Taras

From June 29 to July 12, 2025, we (four students from UAS Technikum Wien) participated in the ABC Bootcamp in Silicon Valley, California. It was an unforgettable two-week adventure into the world of tech, start-ups, and innovation. Alongside us was a student from TU Wien and participants from all over the globe – including Argentina, Brazil, Croatia, France, Germany, Italy, Norway, Portugal, Serbia, Slovenia, and Ukraine.

Key Activities

The program took place at San José State University, where we stayed in shared dorm apartments with 6–7 people each – one to two students per room, four rooms per unit. We attended daily sessions covering topics such as AI in Business, Design Thinking, Purpose-Driven Innovation, and Pitching & Networking Strategies. One of the main highlights was working in international teams to develop a startup idea, which we presented to a panel of external judges during a final pitch competition at the end of the program.

We also had the chance to visit major tech companies such as IBM, Oracle, NetApp, and the Plug and Play, a well-known startup accelerator. A very special experience was the Tesla Fremont Factory Tour, where we saw firsthand how Tesla vehicles are made – and even got to test-drive the brand-new Cybertruck.

Throughout the program, we met many inspiring entrepreneurs and industry experts who shared their experiences from the startup scene. Some of the most memorable speakers included Laszlo Gyorffy (who guided many of our sessions), Ana Lukner, Kerry Brown, Robert MacPhee, and Steve Decker.

Off-Hours Adventures

Outside the classroom, we had the chance to explore California. On July 4th, we celebrated Independence Day with a trip to San Francisco, walked across the Golden Gate Bridge, and got a closer look at the social contrasts of Silicon Valley. As one of us put it: “You see a Lamborghini on one side of the street and a homeless person on the other – it really makes you think.”

The Summer School was far more than just a tech program. It was a chance to challenge ourselves, push our limits, and grow – both personally and professionally. With a well-structured schedule, inspiring content, and great company, it offered the perfect setting to connect with people from all over the world, gain new perspectives, and experience the unique energy of Silicon Valley. We returned home with fresh ideas, valuable insights, and unforgettable memories.