ICT Scouts has set itself the task of discovering and promoting young people with a passion for technology and connecting them with the private sector. At the beginning of November, those responsible inaugurated the Buchs campus location, which has been in use since the summer. From now on, technically gifted young people will also be actively sought out, supported and networked in the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region. Robert Jankovsky, Head of ICT Campus and Partner, was delighted to be able to operate the eighth campus and provided information about the rapidly growing tech community. ICT scouts visit classes and discover young people who show a high affinity for technology and innovation and regularly support them on site at the campus.

At Smartfeld on the Hightech Campus Buchs

The new ICT Campus of the Southern Education Region is located at Smartfeld at the BZBS and therefore in the middle of the Hightech Campus Buchs. The Smartfeld educational laboratory prepares children and young people for the challenges of the digital age. Under the motto "Technology + Creativity", the institution makes a contribution to the targeted promotion of STEM subjects (mathematics, information technology, natural sciences, technology). Started as an initiative by various institutions in St.Gallen, Smartfeld gained a foothold in Buchs in April 2024 as an organization of the IT Education Offensive of the Canton of St.Gallen (ITBO) with the support of the member municipalities of the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region and the regional economy. More than 15 courses are offered for school classes from lower to upper school.

Strong network in the southern education region

In brief speeches, Cornelia Gut, Smartfeld Managing Director, and Marco Thoma, member of the BZBS school management and President of the Hightech Campus Buchs association, underlined the networking and valuable interaction between the local organizations. Cantonal Councillor Bruno Damann conveyed the greetings of the St.Gallen government and pointed out the important function of the MINT and innovation promotion supported by the canton, among other things, in order to actively counteract the shortage of skilled workers in all sectors.

Great importance for the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region

Siegfried Handschuh, Professor at the Institute of Computer Science at the University of St.Gallen, took the participants on an exciting and rapidly evolving journey into the impact of the latest developments in artificial intelligence on pupils, the school system and professions. The input presentations were rounded off by Christoph Gull, President of the Sarganserland-Werdenberg region, who spoke about the "Education Region South" and the campus projects in Buchs and Sargans. The member municipalities have also been supporting young professionals for years. This includes the successful "FITNA - Fostering Interests in Technology and Science" initiative, which organizes and coordinates STEM workshops at well-known companies in Sarganserland, Werdenberg and the Principality of Liechtenstein.

The event was also an opportunity to look over the shoulders of young ICT talents and strengthen personal networks.