Boost Balkans – AI4Youth: Empowering the Next Generation through AI Literacy and Agentic Innovation
AI4Youth: Empowering the Next Generation through AI Literacy and Agentic Innovation
AI4Youth is an ambitious and forward-looking initiative implemented by The Foundation House, designed to equip young people across Kosovo with the knowledge, confidence, and agency to meaningfully engage with artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. This project represents a commitment to empowering youth ages 15 to 29 from diverse backgrounds, including those from rural areas, underrepresented groups, and minority communities, by fostering digital innovation, creativity, and entrepreneurial thinking.
AI4Youth brings together education, hands-on experimentation, and community impact through a structured learning experience tailored for young innovators. The project centers around four regional AI hackathons with participants from rural and minority communities, particularly those from Gjilan and Lipjan, as well as youth from Pristina, Gjakova, and Prizren. During these hackathons, participants work in teams to develop AI-driven solutions addressing real challenges in sustainability, green energy, civic tech, and digital entrepreneurship. These activities are complemented by expert-led training sessions that strengthen participants’ practical skills and deepen their understanding of core AI concepts.
Beyond the hackathons, the project forms 12 youth teams, three in each municipality, who receive continuous mentorship from local and international AI experts. Through this process, young people learn to design, prototype, and refine AI solutions with real potential for community impact and future incubation. The mentorship model strengthens leadership, teamwork, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills while encouraging youth to take ownership of innovative ideas that can shape Kosovo’s technological and social future.
At its core, AI4Youth promotes inclusive participation and equal opportunities for all young people, with a strong emphasis on gender balance and supportive learning environments. By providing young innovators with the tools, mentorship, and platform they need, the project aims to foster a new generation of technologically capable, socially aware, and forward-thinking changemakers. Through AI4Youth, approximately 60 young people across Kosovo will gain the skills and inspiration needed to turn their ideas into meaningful AI-driven solutions for their communities and beyond.
