International Digital Week 2026: Five Days to Envision the Future of Higher Education
- Campus Life
- Staff life
on the July 6, 2026
Campus Saint Jean d'Angely
Over the course of five days, Université Côte d'Azur brought together nearly 400 participants from 47 countries and about 100 partner universities to discuss the major challenges of digital transformation. This fifth edition of International Digital Week reaffirmed the University’s role as a major player in educational innovation and international cooperation.
An international event dedicated to digital transformation
From June 22 to 26, 2026, the Saint-Jean d’Angély campus hosted the 5th edition of International Digital Week, organized by the International and European Development Office at Université Côte d’Azur. Researchers, faculty, administrative staff, policymakers, businesses, and international partners shared their expertise on the developments currently transforming higher education.
This year’s event brought together nearly 400 participants from 47 countries, representing nearly 100 partner universities, confirming the international appeal of this annual gathering.
Three Key Areas for Envisioning the University of Tomorrow
The 2026 edition centered on three complementary themes:
- Digital Transformation in Education: technologies and pedagogical innovations in the service of teaching and learning;
- Digital Innovation & Entrepreneurship: digital tools and strategies that foster startups and innovation ecosystems;
- Internationalization for Society: international partnerships fostering a more inclusive higher education system with a strong societal impact.
An EdTech Village to Bridge Innovation and Education
Among the new features of this year’s event was the EdTech Village, bringing together nine French and international companies specializing in educational technologies. This space allowed participants to discover innovative solutions, network with companies in the sector, and strengthen ties between the academic world and innovation stakeholders.
Artificial Intelligence at the Heart of the Dialogue Between Europe and Africa
Another highlight of this year’s event was the first Africa Session, organized by the Directorate for International and European Development (DDIE), which focused on the challenges of digital transformation and cooperation between Europe and Africa. The event took place in a packed auditorium filled with public policymakers, researchers, digital experts, entrepreneurs, students, and representatives from various institutions who gathered to discuss the major digital challenges facing the African continent.
The session featured a keynote address by Alioune Sall, former Minister of Communication, Telecommunications, and Digital Affairs of Senegal, who presented the “Technological New Deal” strategy, aimed at accelerating digital sovereignty and innovation in his country. Two roundtable discussions followed, addressing issues such as:
- artificial intelligence,
- cybersecurity,
- skills development, research, and innovation,
- the role of youth, entrepreneurship, and civic engagement in Africa’s digital transformation.
The quality of the discussions and the strong engagement of the participants confirmed the value of this first Africa Session, which opens up new avenues for cooperation between European and African stakeholders and is fully in line with Université Côte d’Azur’s commitment to high-impact international partnerships.
An International Dynamic in the Service of Innovation
By promoting the sharing of best practices, the creation of new partnerships, and exchanges between academic and socio-economic communities, this fifth edition demonstrated Université Côte d’Azur’s commitment to a responsible digital transformation that is open to the world and focused on the major challenges of tomorrow.
Relive the highlights of International Digital Week 2026
Learn More
Visit the official International Digital Week 2026 page to explore the three thematic tracks, event resources, and the full program.
