FPEmpresa took part in the Social Hackathon Umbria 2026 (SHU 2026), held from 16 to 19 July in Cascia, Italy, as part of the international activities linked to the European ENNEPlus project. The Association participated in the event with the aim of continuing to promote the involvement of Spanish Vocational Education and Training in European spaces for innovation, sustainability and digital transformation.
Social Hackathon Umbria is an international event that brings together young people, teachers, mentors, experts and organisations from different countries to develop digital solutions with social impact. The 2026 edition focused on the co-creation of innovative projects linked to the Sustainable Development Goals and included hackathons, workshops, laboratories, cultural activities and opportunities for exchange among participants.
The event was organised by European Grants International Academy (EGInA), in collaboration with Crowddreaming Hackademy Lab Foligno 4D and Screeen 2 Soul. Over four days, Cascia became a European space for learning and experimentation, where technology, creativity and collaborative work were applied to social and environmental challenges.
The initiative enabled Vocational Education and Training teams from several countries to work on eco-innovative solutions related to sustainability, digitalisation and entrepreneurship, connecting classroom learning with real-world challenges. In this context, SHU 2026 hosted a presentation session featuring the winners of the national Eco-Digithons held within the ENNEPlus project, with proposals from different European countries. Spain was represented by IES Francisco de Quevedo in Madrid, which took part with its PlastiScore Verified project, winner of the Spanish Eco-Digithon organised by FPEmpresa and Innogestiona Ambiental.
Spanish VET in a European space for social innovation
In addition to the presentation of the winning teams, the programme included the ENNEPlus International Round Table, a space for reflection and collaborative work where participants shared experiences, lessons learned and results related to the Eco-Digithon methodology, social incubation and cooperation between Vocational Education and Training institutions, organisations, companies and local stakeholders.
SHU 2026 also featured the Cascia Peace Village, a parallel programme of activities focused on peace, dialogue and coexistence. This space brought together workshops, performances, exhibitions and activities open to the public, reinforcing the event’s social and community-oriented nature.
For FPEmpresa, participation in Social Hackathon Umbria represents an opportunity to showcase the talent of Spanish Vocational Education and Training in an international context and to strengthen the role of VET institutions as agents capable of generating innovative solutions to today’s environmental and social challenges.
The ENNEPlus project and the Eco-Digithon methodology demonstrate how Vocational Education and Training can become a space for experimentation, entrepreneurship and applied innovation. Through initiatives of this kind, students not only develop technical and digital skills, but also competences related to teamwork, communication, sustainability and solving real-world problems.