AI training for refugee-background youth starts again this September

22/08/2025
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Spring season of Start Smart in full swing

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Registration is now open for the entrepreneurship training programme Start Smart, organised within the framework of the employment programme UPBEAT. The training is designed for young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds, helping them strengthen their competitiveness in business and on the labour market by making use of the opportunities offered by artificial intelligence.

AI-based tools are an integral part of today’s business world. They enable young people to gain skills that are increasingly valued on the labour market and offer new ways to develop entrepreneurship and creativity.

For young people with refugee and migrant backgrounds, this means a chance to boost their competitiveness, find new opportunities for self-realisation, and open doors to a wider range of career paths. At the same time, it contributes to building a fairer, more inclusive, and more caring society, where everyone has the chance to contribute and fulfil their potential.

In September, the second season of the entrepreneurship training Start Smart for refugee- and migrant-background youth will begin as part of the UPBEAT project. Bohdan, who took part in the spring season, shared his experience with us: “Trainer Ilya isn’t just a trainer – he’s passionate, inspiring, and will push you to move forward. I expected regular, university-style lessons, but instead got practical, hands-on classes, incredible motivation, and an amazing environment.”

The training, held in Russian, is free of charge and open to young people aged 15–29 who are interested in entrepreneurship and AI. A good command of English is also required, as study materials are in English. The programme will run in two groups: in-person for participants based in Tallinn, and online for those from other regions.

The deadline for applications is 14 September. The training and related events, including the opening and closing sessions, will take place from 30 September to 6 November.

Read more and register on the Estonian Refugee Council’s platform.

Start Smart entrepreneurship training programme is part of UPBEAT project – Upskilling Immigrants for Business Planning and Entrepreneurship using AI Technologies. Project partners are Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Startup Refugees and Estonian Refugee Council. Project is co-funded by the European Union, through the Interreg Central Baltic Programme.

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