Digital Talent Lab is an innovative laboratory aiming to develop skills in data analytics, machine learning, and AI through practical projects with commercial partners in a free, online Datathon. This hackathon-style event is designed to be inclusive and accessible. It begins with an entry test (or providing earlier record) where participants solve a simple task using tools like Excel or Python. The test verifies basic skills without requiring advanced knowledge. Whether you work with formulas in spreadsheets or code simple algorithms, the Datathon offers a chance to validate your knowledge and grow through mentoring from both academics and industry professionals.
“At the Institute of Computer Science at Masaryk University, we welcome the creation of the Digital Talent Lab as a valuable addition to our activities in data analytics and experiential education. We believe this initiative will contribute to the development of professional skills and support innovative approaches to working with data. We wish the project a successful launch and look forward to its further development,” said Jan Mysliveček, Director of the Institute of Computer Science at Masaryk University.
“This is not just about learning – it’s about hands-on experience. In the Datathon, you can gain real-world experience with real clients. You’ll develop digital skills faster than through traditional education. We help you build data and mathematical thinking – the kind that turns theory into impact. The lab helps develop skills that are essential in today’s tech world. At the same time, it offers regional connections – with Brno, Ostrava, Prague, and beyond. Central Europe needs talent in data analytics, machine learning, and AI. With us, you can be part of it,” says Stan Sobolevsky, Head of the Digital Talent Lab.
Informal "learning by doing" suitable for students, professionals, partners, and enthusiasts
Digital Talent Lab is an initiative led by Professor Stan Sobolevsky and his team. Stan Sobolevsky, Head of the Digital Talent Lab, is a mathematician leveraging the power of big data, networks, machine learning, and AI for urban and business analytics and innovation. As a researcher at Meta, professor at New York University, and co-founder of the startup Meetsta, he focuses on applying analytical thinking to solve challenges in both science and industry.
Internships with academic supervision
Digital Talent Lab will also offer external internships that provide the same level of talent engagement, enriched with academic supervision – and at significantly lower initial costs for companies.
Shortage of professionals in data analytics, machine learning, and AI tools
Key figures and trends related to the lack of experts in these fields in the Czech Republic:
- Global demand for qualified professionals is high, and the lack of talent is slowing down industrial growth.
- 63 % of companies in IT and business services struggle to find qualified people, including in AI and machine learning.
- The Czech tech market is expected to create around 15,000 new jobs in 2025, with strong demand for roles such as AI/ML engineers and data analysts.
- AI is expected to replace over 50% of required skills in 11% of jobs within the next five years. One in four managers anticipates a reduction in workforce due to AI-driven automation by 2025.
- Data analysts earn between CZK 60,000–120,000 per month, reflecting high demand.
- The Czech education system cannot keep up with the needs of the industry, leading to a significant skills gap in areas like AI and data analytics.