About the Public Sector AI Lab
As part of the AI4GOVx project and embedded in the MAGIX Master (Specialising Master’s in Artificial Intelligence, Governance Innovation and Digital Transformation), this intensive five-day programme offers a unique opportunity to learn how generative AI and other AI-enabled approaches can be used responsibly to create public value in a public-administration context, from analysing complex societal challenges to developing and presenting AI-enabled solution concepts.
The programme is grounded in challenge-based learning and combines expert input, collaborative group work, and guided prototyping sessions using low-code tools and generative AI supported “vibe coding”, complemented by social and networking activities and an excursion.
Participants work in interdisciplinary teams to translate real-world public-sector challenges into structured requirements, develop feasible generative AI enabled prototypes (for example for information access, service guidance, workflow support, or decision-support preparation), and communicate their solutions in a policy-relevant decision-making context.
Learning outcomes
Upon successful completion of the programme, participants will be able to:
Systematically analyse public-sector chat, such as service-delivery bottlenecks, administrative burden, information access, internal workflow inefficiencies, or citizen-engagement needs, to identify and prioritise stakeholder needs, constraints (legal, organizational, data, technical), risks, and success criteria, and translate these into structured technical and non-technical requirements such as user handling.
Design and develop a feasible AI-enabled solution concept (prototype/MVP) for a selected public-sector challenge, applying iterative development approaches, sociotechnical analysis and justifying design decisions in terms of usability, technical feasibility, and expected public value.
Evaluate and defend proposed solutions about ethical, legal, and organisational considerations, and communicate them through a structured, evidence-based pitch to a jury in a public-sector context.
Curriculum Structure
The programme integrates three core competency areas:
| Technical | Requirements engineering, rapid prototyping, vibe coding, and guided coding practices |
| Design | Human-centred design, design thinking, service design and ethical AI |
| Strategic | Organisational transformation, value articulation, and persuasive communication |
Format and Methods
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Challenge-Based Learning (Challenge → Action → Solution → Pitch)
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Expert-led plenary sessions
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Collaborative group work
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Guided prototyping and coding sessions
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Mentored pitch development
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Excursion and networking activities
Cooperation partners
Format and Methods
Challenge-Based Learning (Challenge → Action → Solution → Pitch)
Expert-led plenary sessions
Collaborative group work
Guided prototyping and coding sessions
Mentored pitch development
Excursion and networking activities
Programme Highlights
Work on real public-sector challenges
Develop an AI-enabled prototype within five days to test assumptions, demonstrate feasibility and make the expected public value tangible for decision makers
Combine technical, design, and strategic perspectives
Present solutions to a jury in a final pitch session
Engage with peers, experts, and practitioners in an international setting
Target Group
The programme is designed for an interdisciplinary audience interested in using AI as a tool to enhance public value in the public sector, including:
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Master’s students (e.g., MAGIX and related programmes)
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PhD candidates (with optional additional workload for credit recognition)
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Early-career professionals in public administration, GovTech, and digital innovation
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Professionals from industry or civil society working at the intersection of AI and public value
No prior technical expertise is required; participants from diverse academic and professional backgrounds are encouraged to apply.
Program Overview
| Day 1 |
Setting the Scene & Problem Phase & Excursion
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| Day 2 |
Design Thinking/Service Design & Solution Phase
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| Day 3 |
Idea Sharing, Requirements and Vibe Coding
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| Day 4 |
Group Coding & Rhetoric Training
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| Day 5 |
Final Pitch |
Participation & Fees
Standard Fee: € 1.000,--
Public sector employees: € 800,--
Students: € 400,--
What’s Included
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Access to all sessions and programme materials
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Lunches and coffee breaks (5 days)
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Three evening events (including social dinner and networking activities)
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Welcome reception and excursion
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Certificate of attendance (equivalent to 3 ECTS*)
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Program materials, school bag, and badge
Accommodation (Optional)
Participants may book accommodation in the student dormitory Kolpinghaus Campus Krems
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at a rate of EUR 68.00 per night per room for single occupancy
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at a rate of EUR 85.00 per night per room when used as a twin room
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Use the code „AI4GOV-X“ when booking
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Contingent valid until 14.06.2026 for the period 13.09.2026-19.09.2026
Funding & Refunds
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Cascade Funding of AI4GOVx of 50% of total costs (Lab fee + travel (EU) + accomodation) to a max of 5.000€.
- Employee tax assessment
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General funding page of the university with additional offerings
* All participants will receive a Certificate of Attendance. Participants who successfully complete the optional essay will receive a Certificate of Completion awarding 3 ECTS credits.
Contact persons
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