, in cooperation with BONEVET, with the support of the Open Society Foundations – Western Balkans.

Through the project, young programmers, students, developers and innovators will work on practical digital and AI-based solutions that respond to real challenges faced by local self-governments. The focus is on solutions with public value, which can contribute to digital transformation, energy transition, sustainable development and the improvement of public services.

The project will include an outreach campaign for young people, the selection of participants, the formation of multidisciplinary teams and the organisation of a hackathon in Belgrade. During the hackathon, participants will develop ideas and prototypes based on artificial intelligence and digital technologies, with the support of mentors and experts. The most successful teams will receive further support to improve their solutions and present them to relevant stakeholders.

The aim of the project is to empower young people to apply their knowledge and creativity to concrete social challenges, while also encouraging cooperation between young innovators, civil society and local self-governments. In this way, the project promotes the responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology in the public interest.

The project is implemented in the period from 1 July 2026 to 28 February 2027.