July 21st- Meeting with students, teachers and 'OpenChips' representative from Catalonia

 

OpenChip
https://openchip.com/

Openchip has been selected by the European Commission as an Important Project of Common European Interest (IPCEI) to design a family of accelerator chips that ensure European sovereignty in advanced computing.

This initiative is part of the Recovery, Transformation and Resilience Plan promoted by the Spanish Government, with the support of all public administrations.

The conversation revolved around a collaborative effort involving the National Institute of Nuclear Physics in Italy(INFN), MIT, and possibly UPC, to support a memorandum of understanding encouraging the inclusion of a specific initiative in schools. The document would not be legally binding but would serve as a show of support. There's also mention of an upcoming proposal that might benefit from the inclusion of MIT and UPC's names. The discussion highlighted the importance of university involvement, particularly from UAB and UPC, and the potential influence on high schools. 

Action Items:

• Propose an MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) with the National Institute of Nuclear Physics in Italy and MIT.
• Explore adding the name of MIT to the proposal, as it may be well-received.
• Involve the new dean of UPC CIPCO, as she has a good relationship with the previous dean and this could help a lot.
  
• Spanish Society for Technological Transformation- University Talent

Action Items:

• Explore the possibility of showcasing the students' work at the Mobile World Congress in Barcelona in 2026.
• Invite Lucia and Jordana to a meeting with the Catalan Government to provide student perspective.
• Determine the best time to schedule a meeting with the Catalan Government, considering the students' availability during holidays.

How can we leverage the diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration within the program to further enhance the learning experience and community building?

The program's core philosophy is that when you mix different backgrounds, you create a "perfect circle called community" where participants can develop innovative solutions. By breaking down disciplinary silos and creating a fun, low-entry barrier environment, students naturally develop interdisciplinary skills and build meaningful connections. 

Based on the conversation, the key to leveraging diverse perspectives is creating an environment that: 

1. Brings together students from different disciplines (engineers, lawyers, designers, doctors)

2. Encourages social interaction beyond traditional academic boundaries

3. Allows students to share interests and perspectives freely

4. Enables collaborative decision-making

5. Focuses on team dynamics where everyone feels included and has a voice

The discussion began with an introduction to the idea of “collaborative blur,” a concept representing the blending of roles and responsibilities in cooperative learning environments. Tony was praised for his essential contributions, particularly in organizing events in his home country of Mexico. One notable initiative is the “TEDy” project, which fostered collaboration and outreach. Additionally, the Engineering Design Workshop (EDW) program’s expansion to Mexico is highlighted, with a humorous anecdote about mistranslating the name into “TBI” and creating the concept of “TEDy talks.”

Challenges and Aspirations for Global Impact
Speakers reflect on the vision of creating a truly global community through engineering education. Workshops now include both national and international teams, with students from Italy and Mexico actively participating. The program has made a significant impact in Mexico, where institutional support has helped transform students’ mindsets and deepen their understanding of engineering practices.

Sponsorship and Funding Challenges
Sustaining and expanding the program depends heavily on funding, which remains a persistent challenge. Speakers note the difficulty in finding sponsors and emphasize how crucial Mexico’s support has been. The workshop experience is viewed as a valuable addition to students' resumes, enhancing their future opportunities. Authentic learning and collaborative decision-making are central to the program’s educational philosophy. Speakers also stress the importance of fostering student wellness and maintaining a supportive environment.

To grow the initiative, there is a proposal to open the program to more participants and pursue broader sponsorship opportunities. The Mobile World Congress is mentioned as a potential venue for showcasing the program and attracting new supporters. Involving local governments, such as the Catalan Government, is also considered. However, caution is advised to ensure expansion occurs organically, with continued emphasis on student ownership and participation.

Student leadership is a key pillar of the program’s success. Jordana and Bucha, student leaders from Catalonia, are introduced as examples of regional leadership. Mentors play an important role in maintaining team cohesion and guiding decision-making. Speakers highlight the effectiveness and cost-efficiency of student-led initiatives. Demonstrating program activities to potential supporters is suggested as a strategy to increase visibility and funding.

Student-Led Initiatives and Mentorship
The structure of the EDW program relies on clearly defined roles for mentors and participants. A diverse, social, and interdisciplinary environment is prioritized to promote deeper learning. Flexibility in program duration and location has allowed it to succeed in various contexts. Community building is identified as a core strength, with collaboration across disciplines enhancing both personal and educational development.

The mentors' role is crucial in facilitating this process - they ensure team cohesion, prevent exclusion, and help students understand that their diverse perspectives are valuable. The ultimate goal is to simulate real-world collaboration, where different skills and viewpoints contribute to solving complex problems. This approach not only enhances learning but also helps students develop soft skills like communication, empathy, and collaborative problem-solving that are essential in today's interconnected world.

Expanding the Program and Seeking Support
Looking ahead, government support and permissions are seen as essential to scaling the program. Suggestions include appointing a dedicated project manager and establishing a student advisory committee to guide development. Plans are underway to bring key stakeholders, such as Lucia and Jordan, into upcoming meetings. The program’s future lies in sustained student involvement and thoughtful expansion to new regions.