The 22nd International Conference on Smart Technologies & Education (STE2025), held from April 9–11 in Santiago, Chile, marked a significant chapter in the history of the conference series. Hosted at Duoc UC in the heart of Santiago, this year’s edition was not only the first to take place in Latin America, but also one of the most dynamic and internationally diverse gatherings to date.
Under the guiding theme“Smart Technologies for an All-Electric Society,”STE2025 brought together researchers, educators, and industry leaders from around the world to explore the intersections of innovation, sustainability, and education. With participants from more than 30 countries and a robust hybrid program, the event offered a vibrant platform for academic exchange, networking, and collaboration.
Beyond the formal program, the welcome reception and conference dinner offered valuable networking opportunities in a relaxed and scenic atmosphere—sparking new ideas, partnerships, and friendships.
The International Association of Online Engineering (IAOE) extends its heartfelt thanks tolocal chair Manuel Moralesand his dedicated team fromDuoc UC, whose exceptional organization, attention to detail, and warm hospitality were instrumental in the success of STE2025. Their commitment ensured that this historic first Latin American edition of the conference was not only flawlessly executed but deeply memorable for all who attended.
Highlights from STE2025:
- Inspiring Keynotes: This year’s keynote lineup featured thought-provoking contributions from experts including Romina Cayumil (Duoc UC, Chile), Luciano Chiang (Carnegie Mellon University, USA), Uriel Cukierman (UTN, Argentina), Isabel Hilliger (PUC Chile), Erwin Plett (Academia Patagonia, Chile), and Doru Ursutiu (IAOE Honorary President, Romania). Their talks spanned topics from urban mining and curriculum analytics to remote labs and green hydrogen technologies.
- Cutting-Edge Research: The technical program included over 100 paper and poster presentations covering key areas such as AI in education, cybersecurity, IoT, remote laboratories, and Industry 4.0 applications. The quality and diversity of the sessions underscored the conference’s ongoing commitment to bridging education and technological innovation.
- Award Ceremonies: Among the standout moments was the 2025 GOLC Online Laboratory Award, celebrating excellence in innovation and academic contribution. The conference concluded with the presentation of the STE Best Paper Awards.
- EduNet Forum: A special highlight was the EduNet Forum, hosted in collaboration with Phoenix Contact, which fostered dialogue between academia and industry on future skills, automation platforms, and collaborative educational tools.
The setting of Santiago provided a rich cultural backdrop and served as a powerful symbol of the conference’s expanding global reach. As the first STE (and REV) event to be held in Latin America, the city welcomed participants with warmth, world-class hospitality, and a deep commitment to education and sustainability.
As STE2025 ended, participants left not only with new insights and contacts but also with a shared sense of purpose—to continue shaping the future of smart technologies and education through international collaboration and interdisciplinary exchange.
Plans are already underway for next year’s STE2026 in Brasov (Romania), with more details to be announced soon. Until then, the community looks back on STE2025 in Santiago as a memorable milestone and a powerful reminder of what’s possible when technology, education, and global cooperation come together.
