Opit launches “From zero to tech”, a free online summer bootcamp on AI, cloud computing and cybersecurity

Three of the skills most in demand on the job market, packed into two weeks of free, high-calibre online training organised by OPIT – the Open Institute of Technology, the academic institution founded by Riccardo Ocleppo and former Minister Francesco Profumo. In-depth and cutting-edge topics in artificial intelligence, cloud computing and cybersecurity will be accessible to all those who enrol in the “From Zero to Tech” bootcamp, scheduled for 13–23 July 2026, through digital lessons in English delivered by three internationally renowned OPIT professors: Azadeh Haratiannezhadi (AI researcher, PhD in Cognitive Science) will lead the course on “AI applications”, Lokesh Vij (R&D Software Engineer at Broadcom) will teach “Cloud Computing”, and Tom Vazdar (Cybersecurity Expert and founder of Riskoria) will lead the cybersecurity modules. The bootcamp will be opened by Professor Profumo and will conclude with a closing address by Ocleppo.

“Every technological revolution creates two categories of people: those who observe it and those who build it,” says Francesco Profumo, Rector of OPIT. “We want to help young people join the second group. In the 21st century, the real divide is not between those who know technology and those who do not, but between those who keep learning and those who stop. From Zero to Tech stems from a simple idea: anyone can get started, provided they find the right teachers, the right method and a community to support them. You don’t need to be an expert; you need curiosity, a willingness to get involved and the courage to take that first step. Innovation does not belong to a select few specialists: it belongs to those who choose to learn. The future belongs to those who never stop learning. The future won’t wait. That first step can begin this summer with OPIT.”

The bootcamp consists of eight live sessions (17.30 Italian time), with direct access via Zoom and streaming on YouTube. The materials will also be made available on OPIT’s virtual platform, and each session will be recorded and accessible within 24 hours for those unable to attend live. The second week of the bootcamp is now fully underway. For the cloud computing modules, participants will be trained to build and deploy a web application on AWS, with a tangible outcome by the end of the session. As for the AI applications module, participants will acquire the skills to automate cybersecurity tasks using AI tools, with workflows that can be replicated in real-world professional contexts. The cybersecurity lessons will aim to equip students to recognise AI-generated phishing attempts and deepfakes, featuring live demos and techniques that can be applied immediately.

“The Bootcamp was created to offer a first taste of OPIT’s training programme and the digital skills most in demand in today’s job market,” explains Riccardo Ocleppo, Founder of OPIT. “Over two weeks, participants can explore topics such as Artificial Intelligence, Cloud Computing and Cybersecurity through a practical, work-focused approach. It’s an opportunity to brush up on your skills and work out whether this is the right path for you, but above all, it’s a first step: to acquire truly in-depth skills and build a career in these fields, it’s essential to go on to study for a bachelor’s or master’s degree, choosing institutions that allow you to do so in a smart way and at a pace that suits your work commitments.”

The bootcamp is open to everyone, as no prior background is required to take part, but it is designed specifically for those starting from scratch in terms of knowledge and skills in the most innovative fields, whilst at the same time wanting to understand how these technologies work and how to use them. ‘From Zero to Tech’ is a way of making the same high-quality training offered by OPIT accessible to those who are not yet ready or have not yet decided to enrol on a longer, more comprehensive course, such as a master’s degree or a bachelor’s degree.