High performance computing challenges open for students to drive innovation

This spring students will work on challenges presented by leading Latvian companies, including SEB, the national airline airBaltic, the manufacturing company Caljan, and the ventilation solutions provider Europlast.

Now in its third season, the programme continues to receive positive feedback from students and participating companies, with some considering long-term collaborations. This year, several major companies contributing to Latvia's economy will provide student teams with real-world challenges. AirBaltic is particularly interested in student analyses and recommendations to enhance flight scheduling, aiming to reduce the frequency of changes and delays. Meanwhile, Europlast seeks student-led solutions to automate customer credit limit evaluations, a process currently performed manually.

This spring for the first time, the programme will be conducted entirely in English and will follow a hybrid format, making it more accessible to students from all regions of Latvia, including international participants.

Student gains from HPC challenge

Through participation, students will develop practical skills in creating innovative digital solutions using digital prototyping and design thinking techniques. They will work with industry professionals and Riga Technical University (RTU) experts, using high-performance computing technologies and industry-standard digital tools to develop solutions—whether as prototypes, conceptual projects, or research studies.

To support students, the programme offers a series of lectures and tutorials covering topics such as:

• HPC platforms
• Machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI)
• Artificial neural networks
• Digital prototyping
• Idea creation, validation, and management

Some lectures will be held remotely, while others will take place in person.

No prior experience in high-level digital solutions is required, making the programme suitable for students from engineering, humanities, and social sciences backgrounds. The interdisciplinary approach ensures diverse perspectives in problem-solving. Upon successful completion, students will receive a certificate recognising their advanced digital skills. Additionally, participation in the programme can be counted as a three-credit elective course.

In previous seasons, companies such as Riga Forests, Accenture, Datamed, Tet, Bruntor, State Real Estate, Bucher Municipal, Cenos, Friends Group, and the Children's Clinical University Hospital have presented challenges for students.

About the project

The programme’s primary goal is to increase the number of specialists in Latvia with high-level digital skills (DigComp levels 7-8). These specialists will be equipped to use technology for developing knowledge-intensive and technology-driven products and services across various sectors. Additionally, the initiative fosters stronger collaboration between higher education, science and industry.