In response to MIT’s Research Alliance for Intelligent Software & Systems (MIT RAISE) Day of AI, which aimed to ignite curiosity and promote responsible use of AI among school students, Riga Business School (RBS) took the initiative to host Latvia’s first-ever AI Day celebration on Friday, May 17th. We wanted to continue this momentum and welcomed high school students to join us.

Building on the MIT RAISE establishment of the official Day of AI on May 13th, Riga Business School chose May 17th to dedicate a special event specifically for local high school students, as this day can be celebrated at any time.

The event focused on:

• Sparking Interest: Introducing students to the vast potential of AI and its impact across various industries.
• Promoting Responsible Use: Encouraging discussions on ethical considerations and fostering the responsible use of AI for societal good.
• Providing Practical Learning Opportunities: Inviting renowned guest speakers to share valuable insights and practical guidance
• Providing students with hands-on learning experiences through engaging AI-related activities.

Riga Business School extends its sincere appreciation to all guest speakers who provided insightful perspectives on AI:

• Claudio Rivera, Riga Business School Director: Outlined the future vision for Riga Business School, emphasizing the establishment of the AI Studio and the importance of staying at the forefront of technological advancements.
• Kaspars Mezeriņš, AI Studio Manager: Presented an overview of the AI Studio, highlighting its current offerings, future plans, and the upcoming availability of AI-powered technologies like 3D printers and robots.
• Juris Baums, Co-founder of Hyperscan and AI Academy: Delved into the fundamentals of AI, explaining its structure, applications, limitations, and potential impact on various industries.
• Ingmārs Jakovļevs, Project Manager from Datorium Coding School: Shared his experiences and insights into Datorium’s initiatives, showcasing an AI tool developed to assist teachers in creating lesson plans and tasks. Encouraged young people to embrace the vast opportunities offered by the technology sector.

We also extend special thanks to RBS students, Elīza Gulbe and Toms Rožkalns, for their valuable contributions to the event. Drawing on their own experiences at RBS and how the school has helped them pursue their goals in the field Computer Science, Elīza and Toms provided valuable insights and perspectives for the high school students. Additionally, we acknowledge the instrumental role of Madara Mūrmane and Linda Sinka in organizing this inaugural event.

At Riga Business School, we believe that fostering a strong foundation in AI knowledge is critical for future generations. Events like AI Day serve as platforms to inspire young minds and equip them with the tools to navigate the ever-evolving world of AI and its potential to shape the future. Looking ahead, we plan to expand this event to reach a wider audience of young people and further cultivate interest in AI throughout Latvia.