As Artificial Intelligence continues to transform work, education, and daily life, an increasing number of parents and educators are seeking ways for children to acquire fundamental knowledge and skills in new technologies. In response to this growing need, AI Academy has been established in Athens, a new educational initiative specifically designed for children and teenagers aged 5 to 18 years old.
AI Academy: Fostering AI Literacy from a Young Age
The academy offers a variety of programs, ranging from 4 to 16 hours in duration, tailored to different age groups. The primary objective is to familiarize students with Artificial Intelligence, cultivate critical thinking, and empower them to create digital projects using contemporary AI tools. This hands-on approach ensures that participants gain practical experience and a deep understanding of AI’s capabilities.
Summer Programs and Application Details
The summer programs are scheduled to commence on June 16th, taking place at a specially designed facility in Nea Ionia, Attica. Interested individuals can submit their applications for participation until June 10th through the academy’s official website, aiacademy.edu.gr. This timely registration allows for proper planning and ensures that all students can benefit from the comprehensive curriculum.
Panagiotis Gezerlis: A Visionary Leader in Tech Education
The founder of AI Academy is Panagiotis Gezerlis, a prominent technology entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Convert Group. Approximately fifteen years ago, Gezerlis played a pivotal role in educating thousands of executives and professionals during the nascent stages of digital marketing and e-commerce development in Greece. Today, through AI Academy, he is transferring this invaluable experience to the next generation, preparing them for a future increasingly shaped by AI.
Experienced Educators and Supporters
Gezerlis is joined by a team of experienced professionals from the fields of technology, entrepreneurship, education, and artificial intelligence, who serve as instructors and supporters of the initiative. These include F. Antonopoulos, N. Varvadoukas, M. Georgakopoulos, Ch. Georgakopoulos, Dr. G. Panzaris, N. Sotiropoulou, S. Theodoratos, V. Kalaitzidou, M. Konstantoulakis, Dr. G. Soldatos, E. Chailazopoulou, and M. Chionidis. In the coming months, additional personalities from the AI, business, academic, and investment communities are expected to be announced, further enriching AI Academy’s educational mission.
Experiential Learning and Responsible AI Use
The educational philosophy of AI Academy is rooted in experiential learning. Students are encouraged to create their own applications, websites, and digital projects. Concurrently, they receive training on crucial topics such as information reliability, personal data protection, algorithmic biases, and the responsible use of technology. Special emphasis is also placed on leveraging AI for more effective studying and a better understanding of school subjects, demonstrating the practical applicability of AI in academic pursuits.
Impressive Pilot Program Results
The first pilot educational period of AI Academy concluded in May 2026, with the participation of junior high school students. The initial results of this approach have been remarkably impressive:
- 100% of students successfully created functional applications utilizing AI tools.
- Students developed applications in diverse fields such as fashion, climbing, pet adoption, road safety, and gaming.
- 6 out of 10 students acquired subscribers or customers even before completing the program.
- 3 out of 10 students generated their first revenues from the applications they developed.
Furthermore, AI Academy is actively developing support services for schools and educational organizations, aiming to integrate Artificial Intelligence into the broader educational process.
The Vision of Panagiotis Gezerlis
Panagiotis Gezerlis, the founder of AI Academy, articulates his vision: "The question is not whether our children will use AI. The real question is: do they truly understand it? Do they use it correctly? Will they be able to lead this unique revolution in human history? My goal is singular: the children who graduate will belong to the 1/10,000 of the population in terms of AI knowledge. I deeply believe that AI will not only make them smarter, more productive, and more creative. It will also make them happier."
Source: https://www.businessnews.gr/epixeiriseis/texnologia/item/338812-ai-academy-akadimia-stin-athina-ekpaideyei-mathites-ilikias-4-eos-18-eton-sti-texniti-noimosyni
