As Eco-Digithon 2026 gains momentum, the learning journey extends beyond the ENNEPlus partnership itself. A group of external organisations and experts, not formally part of the ENNEPlus consortium, are contributing to the initiative with a dedicated series of five online webinars.
Their involvement reflects the open and collaborative spirit of the ENNEPlus ecosystem: building bridges, expanding networks, and inviting diverse expertise to strengthen environmental and digital innovation in VET education across Europe. Taking place between February and March 2026, these sessions offer practical guidance, real-life case studies and inspiring examples for students and teachers participating in Eco-Digithon 2026.
On 18 February 2026 (09:00 – 10:00 CET) with “When Bees Become a Model for School Activities and Co-Creation Between Schools, Universities, and Companies.”
Inspired by the collaborative intelligence of bees, this webinar explores how schools can act as dynamic ecosystems where cooperation replaces silos. The session presents practical examples of cross-sector collaboration and shows how co-creation between schools, universities and companies can generate meaningful and sustainable innovation. By drawing inspiration from nature, participants will better understand how educational institutions can function as living innovation hubs, capable of connecting different actors around shared sustainability goals.
On 23 February 2026 (11:00 – 12:00 CET), digital transformation in agriculture takes centre stage with “AI and Sustainability: the IRRIGOPTIMAL® Schools Project for Agricultural Innovation.”
Presented by Cristina Maciariello (Wes Trade), this session introduces the IRRIGOPTIMAL® Schools Project, showcasing how artificial intelligence can support efficient irrigation systems and sustainable agricultural practices. The webinar demonstrates how VET schools can integrate advanced technologies into learning pathways while contributing to concrete environmental solutions, bridging education and agri-tech innovation in a practical and accessible way.
Later that same day, on 23 February 2026 (11:30–12:30 CET), participants can join “A Gate That Opens the Door to Sustainability.”
The winners of the first Italian edition of Eco-Digithon — IPIA G. Ferraris of Iglesias (Sardinia) — will present their innovative project: an automatic gate built using 99% waste and recycled materials. Teachers Simona Deidda and Agostino Castronovo will share how this student-led initiative became the starting point of an ongoing collaboration with the company ALIGÒ and the Municipality of Siliqua. The session highlights how creativity, technical skills and sustainability can come together to deliver real-world solutions, and how schools can act as true drivers of local innovation and long-lasting partnerships.
On 4 March 2026 (15:30–16:30 CET), the focus shifts to partnership development with “Building Partnerships for Sustainable Impact.”
Susana Falcão, Coordinator of Education for Sustainability at Laboratório da Paisagem in Guimarães – European Green Capital, will guide Eco-Digithon teams on how to identify, approach and collaborate with local stakeholders and organisations. This session is specifically designed for students and teams developing environmental or digital sustainability projects who need structured support in stakeholder engagement and partnership-building, offering practical tools that can strengthen the impact and longevity of their ideas.
On 6th March 2026 (15.30 – 16.30 CET), join the webinar “Business Model Canvas for Sustainable Projects”
Bruno Correia, Founder & CEO of MicroVida-Portugal – Foodtech startup focused on sustainable fresh food supply chains, digital platforms and responsible consumption models. He will guide participants on how to structure, validate and strengthen their environmental or digital innovation project using the Business Model Canvas methodology, with a focus on sustainability, local value chains and impact generation.
This session is specifically designed for students and teams participating in the Eco-Digithon who are developing environmental or digital sustainability projects and need support in structuring their value proposition, key partnerships, cost and revenue streams, and long-term impact model.
On 9th March 2026 (15.30 – 16.30 CET), join the Webinar “From Circular Economy Drivers to Practice: Digital Eco-Innovation in VET”
The webinar explores the drivers behind the transition to a circular economy – from planetary limits to European policy priorities – and how VET institutions can translate these into practical digital eco-innovation projects. The session will feature the 3rd winners of the first Portuguese Eco-Digithon, Escola Secundária Públia Hortênsia de Castro (Vila Viçosa, Portugal), presenting their project EcoBOT — an intelligent system using artificial intelligence, sensors and automation to identify and sort waste. This real case will illustrate how schools can integrate green and digital skills to design impactful, community-based solutions.
The webinar will be led by Rita Barros Silva – Environmental Expert at APEMETA – Portuguese Association of Environmental Technologies; Ana Matos – Teacher at ESPHCastro; Elizabete Semedo – Teacher at ESPHCastro
This session is specifically designed for teachers, VET learners, eco‑innovation teams, and all participants interested in getting to know circular economy principles and tools along with practical applications embedding digital skills for solving sustainability challenges.
The cycle concludes on 10 March 2026 (14:00–15:00 CET) with “Schools as Drivers for Climate-Neutral Cities – Highlights from the Visions 2045 Project.”
This webinar explores how schools can actively contribute to climate-neutral urban strategies. Drawing from the Visions 2045 Project, the session highlights how educational institutions can collaborate with municipalities and local actors to support long-term climate goals. It reinforces the idea that schools are not passive observers of sustainability transitions, but active contributors shaping more resilient and environmentally responsible communities.
Although organised by organisations outside the ENNEPlus formal partnership, these webinars significantly enrich the Eco-Digithon experience by expanding the learning ecosystem and connecting participants with additional expertise and perspectives.
They reflect the broader ENNEPlus approach: fostering collaboration, encouraging applied innovation and supporting VET institutions in becoming active contributors to Europe’s green and digital transition. Eco-Digithon 2026 continues to grow not only as a competition, but as a shared space where ideas evolve into practical solutions, partnerships take shape and students transform creativity into tangible impact for their communities.
