Public Sector AI Lab: From Public Challenges to AI-Enabled Solutions

This intensive five-day programme enables participants to engage with the full lifecycle of digital innovation in the public sector, 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 “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 AI-based prototypes, 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 challenges to identify and prioritise stakeholder needs, constraints, risks, and success criteria, and translate these into structured technical and non-technical requirements.  

• Design and develop a feasible AI-enabled solution concept (prototype/MVP), applying iterative development approaches and justifying design decisions in terms of usability, technical feasibility, and public value.  

• Evaluate and defend designed solutions with regard to ethical, legal, and organisational considerations, and communicate them through a structured, evidence-based pitch to a jury in a public-sector context. 

Programme 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, and ethical AI 

Strategic: Organisational transformation, value articulation, and persuasive communication 

©

Walter Skokanitsch

Day 1 - Setting the Scene & Problem Phase & Excursion 

Excursion to the Haus der Digitalisierung: Exhibition "Is digital the solution – innovations for our future" followed by hiking and wine 

Day 2 - Solution Phase 

Informal evening preparation for plenum showcase of ideas 

Day 3 - Ideas Presentation & Requirements 

Informal evening group coding  

Day 4 - Group Coding & Rhetoric Training 

Social dinner 

Day 5 - Organisational Transformation & Final Pitch 

Networking event 

A detailed program will be provided soon. 

Early Bird: €1,890 (until May 31, 2026) 

Standard Fee: €2,220 

What’s Included 

• Access to all sessions and programme materials  

• Lunches and coffee breaks (5 days)  

• Three evening events (including social dinner and networking activities)  

• Welcome reception and excursion  

• Certificate of attendance (3 ECTS)  

• Programme materials, school bag, and badge  

Accommodation (Optional) 

Participants may book accommodation in the student dormitory: 

• Kolpinghaus Campus Krems 

• at a rate of EUR 68.00 per night per room for single occupancy 

• at a rate of EUR 85.00 per night per room when used as a twin room 

• Use the code „AI4GOV-X“ when booking 

• Contingent valid until 14.06.2026 for the period 13.09.2026-19.09.2026 

Funding & Refunds 

• Cascade Funding of AI4GOVx of 50% of total costs (Lab fee + travel (EU) + accomodation) to a max of 5.000€.  

• Link to the cascade funding will be provided soon, including the requirements for the application. 

• Employee tax assessment 

• General funding page of the university with additional offerings  

Cancellations must be made in writing. For cancellations made up to 30 June, a full refund of the participation fee will be granted. For cancellations made between 1 July and 31 July, a cancellation fee of 20% of the participation fee will be charged. For cancellations made after 31 July, no refunds will be issued.

The University for Continuing Education Krems reserves the right to cancel university events, in particular if the minimum number of participants is not reached.